If you’ve ever been on a climbing course and heard the instructor describe carabiners as “the most important piece of climbing gear,” you’re not alone. But many climbers have never thought to question why carabiners are such an integral part of the sport — after all, they’re the piece of gear that connects our rope to our belay device, so they must be necessary, right? It’s true that carabiners are a fundamental part of climbing, but the reason why is a lot more nuanced than the idea that they’re the most important piece of gear.
To help you select the best nonlocking carabiners for your needs, we’ve researched dozens of products and tested our top picks on real climbing gear.
Read on to find the best nonlocking carabiners for climbing.
Our Editor’s Best Nonlocking Climbing Carabiners Reviews
- LIGHTWEIGHT & STRONG: Built with hot-forged aluminum to reduce weight while maintaining high strength. The LiteWire provides reliable clipping performance for trad, sport, and alpine climbs without unnecessary bulk.
- SMOOTH, EFFICIENT CLIPPING: Optimized nose geometry ensures a clean, snag-free clip and unclip every time. Designed for smooth rope handling and effortless use on both gear and quickdraws.
- WIREGATE DESIGN: Durable wiregate mechanism resists freezing and reduces gate flutter, improving safety and reliability in all weather conditions. Perfect for use in cold, wet, or high-altitude environments.
- ERGONOMIC SHAPE: Refined size and shape balance low weight with easy handling. Large rope-bearing surface protects your rope and extends the life of your climbing gear.
- MULTI-PURPOSE PERFORMANCE: Ideal for trad racks, alpine draws, and general climbing use. Durable, compact, and easy to rack. Trusted by climbers who prioritize strength, simplicity, and efficiency.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & STRONG: Built with hot-forged aluminum to reduce weight while maintaining high strength. The LiteWire provides reliable clipping performance for trad, sport, and alpine climbs without unnecessary bulk.
- SMOOTH, EFFICIENT CLIPPING: Optimized nose geometry ensures a clean, snag-free clip and unclip every time. Designed for smooth rope handling and effortless use on both gear and quickdraws.
- WIREGATE DESIGN: Durable wiregate mechanism resists freezing and reduces gate flutter, improving safety and reliability in all weather conditions. Perfect for use in cold, wet, or high-altitude environments.
- ERGONOMIC SHAPE: Refined size and shape balance low weight with easy handling. Large rope-bearing surface protects your rope and extends the life of your climbing gear.
- MULTI-PURPOSE PERFORMANCE: Ideal for trad racks, alpine draws, and general climbing use. Durable, compact, and easy to rack. Trusted by climbers who prioritize strength, simplicity, and efficiency.
- Carabiner hook 5.5" D-shape large aluminum carabiner. Rose red color.
- The carabiner is made of powerful aluminum alloy and flexible sponge, safety on use. Carabiner hooks with sponge, easy to use, just clip onto the hook simply.
- Dimensions: 14 x8.5cm (5.5 x 3.3 inch) (Lenght x Width). 5.5" D-shape large aluminum carabiner.
- Spring-action gate loads easily and locks securely, keeps your hands free and keep the hanging things from falling.
- Notice: Non-Locking-Carabiners! Carabiner Can Not Be Used for Professional Climbing. Not for Climbing or Safety Equipment - NON LOAD BEARING.
- ULTRALIGHT WIREGATE DESIGN: LiteWire carabiners reduce weight while maintaining strength for trad, alpine, and multi-pitch climbing. Wiregate construction minimizes gate flutter and performs reliably in cold or wet conditions.
- COLOR-CODED FOR RACK ORGANIZATION: Each carabiner is matched to common cam colors for quick gear identification. This system streamlines pro selection on lead and improves efficiency on complex climbs.
- DURABLE HOT-FORGED ALUMINUM: Built with hot-forged construction to maximize strength-to-weight ratio. Designed to withstand repeated use on rough rock and in harsh alpine environments.
- OPTIMIZED NOSE GEOMETRY: Snag-resistant nose design improves clipping and unclipping from slings, nuts, and cams. Provides smooth handling for fast placements and gear management.
- VERSATILE TRAD & MULTI-PITCH USE: Ideal for racking cams, nuts, or alpine draws while keeping protection organized and accessible. A dependable carabiner set for any trad climbing rack.
- Material: The climbing carabiner is made of aviation-grade aluminum, which is light and strong. The surface oxide layer and baking varnish are non-toxic and harmless, the lateral load is 7kN, and the longitudinal strength is 25KN. Equivalent to 5621lb.
- Size: D-shaped carabiner is only 3.9" high and 2.4" wide, ideal for one-handed operation, Lightweight 7075 aerospace aluminum with a net weight of only 2.1 Oz/piece, reducing your load.
