Kratos 16mm Steel Quarter Turn-Lock Karabiner - 25kN Breaking Strength

Kratos16mm Steel Quarter Turn-Lock Karabiner

The quarter turn-lock sits between the screw-lock and the triple-action in terms of operation speed. A single quarter turn of the sleeve opens the gate, and the lock engages automatically every time the gate closes. This makes it faster to operate than the screw-lock, with no manual re-locking step, whilst being simpler and more compact than the triple-action. At 16mm, it is the narrowest gate opening in the connector range, making it the right choice where a compact oval connector is needed for standard lanyard loops and harness attachment points. Steel construction with zinc electroplating gives it the corrosion and abrasion resistance required for construction and industrial site use.

Why Choose the 16mm Steel Quarter Turn-Lock Karabiner

• Automatic locking gate: The gate locks automatically on closing. No manual re-locking is required after each connection, removing the primary misuse risk associated with screw-lock connectors in moderate-frequency applications.

• Quarter turn operation: A single quarter turn of the sleeve opens the gate. Faster than unscrewing a full screw-lock sleeve, but with a simpler one-action operation compared to the three-action sequence of the triple-lock. The right balance for moderate-use applications.

• Compact 16mm gate opening: The narrowest gate in the range suits standard lanyard end loops and harness D-ring connections where a larger gate opening is not required. The smaller profile also reduces snagging risk on webbing and equipment.

• Oval shape: Distributes load evenly across both sides of the connector. Well suited to applications with two contact points such as pulley systems, double lanyard configurations, and equipment with two support points on the connector.

• 25kN breaking strength: Meets the EN362:2004 Class B minimum for fall arrest connection elements. Tested along the major axis and certified for use in compliant fall arrest systems on UK sites.

• Steel with zinc electroplating: Corrosion-resistant and durable in the abrasive, wet, and chemically varied environments typical of construction and industrial sites.

What's Included

• 16mm Steel Quarter Turn-Lock Karabiner x 1

 Specifications

Compatibility

Who Is This For?

This karabiner is for operatives and procurement teams specifying a compact, automatically locking connection element for fall arrest and height safety systems. It suits applications where the 18mm screw-lock presents a re-locking risk through moderate frequency of use, but where the full three-action sequence of the triple-lock is not required. It is also well suited to pulley systems and double lanyard configurations where the oval shape and two-contact-point load distribution are advantageous.

Typical Applications

• Harness-to-lanyard connections where moderate-frequency connection and disconnection occurs during the working day

• Lanyard-to-anchor connections on projects where the operative repositions a small number of times per shift

• Pulley system connections where an oval connector with two load contact points is specified

• Replacement or spare connector for fall arrest kits where a compact gate opening is sufficient

• Double lanyard configurations requiring a compact oval connector at the harness attachment point

• Any application where a screw-lock presents a moderate re-locking risk but a triple-action is not required

How to Use

1. Inspect the karabiner before each use. Check for deformation, cracks, corrosion, and correct gate and quarter turn-lock function. Do not use any karabiner that fails inspection.

2. Turn the locking sleeve a quarter turn to unlock the gate. The gate will not open without completing this action.

3. Connect to the intended attachment point. Confirm the connection is along the major axis of the karabiner, not the minor axis or across the gate.

4. Release the gate. Confirm it closes fully and the automatic locking mechanism engages before applying any load.

5. Never load the karabiner across the minor axis or against the gate.

6. After use, inspect before storage. Withdraw from service immediately after any fall arrest event.

Safety

• Always load along the major axis. Cross-loading or gate-loading significantly reduces breaking strength and can cause failure.

• Confirm the gate is closed and the quarter turn-lock has engaged before applying any load. Although the lock is automatic, a visual check takes one second and eliminates any residual risk.

• Do not use on outside support areas or sharp edges that could damage the gate or body.

• Withdraw from service immediately after any fall arrest event regardless of visible condition.

• Do not use this karabiner as an anchor connector for structural sections exceeding the gate opening.

Maintenance

• Inspect before and after every use for deformation, corrosion, gate damage, and quarter turn-lock function.

• Clean with a damp cloth. Remove concrete, metal swarf, and chemical contamination before storage.

• Lubricate the gate hinge and locking sleeve periodically with a light oil if the action becomes stiff.

• Store away from corrosive chemicals, salt, and damp environments.

• Formally inspect by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 12 months with written records per PUWER.

• Retire from service if the gate does not close and lock automatically, if the quarter turn mechanism is stiff or defective, if the body shows deformation, or if the connector has been involved in a fall arrest event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between this karabiner and the 18mm Screw-Lock and 22mm Triple-Lock?

 A: The three karabiners in this range differ in gate opening, locking mechanism, and breaking strength. This quarter turn-lock has a 16mm gate, locks automatically with a single quarter turn to open, and is rated at 25kN. The 18mm screw-lock has a slightly wider gate, requires manual re-locking after every connection, and is also rated at 25kN: best for occasional or fixed connections. The 22mm triple-lock has the widest gate, locks automatically with a three-action sequence, and is rated at 40kN: best for frequent-use and higher-load applications. The quarter turn-lock sits between the two in terms of operation speed and gate size.

Q: What does quarter turn-lock mean in practice?

 A: The locking sleeve must be turned a quarter turn before the gate can be opened. When the gate closes, the lock engages automatically without any manual action. This means the operative cannot accidentally leave the gate unlocked after a connection, as happens with screw-lock connectors. It is faster to operate than a full screw-lock sleeve but requires only a single action rather than the three actions of the triple-lock.

Q: Why is the oval shape used on this karabiner rather than asymmetric?

 A: An oval karabiner distributes load evenly across both sides of the body, which is the correct choice for applications where the connector has two contact points, such as pulley systems or double lanyard configurations. The asymmetric shape on the 22mm triple-lock positions load toward the spine, which suits single harness-to-lanyard connections. For applications where two components sit on the connector simultaneously, the oval is the better choice.

Q: What does EN362:2004 Class B mean for this karabiner?

 A: EN362:2004 is the European standard for connectors used in personal fall protection systems. Class B covers general connectors used as connection elements between components within a fall arrest system. CE marking to this standard confirms the karabiner meets the legal requirements for use in a fall arrest system on a UK site under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.

Q: Is 25kN breaking strength sufficient for fall arrest use?

 A: Yes. 25kN is the minimum breaking strength required by EN362:2004 Class B for connectors used in fall arrest systems. When a correctly specified energy absorbing lanyard is in use, the peak arrest force transmitted through the connector is significantly below 25kN. For standard fall arrest applications, 25kN is compliant and sufficient. The 40kN rating of the triple-lock provides additional margin for higher-load or structural anchor applications.

Q: What should I do if this karabiner has been involved in a fall arrest event?

 A: Withdraw it from service immediately. Dynamic loading during a fall arrest event can stress the connector beyond what is visible externally. Quarantine it, label it as withdrawn, and have it assessed by a competent person before any decision on disposal. In practice, any connector involved in a fall arrest event should be scrapped and replaced.

Q: How often must this karabiner be formally inspected?

 A: Pre-use inspection by the operative before every session, and formal inspection by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 12 months with written records per PUWER.

Q: Where can I order this and how quickly can I get it to site?

 A: CMT Group supplies this karabiner from stock with next working day delivery on orders placed by 7pm online or 5pm by phone. Same-day delivery is available: call the team to confirm stock and arrange despatch. For contractors ordering height safety hardware across multiple projects, the EDGE portal provides agreed contract pricing, bulk ordering, and full delivery visibility in one place.