How is strength measured for carabiners?

Carabiners are primarily designed to be used in climbing and rescue applications, where understanding their strength is critical for safety. The strength of carabiners is measured in kilonewtons (kN), which is a metric unit of force. One kilonewton is approximately equal to 224.8 pounds, making it a standard unit for measuring the load-bearing capability of climbing hardware.

Using kilonewtons for strength measurement is important because this unit allows for more precision in the context of the forces that may be encountered during climbing or rescue operations. It is also the unit of choice in many international standards for climbing and rescue equipment, which facilitates better communication between manufacturers and users across different regions.

Other options, such as measuring in newtons or pounds, while possible, are less common for the context of climbing gear. Newt/meters may be applicable in scientific settings, but they are not typically used alone for carabiners. Pounds could be used, but the preference for kilonewtons aligns with standard practices in the climbing industry. Grams and ounces are not suitable as they deal with mass rather than force, making them irrelevant for evaluating the strength of load-bearing carabiners.