Can Carabiners Be Used for Rigging?

When it comes to rigging and lifting operations, choosing the right hardware is critical to safety and compliance. Carabiners are often associated with climbing, fall protection, and rescue, but can they be used for overhead lifting and rigging? The answer depends on several important factors, including ratings, standards, and application-specific risks.

Not All Carabiners Are Created Equal
Carabiners come in a wide range of designs, materials, and strength ratings. Most carabiners on the market are designed for personal fall protection or recreational climbing, not for overhead lifting. These types typically meet standards like ANSI Z359 or EN 362, but these are NOT rigging standards and do not address requirements for lifting loads.

Carabiners and ASME B30.26 Compliance
When discussing rigging hardware in the U.S., ASME B30.26 ("Rigging Hardware") is the governing standard. ASME B30.26 does not include carabiners as approved rigging hardware for overhead lifting. Instead, it covers components like shackles, hooks, links, rings, swivels, and turnbuckles—each designed and tested for lifting applications.

Thus, unless a carabiner is explicitly rated and certified for overhead lifting and clearly marked with a Working Load Limit (WLL), it should not be used for load-bearing rigging applications.

Can Any Carabiners Be Used for Lifting?
There are specialty carabiners made for lifting and rigging, typically manufactured from forged steel and clearly rated for lifting loads. These will:

• Have a manufacturer’s identification and WLL permanently marked.
• Be proof-tested to an appropriate safety factor.
• Often comply with EN 12275 for connectors but should be verified to meet industrial lifting standards where applicable.

However, these are the exception rather than the rule and are rarely used in traditional rigging applications, where shackles, hooks, and master links are more appropriate.

Common Mistakes and Risks

• Using recreational or climbing carabiners for lifting: Dangerous and non-compliant.
• Assuming strength ratings in kN mean suitability for lifting: KiloNewton ratings often reflect breaking strength, not working load limits, and lack necessary safety factors.
• Lack of locking mechanisms: Many carabiners, especially recreational ones, lack secure locking designs required in rigging environments.

The Safer Alternatives: Shackles and Hooks
For most rigging and lifting jobs, shackles (like anchor or chain shackles) and proper lifting hooks are the right hardware. These components are designed specifically to handle dynamic forces, side loading, and shock loads typical in rigging.

Final Thoughts
Unless you are working with a carabiner that is rated, labeled, and designed for overhead lifting, carabiners should NOT be used for rigging. Always reference ASME B30.26 and manufacturer specifications to ensure your gear is compliant and safe.

If you're unsure about your rigging setup, consult a qualified rigging supplier or engineer to avoid costly and dangerous mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) Can I use climbing carabiners for rigging or lifting?

No. Climbing and recreational carabiners are not rated for overhead lifting and do not meet ASME B30.26 standards for rigging hardware.

2) Are there carabiners rated for lifting?

Yes, but they are specialized steel carabiners marked with a Working Load Limit (WLL). These are uncommon and should be verified for compliance before use.

3) What should I use instead of carabiners for rigging?

Shackles, hooks, master links, and rings rated to ASME B30.26 are the proper hardware for rigging and overhead lifting tasks.

4) What standard governs rigging hardware in the U.S.?

ASME B30.26 sets the standards for rigging hardware used in lifting applications.

5) Is a kN (kilonewton) rating the same as a Working Load Limit (WLL)?

Not necessarily. A kN rating often reflects Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) — the force at which the gear will fail. Some equipment may list WLL in kN, but unless explicitly marked as WLL, it should not be treated as safe for lifting. Always verify with the manufacturer’s documentation.