What common mistake can lead to carabiner failure during a load?

Loading a carabiner on the diagonal axis is indeed a common mistake that can lead to failure under load. Carabiners are designed to bear load along their major axis, which means the strongest point is when the load is applied straight in line with the spine. When a carabiner is loaded diagonally, it creates a situation where the force is distributed unevenly. This can cause a reduction in the carabiner's strength capacity and increase the likelihood of it failing, especially under high-stress conditions.

When a load is applied diagonally, it may exceed the carabiner's design limits due to the way the forces act on it. This can result in excessive stress on the gates or the structure of the carabiner itself, potentially leading to catastrophic failure. Proper techniques call for ensuring that loads are applied directly along the major axis to maximize the operational strength and safety of the carabiner in rescue applications.

In summary, loading a carabiner on the diagonal axis compromises the intended strength and reliability of the equipment, making it a critical point for users to be mindful of during operations.