What is referred to as the spine of a carabiner?

The spine of a carabiner refers to the back side of the carabiner, which is typically the strongest part of its structure. When considering the physical design of a carabiner, the spine is where the body is the thickest and most reinforced. This is crucial for load-bearing as it contributes to the overall strength and safety when the carabiner is under tension.

In climbing and rescue applications, understanding the anatomy of a carabiner is essential because the load should ideally be applied along the spine to maximize strength and minimize the risk of failure. Other parts of the carabiner, such as the opening side, the hook part, and the locking mechanism, each have their functions but do not possess the same structural integrity as the spine. Knowing which part of a carabiner is the spine helps users make informed decisions about rigging, safety practices, and ensuring proper use in rescue scenarios.