A metal clip or loop with a spring-loaded gate used in climbing and safety equipment to attach ropes and gear securely.
From German 'Karabiner,' shortened form of 'Karabinerhaken' (carbine hook), originally named because it was invented by Prussian cavalry soldiers for securing equipment.
A carabiner is one of the most elegant pieces of engineering—a simple spring-loaded gate solves the problem of quick, safe attachment and has barely changed since the 1800s!
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