Carabineers that bad?

[Kwbyron]

I have been told that lines can get caught in them a lot easier then eye-bolts. I have a bunch of the non-load bearing ones that I have collected from promotional crap, so it's a lot easier then buying a bunch of eye-bolts, plus they are easier to manipulate under water. My thoughts are if I can't get a line free... I do have a knife that can cut it. Is there that much danger in this mentality in a open-water, recreational environment? Are there other divers out there that use them? Keep in mind I am talking non-load bearing, key-chain type ones.

 

[PerroneFord]

These are BAD news. Just get the snap-bolt ones. Seriously. Last thing you need is to get all twisted up in something you can't see or reach.

 

[Cave Diver]

The key chain type are usually cheap plastic ones, that likely do not have stainless steel springs in them. If you are using them to secure a piece of equipment that is critical, then you stand a chance of them breaking or sticking.

If the equipment is not critical, why are you carrying it on your dive?

Get some good stainless steel clips or double enders for securing things. You'll likely be happier in the long run.

 

[Kwbyron]

the ones I have are all metal, and have rather tough springs in them, so like a fishing line would just roll over it. plus all my d-rings are accessible; I clip my backup light, and my camera when I use it, I loop the strap in so I don't loose it if I drop it while taking pics and clip it off when not in use so it doesn't drag.
Do y'all have any good spots to get SS clips? I don't really feel like paying $10 a pop at my LDS.

 

[PerroneFord]

the ones I have are all metal, and have rather tough springs in them, so like a fishing line would just roll over it. plus all my d-rings are accessible; I clip my backup light, and my camera when I use it, I loop the strap in so I don't loose it if I drop it while taking pics and clip it off when not in use so it doesn't drag.
Do y'all have any good spots to get SS clips? I don't really feel like paying $10 a pop at my LDS.

Well, if you are determined to use them, I wish you luck. Every agency I've been around has said avoid these like the plague. Every experienced diver I've been with avoids these and has advised me to do so as well.

$10 for SS clips is a fair price. They are marine grade steel, won't rust, and the springs in them won't rust either. Cheap ones don't do as well.

 

[onfloat]

Here is a place to get them for $4 to $5, but you have to buy them in groups of ten or more.

http://216.36.250.99/nixdogcollars/DIVING_SNAPS.html

Great product!! I have been using them for 2 years without any problems.

 

[ocrmaster]

ouch! $4 to $5 each?

www.leisurepro.com has them cheaper.

 

[Kwbyron]

Cool, thanks. Not dead set on using them, they're just convienient... I just wanted to make sure it wasn't a tech thing, that would be good practice in open water, but not extremely life threating. I'll make the switch.

 

[Kwbyron]

Edit's easier then reposting,
So my thoughts are this, if the Dive community condemns 'biners; why the following items?
http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Cate...rt_Price/DescSort_0/Filter_6=518/DIV1004.html
http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Cate...rt_Price/DescSort_0/Filter_6=518/RSA1028.html
http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Cate...rt_Price/DescSort_0/Filter_6=518/DIV1012.html

If the risk is an entanglement issue...seems that would not be prevented by any of these.... I am inexperienced though and value y'alls input; however, I feel it's important to question things. So has any one had 1st or 2nd hand experience with the safety issues these have caused?

 

[neophyte]

but these are ok?
http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/Cate...rt_Price/DescSort_0/Filter_6=518/DIV1004.html

I've heard those most often called suicide clips, and not ironically.