C-Forum

Where can you get those little versions of "real" carabiners? Not the crappy little key chain ones that don't even do a good job at that, but the kind that actually will hold a load, though not a climbing load. I've got some old Black Diamond biners rated at 300 kg (~660lbs) - that's useful, that could be used in a "boat pack" rig or a hammock. They are a good size for hanging things off packs and keeping gear in boats where you don't want a big (and expensive...) biner.

I don't see those on the Black Diamond site now and my searches keep turning up the key chain kind. Any ideas?

It is my impression - not backed up with fact - that the "real" biner makers don't make the little ones any more. I imagine because somebody did (or was feared they would) use them inappropriately.

I have seen something similar to what you're looking for in hardware stores from time to time.

An outdoor retailer here in quebec called la cordée has them but it's their own brand so not sure who's manufacturing it for them. I looked at MEC for the same and they don't have.

If you are looking for a tiny full strength biner, this one comes to mind:

http://www.supertopo.com/review/Metolius-FS-Mini

Full strength and about 7 bucks a pop. Also almost key chain sized.... For my preference, too small for climbing (my hands are not that nimble, especially when under stress!) but for keeping in a pin kit or holding gear in the boat they would be pretty awesome.

There are some other little biners our there too... Including the CAMP Nano 23, which is very similar in size/weight.

Scott,

Try http://www.rescueresponse.com/

Quite a selection, but not quite what I'm looking for - they do have some impressively large biners...

I suspect dafriend is right. They look "real", are compact (about 3"), light, capable of bearing a useful load, and cheaper (about half the price of a full size biner)...

I've bought some really cheap and used climbing quick draws for sport climbing and just taken the biners off of them. You can get a new quickdraw for $10, which is 2 biners. Or if you have some climbing buddies, ask them if you can buy their old biners and quickdraws. When I used to sportclimb my new biners were first used for setting anchors, then misc. climbing needs, then I retired them for river use only.

MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) sells small, full-strength 'biners. They are D-shaped, around 3" long, and 2" at the widest part -- slightly larger than the key-chain toys.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_deta ... 4302690819

Rick

Pierre LaPaddelle wrote:MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) sells small, full-strength 'biners. They are D-shaped, around 3" long, and 2" at the widest part -- slightly larger than the key-chain toys.

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_deta ... 4302690819

Rick

Yup.. from MEC in Halifax.. (shown next to a full size locker)

Thanks! REI has them for about $6US - I'll see what I can get local. I know I saw them on the Black Diamond site, but didn't notice the size difference.

REI usually has them near the checkout line in the tidbits section.

Metolius makes the FS Mini biner. It is light weight, small and full strength at 23kn.
http://www.mountainhighoutfitters.com/P ... biner.html

Black Diamond Neutrino, full strengh small, $6, how could you go wrong?