Abstract: A karabiner or snap hook comprises a generally C-shaped body with its free ends curved towards each other and forming a gap therebetween, and a gate for closing the gap, the gate being located on one free end of the body and the other end of the body and a free end of the gate being shaped for mutual engagement when the gate is closed, wherein one of the free end of the body and the gate having a shaped end with a first part having converging sides leading to an enlarged end part, and wherein the converging part of the shaped end lies within a slot of the other of the body or gate when the gate is closed.

Abstract: A karabiner comprises a generally C-shaped body, with its free ends curved towards each other and forming a gap therebetween, and a gate for closing the gap, the gate being formed of a wire member shaped and located on one free end of the body, such that it is constrained to close the gap and the other end of the gate having a slot for receiving a shaped end of the gate.

Abstract: A karabiner including a generally C-shaped body having opposed free ends with a gap therebetween and a gate for closing the gap through constraint. The gate is formed of a wire member located on one free end of the body and includes a shaped free end. The other free end of the body is configured to receive the shaped free end of the gate, and includes a shape that corresponds substantially with the shape of the shaped end of the gate. In one embodiment, the loop is oriented substantially transversely to the plane of the karabiner body, and in another embodiment, the second free end of the body includes a recessed seat. A locking means on the gate or karabiner body is also disclosed.