You should check your gear before each hike, especially after a period of non-use. After all, your life may depend on it. Regular inspection and maintenance will extend the life of your carabiner.
Inspection your carabiner
When performing an inspection, it is essential to have a routine. When inspecting a carabiner, check the body, including the inner surface and spine, for wear, excessive wear, sharp edges, distortion, or corrosion. Surprisingly, indentations or burrs on the carabiner (such as loading on square-edged bolts) can damage textiles or cords.
Check that the rivets and doors work smoothly, pop back into the fully closed position and that the nose/door alignment is good. There should not be excessive left/right clearance in the door. If it is a locking carabiner, the barrel should work smoothly through all motions and without any grit/friction noise. If you have any questions, it should be out of service. Gate action problems can be solved by thorough cleaning and lubrication.
Maintenance your carabiner
To clean the carabiner, wash it in water (up to 30°C) with a mild detergent, then use a soft bristle brush to remove stubborn dirt and grime. Pay special attention to the body, hinges, head, gate (opening and closing), and spring chamber.
Rinse with household water (up to 30°C) and wipe off excess water with a lint-free cloth. Air dry thoroughly at room temperature. It is imperative to hang the hiking clasp at the top of the door opening so that any water in the spring cavity can drain.
Lubricate the hinges, door barrel, and actuator chamber with a drop or two of lubricant (duck oil, super lube, triple lube). Do not use graphite powder. For wire door carabiners, just a drop or two of lubricant at the hinges is sufficient.
After using your gear in the marine environment, you should always rinse, dry thoroughly and re-lubricate your equipment. Your climbing frame should be stored in a well-ventilated area without direct sunlight or heat. Avoid leaving it in the bottom of your backpack or car trunk.
