Connectors & Snap Hooks

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a snap hook, a rebar hook and a carabiner?

A snap hook has a spring-loaded gate set into a hook-shaped body, usually with an eye or captive eye that holds the lanyard termination. A rebar hook is a large snap hook, in this range with openings from 51 mm up to 111 mm, sized to clip around rebar, tube or structural members. A carabiner is a closed loop with a gate in one side; it is more versatile for linking components but usually has a smaller opening.

Screw-lock, twist-lock or triple-lock: which gate should I specify?

A screw-lock gate is locked by turning a threaded sleeve by hand, so it suits connections that are made once and left in place. A twist-lock gate locks automatically and opens with a rotation of the sleeve, which is quick for frequent clipping. A triple-lock gate also locks automatically but needs three separate movements to open, giving the strongest resistance to accidental opening against structure. Double-action snap hooks follow the same idea: the keeper must be pressed before the gate can open.

What do the kN ratings on a connector mean?

The headline figure is usually the minimum breaking strength along the major axis with the gate closed. One kilonewton is about 102 kgf or 225 lbf, so 22.2 kN is roughly 5,000 lbf. Some connectors list further, much lower figures for minor-axis and gate-open loading, such as 35 kN / 7 kN / 7 kN on several steel carabiners in this range. A breaking strength is not a working load limit; the system design and the applicable standard decide what a connector may carry in use.

Should I choose aluminium, steel or stainless steel connectors?

Aluminium, for example a 7075 body, gives the lowest weight, which matters on twin-leg lanyards and equipment worn all day. Steel is heavier but resists wear from concrete, steel anchors and wire rope better, and reaches the highest strengths in this range, up to 50 kN. Stainless steel such as SUS316 is chosen for marine, offshore and chemical environments where plated steel would corrode.

Which standards apply to fall-protection connectors?

In Europe, connectors used as personal fall-protection equipment are tested to EN 362 under the PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425, while mountaineering connectors fall under EN 12275. In the United States, ANSI/ASSP Z359.12 sets requirements for connecting components, including a 5,000 lbf (22.2 kN) minimum breaking strength and 3,600 lbf (16 kN) gate face and side loads, and Canada applies CSA Z259.12. Conformity is model-specific, so check which standard each product is stated to meet and confirm test reports at RFQ stage.

What should I include in an RFQ for a custom snap hook or carabiner?

Send the model code or a drawing, the material and finish, the gate type and opening, the required breaking strength and any gate or minor-axis ratings, the standard and market the part must meet, the marking and logo layout, and expected annual volume. If the connector will be sewn or swaged into a lanyard, describe the termination so that the eye or captive eye can be sized correctly.