- Easy to use: Hold the carabiner in your hand, twist the 1/4 barrel with your index finger and thumb, and push inward to open the carabiner. When you release your hand, the carabiner will automatically lock instantly.
- Wide range of uses: this carabiner is very suitable for rock climbing, hiking, rope descent, rescue, locking large adult dogs, etc., and the black coating will not reflect the sun to distract your attention.
- Buy with confidence: Carabiner has obtained UIAA international certification. At the same time, we provide a 30-day return and exchange service without any reason. You can buy and use it with confidence.
- 【QUICK LOCK】-Seamless operation with one hand to open, two way locking, a simple twist of the barrel and push against the spring load will open, Automatic re-locking when you release the pressure
- 【STRONG CARABINER】-UIAA certified, Major axis strength 25kN (5,621lbs), Cross-loaded at 7kN, Hot forged construction rated for tree climbing, hiking, rappelling, rescue, locking big adult dogs, hammock, swing etc
- 【FOR EXPERT USE】-Designed with a deep basket to lessen fumbling, keylock nose guards against snagging, D-shaped carabiner is proved the strongest based on the same size, and it is easy to grasp
- 【ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT】-The net weight is only 2.01oz/pc, minimizing your carry weight, Size 3.93" Height, 2.3" Width (widest point), 1.77" Width (narrowest point), 0.66" gate opening
- 【QUALITY CARABINER】-Very smooth locking and gate surface form will prevent blisters or scratching yourself when handling. Whether you’re at the climbing gym or out for a hike, you need a dependable carabiner. Package 3pcs
- 【Carabiner Clip Set Product Include】4pcs Black nonlocking Carabiner Clips +8pcs Multicolor nonlocking Carabiner Clips+ 12pcs keyrings (Random color matching, no fixed color matching) . Smooth shiny polished finished, with no sharp edge on them.
- 【Reliable Quality Keychain Clip】12 PCS 3" Aluminum carabiner keychain Clip, made of high quality aluminum alloy, lightweight, mini size. max load is about 66lbs.Strong and practical.
- 【Improved High Quality Spring Clip】The spring loaded gate metal biner ensures quick link and locking.Spring-Loaded Closing Gate Makes it smoothly to open and close. Coloring through an oxidation process, which makes it very difficult to fade/rust, except scratching.
- 【Multi-Purpose Carabiner 】Carabiners can be easily attached to pocket, snap clips, hooks, carrier, chains, and carry keys, water bottles, camping gear, lanterns, lights, keychains, key ring, rope, climbing utility, hunting accessories, etc.Not recommended for climbing or heavy duty safety equipment.
- 【Good Quality Caribeener Clips】**Product packaging upgrade: The company brand is no longer printed on the carabiner clip. The company brand will be printed on the product packaging.**Aluminum Carabiner Clip are widely used for many purposes.These Key Clips can assist you in using carabeaner hooks in many aspects of life that provide great convenience.If you have any questions, feel free to contact us for you. We will help you solve it as soon as possible.
- THREE-PACK VERSATILITY: Includes three HotForge Screwgate Carabiners, providing dependable options for climbing anchors, belay setups, and general outdoor use. Ideal for rock climbing, mountaineering, camping, or organizing gear around camp and base setups.
- LIGHTWEIGHT YET STRONG: Hot-forged aluminum construction reduces weight while maintaining impressive strength and durability. These carabiners balance performance and portability. Perfect for long climbs, alpine routes, or backpacking trips.
- SECURE SCREWGATE LOCKING SYSTEM: Classic screwgate design ensures secure closure and reliable load-bearing performance. Perfect for attaching ropes, securing gear, or building anchors when safety and simplicity matter most.
- KEYLOCK NOSE FOR EASY CLIPPING: The smooth keylock nose prevents snagging when clipping into ropes, harnesses, or anchor points. Enables effortless handling during technical climbs or while managing gear in camp.
- MULTI-USE OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE: Compact, ergonomic shape fits comfortably in the hand and works with most belay devices, slings, and rope systems. Great for climbing, camping, or any outdoor adventure where strength, reliability, and versatility are essential.
- Compact and lightweight carabiner is a versatile tool for arborists and the perfect companion for SRS
- High strength I-beam hot forged 7075 aluminum construction with standard gate
- Oval profile shape assists in proper orientation, Keylock nose resists snagging
- Gate Opening: 0.5” (12mm), Height: 2.3” (58mm), Weight: 0.47 oz (13g)
- Tensile strength: 900 lbs. (409kg), NOT FOR PPE!
