Is there a life-span for carabiners?
Look for deformations in the carabiner; is it out of its original shape due to cross-loading or excessive force applied? If so, throw it out. Check the gate operation. If you’ve cleaned it, lubed it and it still doesn’t open or close as it’s supposed to, it’s time to retire it. Are there deep and obvious grooves (big ones, not just superficial scrapes) Has the carabiner been subjected to excessive force through misuse? Otherwise, it’s probably safe to assume that your carabiner good. Q: Should I retire my carabiners after a certain number of falls or years in service? A: Repeated falls on a carabiner really don’t contribute to diminished strength. Start with frequent examination: look for burs, marks or deep scuffs that might catch or abrade your ropes and webbing. Take a very fine-grit sandpaper or abrasive cloth and smooth out any of those features you might find. Then work the gate back and forth to feel for any grime or dirt that might be caught up in the works. If the action isn’t
