Snap hooks and swivels

What are carabiners and swivels used for?

Carabiners and swivels are fastening devices used on boats to attach ropes or chains to anchor points or other equipment.

Carabiners are small hook-shaped fasteners that can be opened and closed by means of a spring mechanism. They are often used to attach ropes or webbing to anchor points or other equipment, such as cleats or pulleys.

Swivels are hook-shaped fastening devices that are permanently attached to an anchor point. They are often used to attach ropes or chains to a dock or other fixed anchorage point.

In general, carabiners and swivels are used to hold equipment and ropes in place on a boat, to ensure the safety of those on board and to protect the boat from damage. They are also used to attach mooring lines and anchors, as well as navigation and safety equipment such as buoys and liferafts. The entry-level carabiner is the Wichard mooring kit , the entry-level swivel is the Wichard anchor swivel .

What type of carabiner should I choose?

There are several types of carabiner for use on boats, each with its own characteristics and uses.

Firstly, there are spring carabiners. These are the most common and easiest to use. They consist of a hook and a spring that holds the carabiner closed when in use. They are generally made of stainless steel or aluminum, making them strong and corrosion-resistant.

There are also screw-type carabiners, which are similar to spring-type carabiners, the only difference being that they feature a locking screw that keeps them closed more securely. They are often used in situations where there is a high risk of falling or sudden movement, as they are more difficult to open than traditional spring carabiners.

Secondly, self-locking karabiners are designed to lock automatically when in use, making them safer than traditional spring karabiners. They are particularly useful in situations where there is a risk of falling, as they prevent the carabiner from opening accidentally. At Wichard, the models that come closest are the Oeil Wichard load-opening carabiner and the Carabiners opening under load Emerillon-Oeil Wichard .

Finally, quick-locking carabiners are made to be opened and closed quickly and easily, making them particularly useful in situations where ropes or equipment need to be attached and detached frequently. They are generally made of lightweight aluminum or plastic and are very practical to use. WIchard's heavy-duty carabiner is the Wichard double safety carabiner . It's important to choose the type of carabiner best suited to the application and conditions in which it will be used, in order to guarantee its safety and efficiency.

What type of swivel should I choose?

Several types of swivel can be used on board, depending on the application. The basic model is the simple swivel. This type of swivel is in the form of a hook permanently attached to an anchoring point, such as a dock or pontoon. Like snap hooks, they are made of stainless steel or aluminum, making them resistant to corrosion. This type of swivel is often used to attach mooring lines or dockside anchors to another fixed anchoring point.

Swivel swivels are similar to simple swivels, but are mounted on a swivel base which allows them to move freely in all directions. They are used to attach ropes or chains to a dock or other fixed anchorage point, allowing the boat to move slightly while being held in place. This is the case with the Wichard clevis swivels . They can also be useful for connecting two pieces of nautical equipment, such as the Wichard strap swivels .

Finally, spring-loaded swivels are, as the name suggests, fitted with a spring to keep them closed when not in use, making them more secure than simple swivels. They have the same function as a simple swivel. Choose your swivels according to the conditions in which you will be using them.