- LIGHTWEIGHT & STRONG: Built with hot-forged aluminum to reduce weight while maintaining high strength. The LiteWire provides reliable clipping performance for trad, sport, and alpine climbs without unnecessary bulk.
- SMOOTH, EFFICIENT CLIPPING: Optimized nose geometry ensures a clean, snag-free clip and unclip every time. Designed for smooth rope handling and effortless use on both gear and quickdraws.
- WIREGATE DESIGN: Durable wiregate mechanism resists freezing and reduces gate flutter, improving safety and reliability in all weather conditions. Perfect for use in cold, wet, or high-altitude environments.
- ERGONOMIC SHAPE: Refined size and shape balance low weight with easy handling. Large rope-bearing surface protects your rope and extends the life of your climbing gear.
- MULTI-PURPOSE PERFORMANCE: Ideal for trad racks, alpine draws, and general climbing use. Durable, compact, and easy to rack. Trusted by climbers who prioritize strength, simplicity, and efficiency.
Best Nonlocking Climbing Carabiners Buying Guide
Before choosing the best nonlocking climbing carabiners you should consider following options:
1. Use: Although carabiners are predominantly used in the climbing industry, they are also used in a variety of different industries, including the construction and real estate industries. Before purchasing new carabiners, you should determine the specific use of the carabiners to ensure that you purchase the proper ones for your needs.
If the carabiners will be used for climbing purposes, then you will want to make sure that they are manufactured from a durable material, such as steel. If the carabiners will be used in a non-climbing capacity, then you can purchase carabiners that are manufactured from a lighter material, such as aluminum.
2. Carabiner Type: Carabiners are typically manufactured from either a wire-gate or a snap-gate design. Wire-gate carabiners are typically stronger and more durable than snap-gate carabiners, but they do cost more.
Snap-gate carabiners are typically lighter and less expensive, but they are also less durable. If the carabiners will be used for climbing purposes, then you will probably want to purchase wire-gate carabiners, but if they will be used in a non-climbing capacity, then you can probably get away with purchasing snap-gate carabiners.
3. Carabiner Size: Carabiners are manufactured in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from extra small to extra large. Carabiners are typically labeled with a letter designation, followed by a number.
For example, a carabiner that is designated as a “C” is considered to be an “alpine carabiner,” which is used for climbing purposes. Wire-gate carabiners that are designated with a “7” are typically used in rigging applications.
In general, the larger the carabiner size, the stronger and more durable it is. However, larger carabiners are also typically heavier and more expensive.
4. Carabiner Stacking: Although carabiners are typically labeled with a letter designation, they are also typically labeled with a number designation. Carabiners that are designated with a “1” means that they are “single” carabiners and carabiners that are designated with a “2” means that they are “double” carabiners.
In order to make gear easier to find and organize, climbers typically use carabiners that are labeled with both a letter and a number designation. For example, a carabiner that is designated as a “C8” is considered to be a “double” carabiner.
Carabiners that are designated with a “2” means that they can be stacked on top of another carabiner. Carabiners that are designated with a “1” means that they can’t be stacked on top of another carabiner. If the carabiners will be used for climbing purposes, then you may want to purchase carabiners that are labeled with a “1” designation, so that they can be easily attached to one another when you are climbing. However, if the carabiners will be used in a non-climbing capacity, then you can probably get away with purchasing carabiners that are labeled with a “2” designation.
What else you should know about nonlocking climbing carabiners
1. What are the benefits of using a nonlocking climbing carabiner?
Some benefits of using a nonlocking climbing carabiner are that they are typically lighter weight than locking carabiners, they are less expensive, and they are easier to open and close. Nonlocking carabiners are also less likely to freeze shut in cold weather.
2. What are some of the dangers of using a nonlocking climbing carabiner?
Some dangers of using a nonlocking climbing carabiner are that it can accidentally open while you are climbing, which could cause you to fall, and also that it could become caught on something and act as a lever, which could cause the carabiner to break.
3. How do you properly use a nonlocking climbing carabiner?
To properly use a nonlocking climbing carabiner, the user must first open the gate and pass the rope or webbing through the carabiner. The user then closes the gate, making sure that the gate is fully closed. The user then checks to make sure that the carabiner is locked by tugging on the gate.
4. What are some of the different types of nonlocking climbing carabiners?
Some of the different types of nonlocking climbing carabiners are D-shaped, asymmetrical D-shaped, pear-shaped, and oval-shaped.
5. Where can I purchase a nonlocking climbing carabiner?
There are many places to purchase a nonlocking climbing carabiner. Some places include outdoor stores, online retailers, and climbing gear shops.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best nonlocking climbing carabiners. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best nonlocking climbing carabiners will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.