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The first carabiners
(pronounced karabeeners) were
used in the sailing industry. These first
load bearing carabiners were made from steel
and hand forged into their final shape.
Later on stronger carabiners were being
produced through a process called
heat-treating. During WWII lighter weight
carabiners were being produced from
aluminum. These lighter weight models soon
led to more opportunities in the rock
climbing industry where a lighter weight
carabiner is desirable. Smaller replicas of
these "real" carabiners known as promotional
carabiners or "no load bearing" carabiners
hit the scene in the early 90's. They were
primarily sold in outdoor sporting goods
stores as keychains. Rock climbers would
proudly sport these new standard
carabiner keychains
clipped to belt loops and Back packs. During
this time carabiner keychains were available
in black only. Now they are readily
available in a variety of standard and
custom colors as well as
custom print patterns. In
a addition to the standard
mini
carabiners and
large carabiner keychains,
promotional carabiners are now available
in custom shapes
i.e.,
dog bone, fish, apple etc. There popularity
as a cool and very functional keychain led
them into the promotional products arena.
Now carabiner keychains can be purchased
blank or custom
laser engraved with your name, logo or
message.
Customization methods include
laser
engraving and pad printing. In recent years,
standard carabiner keychains
are still evolving. Single function and
multi function carabiners are fast gaining
in popularity. Among these additional styles include
carabiner
compass,
flashlight
carabiners,
carabiner bottle openers,
whistles
carabiners and combinations of these
useful functions.
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