HotForge Screwgate Locking Carabiner (3-Pack)
Last verified by the Lifetime Picks Editorial Team
Why we picked it
Hot-forged from the same aluminum process as premium BD lockers
Black Diamond HotForge Screwgate is the budget-friendly locking carabiner r/climbing recommends when someone asks for the best locker for under 15 dollars. Hot-forged aluminum body — the same forging process Black Diamond uses on their premium GridLock and RockLock lockers. Keylock nose prevents snagging on bolt hangers and slings. Major axis rated 22kN (closed gate), minor axis 8kN, open gate 8kN — well above climbing safety margins. Made in the same Salt Lake City facility BD has used since 1989. Each carabiner is laser-etched with batch traceability so warranty claims can pinpoint the production run. Standard pear-shaped HMS profile works for belay, rappel, anchor master point, or general locker duty.
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Community & Review Summary
720 Amazon reviews
Reddit satisfaction score
Total mentions (142 positive)
Amazon sales rank
Why Reddit Recommends This
Price History
Best Price!Lowest
$39.95
May 9
Average
$39.95
Highest
$39.95
May 9
Pros & Cons from Reviews
Pros
- +Hot-forged from the same aluminum process as premium BD lockers
- +Keylock nose — won t snag on bolt hangers or slings
- +22kN major axis closed-gate, 8kN minor — well above safety margins
- +Laser-etched batch traceability per carabiner
- +3-pack price beats single-carabiner premium brands
- +Pear-shaped HMS works for belay, rappel, anchor, or general locker
Cons
- -Screwgate (manual lock) — auto-locking variants are safer in dust / sand
- -Heavier than wiregate or auto-lock equivalents
- -No bombproof color coding (compared to Petzl Williams)
- -Made in Salt Lake City but with internationally-sourced aluminum
Warranty & Returns
Warranty
1-year warranty on most products against material and workmanship defects.
Read full warranty terms