Non-climbing mini biner that has a strength rating. Do any exist?

I would suggest browsing sailing supply stores, they have very good selection of load certified stainless steel carabiners. I suspect that you might change your mind after seeing prices, but that it is not what you asked ;)

WestMarine link to steel carabiner

I have a Kong key chain biner.  Rated for 1.5kN.  But I'm not sure if they are still available. Basically identical profile to the above except aluminum not S.S.

I'm having a really hard time understanding the need for a super specific biner if it's just for exercise straps.  Maybe post a picture of the exercise equipt.  that requires such a specific biner or clip will make it easier to understand.   What is the problem with a a full size biner exactly?

Jon Nelson wrote:

Given all the options you've tried, I'm not sure you're going to find anything better. The Metolius mini (and other ultra-small biners) tend to have complaints that they're too small to have good handling. I know that was your complaint with the DMM, so I'm assuming you're looking for something bigger than the DMM, but smaller than the Metolius? I'm not sure that exists, and if it does, I'm skeptical that it'll have significantly better handling.

If you do find something, be sure to post an update to this thread. I'm curious what else is out there.

Plot twist - it has to be dark blue.

Jon Nelson wrote:

Here's a comparison, including an interesting clip-hook (Perhaps from US Cargo Control, which someone above suggested): 

They aren´t that interesting, knock-on jib hooks have been around in the sailing business since probably the 18th century.

Jon Nelson wrote:

So, it looks like I might just have to buy some accessory non-climbing "biners" and pull test them. 

That won't prove anything, because non-rated carabiners aren't necessarily made with a goal of consistency. One might test to 3kN and one from the same batch might break at 0.1kN.

Jon have you looked at the Micron accessory biner from BD?  They even come in two sizes, both of which are smaller than the FS mini.  I heard a story a long time ago of Woodward making a set of draws out of them and taking some whippers on them even though they were completely untested and not designed for climbing. 

Mikey Schaefer wrote:

Jon have you looked at the Micron accessory biner from BD?  They even come in two sizes, both of which are smaller than the FS mini.  I heard a story a long time ago of Woodward making a set of draws out of them and taking some whippers on them even though they were completely untested and not designed for climbing. 

Thanks Mikey -- No, I hadn't tried them yet. 

 Coming from BD, they could be more consistent and the size looks good. I'll contact them and find out more. 

Nice story -- I imagine they had some backup draws... 

Larger Kong accessory biner

Around here, you can get these keynose accessory biners from La Cordee. They found their way on my rack for a few uses (holding the nut tool, etc.) and they are perfect for rigging food bag suspension systems in trees for canoe trips in bear country.

jktinst wrote:

Larger Kong accessory biner

Around here, you can get these keynose accessory biners from La Cordee. They found their way on my rack for a few uses (holding the nut tool, etc.) and they are perfect for rigging food bag suspension systems in trees for canoe trips in bear country.

That's a pretty heavy biner for it not to be fully climbing rated. If a snagless design matters, why not just use a BD oz? It's lighter, and it's rated for a full 20 kN. If you don't care about snagging, there are even lighter biners out there that are still full-strength. For something that heavy, I'd much rather have a full-strength piece that I can use in an emergency.

jktinst wrote:

Larger Kong accessory biner

Around here, you can get these keynose accessory biners from La Cordee. They found their way on my rack for a few uses (holding the nut tool, etc.) and they are perfect for rigging food bag suspension systems in trees for canoe trips in bear country.

Thanks jktinst-

I see that those are strength rated and pretty small. I suppose their quoted dimensions of 80 mm x 44 mm are the outside maximum length and width (no diagram that I can find), which makes them just 0.1" longer than the FS mini II's I mentioned, but nearly 0.2" narrower. I prefer its solid gate over the minis, so I'll ask a local store if they can order them. 

Some folks are mentioning weight -- the weight doesn't matter, but thanks for the replies. 

lacordee accessory biner page

Jon Nelson wrote:

Thanks jktinst-

I see that those are strength rated and pretty small. I suppose their quoted dimensions of 80 mm x 44 mm are the outside maximum length and width (no diagram that I can find), which makes them just 0.1" longer than the FS mini II's I mentioned, but nearly 0.2" narrower. I prefer its solid gate over the minis, so I'll ask a local store if they can order them. 

Some folks are mentioning weight -- the weight doesn't matter, but thanks for the replies. 

Yeah, for your application, I understand that weight doesn't matter, but for racking accessories on my harness, I'm having trouble seeing much utility for the Kong ones.

Jon Nelson wrote:

As an aside, does anyone actually use these for clipping accessories to their harness while climbing? If I have a non-climbing biner I literally throw it away and replace it with a climbing biner. My thinking is that if I carry around a non-climbing biner on my harness, it's only a matter of time before I accidentally use it in a situation where I should have used a climbing biner. I just don't see much reason to open up that possibility.

Ryan Swanson wrote:

Terrible idea.  Climbing biners don't cost any more, and can be had in roughly the same size.  The strength is higher, and the weight difference is negligible.

Wait- I mean good idea.

I gotcha: climbing with accessory biners on your harness is a terrible idea. :)

Marc801 C wrote:

I still fail to understand why the dimensions are so critical for "body weight exercise straps". Pilates, TRX, etc. are not affected by a biner that's 5mm longer or whatever.

The way I use them, a bulky clip gets in the way. It's mainly an issue of fit, just like size 15 shoes would certainly work on my feet, but I still prefer a size 10. 

(Also, if you look at a TRX system, you will see that they use a specially made biner.)

Also, it just seemed odd that it was difficult to any ratings on the smaller biners or clips. So, other than the fit issue, I was just curious.