ANSI Z133.1-2000 Twist-Lock Identification

[Tree Frog]

Question: In the z133 section 8.7.5 says, "Standard one-quarter turn, Twist lock Carabiners do not have a positive-locking mechanism and shall not be used"

Now are we talking about the standard auto-locking carabiners or something different?

 

[skwerl]

I think they are talking about the Petzl Spinball carabiner, with the yellow gate. These must be physically twisted to lock them.

Here's an example (Google search result) - http://www.epinions.com/content_121568661124

Reading your post again, they are actually referring to any twist lock carabiners. This type only requires 2 motions to open (twist and push) as opposed to 'biners approved for life support which require 3 motions to open (pull, twist and push).

Here's another example of a typical twist lock 'biner. Can't use them in trees because your rope or a limb can easily roll the gate and open the biner on you.
http://www.venturesport.co.uk/venturesport_product.asp?parseid=1166

 

[Tom Dunlap]

The descrption of carabiners that will be included in the new Z133-2006 is taken from the ANSI A10.32.2004 standard:

Snap hooks and carabiners shall be self-closing, self locking and shall be capable of being operated to release the load only by at least two consecutive deliberate actions to prepare the gate for operating.

The action of opening the gate is not considered a motion. Consideration is only given to the actions which "prepare the gate for operating".

 

[jimmyq]

this is another Petzl biner. Push, twist and open the gate. dont worry about the little accessory biner in the pic, its just there (although it is rated... for 600lbs max).

 

[Tree Frog]

The descrption of carabiners that will be included in the new Z133-2006 is taken from the ANSI A10.32.2004 standard:

Snap hooks and carabiners shall be self-closing, self locking and shall be capable of being operated to release the load only by at least two consecutive deliberate actions to prepare the gate for operating.

The action of opening the gate is not considered a motion. Consideration is only given to the actions which "prepare the gate for operating".

When is the new Z133 being published?

I am understanding that the double action is for example the lift then twist found on the new design.

Are all of my mannual and self-locking carabiners compliant for light rigging use (weight dependent)?


Thanks for the examples skwerl and jimmyq.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

The Z was set for it's final public comment period when a horseshoe fit for a draft horse was thrown into the works. The story is long and convoluted and too complex to write up here. The issue that has held things up is the ANSI standard that arbo saddles are supposed to meet.

The latest word was that the Z was being wordsmithed and should go to the final public comment soon. The Z committee hopse to have it ready this spring.

Can't comment on biners for rigging.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

Question:
Now are we talking about the standard auto-locking carabiners or something different?

This is refering to double action carabiners where you twist and then push in to open the gate.

You need a tripple action, like push-up, twist, then push in. I think DDM has a quad-action item on the market now...

 

[Tom Dunlap]

It might not seem like a big deal when it's written down, but finding the words "two consecutive deliberate actions" to describe the action was a God-send for us on the Z133 Climbing Sub-committee.

ISC has the quad action biners. DMM might too.

 

[xander9727]

I'd think quad acting biners would be cumbersome in cold weather........maybe all of the time.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

The Mighty Mouse biner from ISC is a bit tricky to figure out but simple to open after.

 

[xander9727]

The Mighty Mouse biner from ISC is a bit tricky to figure out but simple to open after.

I think you may be giving me too much credit........I'm not that smart.