Broken Carabiner Locks

[Brian8]

The plastic locking sleeve broke on 2 of my Kong Mod-D steel carabiners. The first was on Jan 31, and the second was yesterday Feb 2. I've been using them since April, 2006. I didn't like the new style lock when I got them. Why so many changes with the lock the last few years?

I didn't notice any problems during pre-climb checks. I noticed the problem both times when changing my tie-in point. On the first one, the piece was broken off. The second one had two cracks in the same places, but didn't break off yet.

The Kong Mod-D 'biners (alum. & steel) have been my favorite since around 1999. I use an aluminum one with the split tail for lighter weight. A steel one in the eye-splice for the extra weight when throwing to a new tie-in point. I usually set a high t.i.p. with a throwline, which I did on both climbs. On smaller trees I'll throw my rope up with the steel Kong. Over concrete, asphalt, etc. I'll clip a throwball to the eye with an accessory 'biner. I try to avoid dropping my equip. on hard surfaces.

 

[Brian8]

Here's a few of my Kongs with different locking gates. My favorite is the steel one with the non-round brass lock (bottom left). The locks on the older ones w/ brass still close smoothly. The newer ones need a shot of graphite once in a while or they stick.

 

[Xtra]

Brian,
Wow, that's scary . . . I just bought 4 of those, but haven't used them yet.
Could that have happened from them banging together?
How are they being used? Only for climbing?

 

[Brian8]

Hey Bob,

They are used strictly for climbing. I ordered these with all my other new equipment when I started my current job. At this job, I climb only to inspect trees for exotic pests. I have always kept my climbing and rigging equip. separate anyway.

The old steel carabiner with tape in the last picture I posted is retired to rigging applications.

As for banging together, they sometimes get crossed or mixed up on the saddle bridge(BF2) when I move with slack in the rope. I straighten them out before putting my weight back on them.

I imagine the cold weather could make the plastic more brittle.

 

[TheTreeSpyder]

Wow, that is scary!

You think cold temperature could be contributory; by making plastic more brittle?

 

[Xtra]

I would think that the plastic is made for temperature extremes.
Contact the manufacturer and the supplier who you bought them from. The manufacturer may want to test them for a recall, and the supplier may want to limit selling them.

 

[Brian8]

I noticed that the gate still won't open without unlocking it because of the plastic near the hinge of the gate. In this pic, I put a good amount of pressure on it and the gate only opened a little. I'm sure I could break it using two hands though.