How to Choose and Use Chain Snap Links, Spring Snaps, Carabiners
Snap links are sometimes called Spring Snaps or Carabiners.
If you need a quick, secure, and tool-free method to connect chain, cable, or rope together, Snap Links, also know as Spring Snaps or Carabiners, might be what you need.
Read More or watch our video for more information on choosing the right snap link for your application.
Snap Links generally consist of a small eye area that is designed to stay connected to the chain or rope, and a larger eye that allows the spring loaded gate to open and connect to a chain, rope, or fitting.
Three Main Ratings of Snap Links
The three main ratings of Snap Links are climbing and fall protection rated, load rated, and non-load rated which are often used for key chains. Be aware that while many links look similar in design, you must be sure to choose the right rating for your application.
Styles of Snap Links
We offer four styles of snap links in corrosion resistant Type 316 Stainless Steel and one style of snap link in Zinc Plated Steel.
They range in sizes from 3/16” to ½” diameter and have working load limits of 100 to 900 lbs.
Our links are load rated, but not rated for climbing or fall protection systems.
Load rated snap links are commonly used on non-critical suspending applications, connecting chains for gates, animal harnesses, and various marine and fishing assemblies.
- Regular Style Snap Link
Our Regular Style Snap Links are available in Zinc Plated Steel and Stainless Steel. They are the most popular of the four due to their simplistic design and low cost.
Regular Style Snap Links with an eye are available in Stainless Steel and feature an eye ring to captivate one end of the link to the chain, cable, or rope.
3/16 inch - 1/2 inch Diameter
Dimensions are in inches unless otherwise noted.
| Size (A) | WLL (lbs) | B | C | D | E | G | Approximate Weight Each (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/16 | 120 | 0.19 | 0.31 | 2.00 | 0.25 | 1.63 | 0.04 |
| 1/4 | 180 | 0.28 | 0.31 | 2.38 | 0.31 | 1.88 | 0.06 |
| 5/16 | 280 | 0.38 | 0.44 | 3.13 | 0.38 | 2.51 | 0.15 |
| 3/8 | 400 | 0.44 | 0.63 | 4.00 | 0.56 | 3.25 | 0.27 |
| 7/16 | 550 | 0.56 | 0.75 | 4.75 | 0.69 | 3.88 | 0.42 |
| 1/2 | 900 | 0.75 | 0.94 | 6.38 | 1.00 | 5.38 | 0.78 |
Warning: Not to be used for overhead lifting or climbing applications.
- Stainless Steel Screw Style Snap Link
Stainless Steel Screw Type Snap Links have a captivating eye and a locking screw that prevents unintentional opening when the link is closed.
1/4 inch - 7/16 inch Diameter
Dimensions are in inches unless otherwise noted.
| Size (A) | WLL (lbs) | Overall Length(B) | Overall Width (C) | Link Opening (D) | Eyelet Diameter (E) | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 250 | 2.347 | 1.175 | 0.310 | 0.286 | 0.04 |
| 5/16" | 400 | 3.120 | 1.555 | 0.350 | 0.410 | 0.06 |
| 3/8" | 600 | 4.000 | 2.000 | 0.380 | 0.560 | 0.15 |
| 7/16" | 800 | 4.70 | 2.253 | 0.710 | 0.590 | 0.27 |
- Stainless Harness Style Snap Link
Stainless Harness Style Snap Links have a reinforced captivated eye for more demanding applications and a wide opening gate for multiple or larger ropes.
1/4 inch - 1/2 inch Diameter
Dimensions are in inches unless otherwise noted.
| Size (A) | WLL (lbs) | Link Opening (B) | Overall Length (C) | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4" | 120 | 0.38 | 2.38 | 0.04 |
| 5/16" | 180 | 0.5 | 3.19 | 0.06 |
| 3/8" | 280 | 0.63 | 4 | 0.15 |
| 1/2" | 400 | 0.88 | 4.88 | 0.27 |