Connectors

The main difference between the two locking sleeves is that they require a different number of consecutive movements to be opened. Namely, two for a TWIST LOCK sleeve (twist, open) and three for an AUTOBLOCK sleeve (lift, twist, and open). To control these movements, inside the carabiner gate we find 2 springs in the TWIST LOCK (a flexion spring and a torsion spring) and 3 springs in the AUTOBLOCK (in addition to the previous ones, there is also a compression spring).

In appearance, the two types of sleeves are similar, but we can observe that the AUTOBLOCK sleeves feature a continuous knurling (surface roughness obtained through material removal using a knurling tool) on their surface, whereas the knurling on the TWIST LOCK is discontinuous.

For the sake of completeness, we should mention that KONG has patented a new type of locking sleeve called RI.SE., which is designed to reduce the probability of a TWIST LOCK sleeve accidentally opening due to friction against surfaces or ropes.

Auto-locking carabiners produced by KONG can be recognized both visually and by how they function. The AUTOBLOCK sleeve visually presents a single area where there is knurling while for the functional part this sleeve is the most "complex", to open it it is necessary to perform three movements, lift, rotate and finally you can open the carabiner, making it very safe against accidental openings: once released, it closes automatically. The TWIST-LOCK sleeve instead is the simplest, visually it is recognized by the knurled part being divided into 3 zones. To open it, only two gestures are necessary, rotate and open the carabiner, also this one once released closes automatically. The RISE sleeve visually shows a taller gate with a laser engraving that distinguishes it. To open it, it is necessary to perform the same two movements as in the TWIST-LOCK but it has an extra safety feature: it is necessary to execute the two movements in a very distinct manner and respecting the right sequence. If this sequence is not respected the locking system intervenes, preventing accidental opening.

The laser-engraved wording on the carabiners “tested piece per piece” means that a tensile test was performed on every single piece produced before being put on sale. A predefined load is applied, usually between 50% and 60% of the breaking load marked on the connector. This test serves to verify the absence of structural defects, thus ensuring the integrity of the product.

Before obtaining CE marking and being placed on the market, connectors must pass a series of laboratory tests: static tensile mechanical tests, to verify their minimum strength along the various load axes, functional tests, to ensure the reliability and smoothness of the gate and its relative locking devices, and corrosion resistance tests, through salt spray testing, to ensure that prolonged exposure to aggressive atmospheric or environmental agents does not compromise the integrity of the metal and mechanisms.

The RISE system is a solution that manages to discriminate voluntary opening from accidental opening, based on the opening sequence: if this is voluntary and correct (rotation of the sleeve (1) + opening of the gate (2) ) then the carabiner opens behaving like a common 2-movement automatic carabiner, if instead the sequence derives from an accidental movement (a single force acting first in the opening direction of the gate (2) and then managing by friction to also rotate the sleeve (1) ) the system recognizes the error and goes into a safety lock preventing opening, until the acting force ceases to be applied.

For the maintenance of KONG carabiners, we recommend following the instructions provided in the official documentation: clean the carabiner with lukewarm drinking water, use a neutral detergent if necessary, dry it completely, and lubricate the moving metal parts with a small amount of silicone-based oil. Other products or maintenance methods, including graphite powder or Duck Oil, have not been tested or validated by KONG. After maintenance, the gate and the locking mechanism must function correctly and close automatically. If this does not happen, the carabiner must be retired from service.

UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme). The UIAA is the international federation that represents mountaineering and climbing associations on a global level. Founded in 1932, it promotes mountain safety, environmental sustainability, and the development of the sport. The UIAA establishes technical standards for mountaineering and climbing equipment, certifying products such as carabiners, ropes, and helmets to guarantee their reliability. Additionally, it supports international competitions and initiatives for mountain protection. Link