Carbines are being used at climbing, security (safety), rescue and at other similar activities. They serve as a certain line of communication among rock and rope, rope and wall and finally, among  rope and climber. They consist of a body and spring-latch (lock-nut). Moreover, on lock-nut could be added a catch, which prevents its spontaneous opening. Carbines are being produced of dural and titanium (for mountain-climbing), of steel (for industrial purposes, yachting and rescue operations), and of plastic materials for auxiliary purposes.

Carbine types – according Norm ČSN EN 12 275:  

A: Special carbines for use in rocky hooks.

B: Basis universal carbine.

D: Carbine, securing textile tangles (loops). It is used as a part of express ropes.

H: This type of carbine has oval and  peared form. It is used for securing by means of half-  

      ship-tangle. It is marked as HMS.

K: Carbine used for secured ways (Klettersteig,Via ferrata, bigger pole).

X: Carbine has an oval form and lower strength.

Q: Carbine of lock-nut form, where spring-latch with security is substituted by closing

     changed lock-nut.

Carbine of B types are sufficent for standard mountaineer and one carbine of H type for security of his fellow-climber. Provided  mountaineer climbs without ferrata, the use of carbine K type is a must. Carbines of X type are suitable mostly for operations in altitudes (high positions), technical climbing, hook-clicking or clambering. Carbines of Q type are necessary especially in cases, where danger of carbine-opening is to be expected. Carbines of A and D type are being used on rocks. The climber has, using it, better feel of security - however, these types are more expensive as those carbines of B type.  

Text: Ondřej Barták