Carabiner Usage and Selection in Shibari

In Shibari suspension scenarios, the use of carabiners offers several advantages in terms of safety, practicality, and the management of physical loads. Here are the reasons for using carabiners in this context and their relationship to the laws of physics:

Safety and Durability: Carabiners are made of high-strength metal and are designed to carry heavy loads. In suspension systems, it is essential to securely attach ropes that support body weight. Carabiners are the ideal tools for safely carrying this load.

Convenience and Speed: When choosing carabiners, those that can be opened and closed quickly and easily should be preferred. This speeds up transitions and time in the suspension scene. In an emergency where quick action is needed, carabiners are easier to untie than ropes and knots.

Load Distribution and Weight Management: Carabiners help distribute the load more effectively. In suspension systems, ropes and knots are tensioned at multiple points, and each of these points is secured with a carabiner, allowing for even load distribution. This increases the safety of both the person being secured and the person securing them.

Leverage Principle: Carabiners allow ropes to be attached at a specific angle, creating an effect similar to the lever principle. This can help move the load more efficiently and reduce tension at the attachment point of the ropes. The use of leverage allows a large load to be moved with a small force, and the use of carabiners supports this principle.

Movement and Flexibility: Carabiners allow ropes to move more freely. This can increase the comfort of the person moving during suspension and prevent the ropes from becoming improperly pinched. It also contributes to less rope wear and makes knots more secure.

Physical Principles and Carabiner Use

Weight Reduction: Using carabiners allows some of the weight at the attachment point to be distributed in different directions. This prevents excessive load from accumulating at a single point on the ropes and provides a more balanced load distribution.

Load Reduction: Carabiners help distribute the load over a wider area. When a rope is tied directly to one point, that point is under great tension. Using carabiners reduces this tension, extending the lifespan of ropes and knots.

In suspension scenarios, the use of carabiners offers numerous advantages in terms of safety, practicality, and physical load management. This both increases the safety of the person being fastened and makes the fastener's job easier. So how should the right carabiner be chosen?

Choosing the Right Carabiner

Shibari The strength of carabiners used in suspension systems is crucial for safe operation. Safety elements like carabiners are sold with their force calculations and strength ratings specified in kN. Below are the points to consider when selecting a carabiner, along with recommended strength values and the meaning of kN.

What is kN (Kilonewton)?

• kNKN is an abbreviation for kilonewton. 1 kN is equal to 1000 Newtons.
• Newton (N)N is the unit of force. 1 N is the force that gives a mass of 1 kilogram an acceleration of 1 m/s².
• Practically1 kN represents approximately a force of 100 kg.

Carabiner Strength and Recommendations

Shibari The carabiners used in suspension systems must have high strength, as they must safely support the weight of the human body. Based on our calculations, we can make recommendations considering the required force and safety margin for a 60 kg load.

Calculation and Safety Margin

1. Load (W): 60 kg
2. Force (F)60 kg * 9.8 m/s² = 588 N
3. Force on each rope (distribution using carabiners): 588 N / 2 = 294 N (30 Kg)

According to these basic calculations, each rope will have a force of 294 N. However, for safety reasons, a safety margin of at least 10 times this value is usually used.

• Safety Factor: 10
• Recommended Minimum Force (Fmin): 294 N * 10 = 2940 N (approximately 3 kN)

Suggested Carabiner Strength

Carabiners are generally selected to meet higher strength standards:

• Minimum StrengthIt must be at least 10 kN.
• Suggested Strength: 22 kN or more.

These values provide added safety and ensure the carabiners' security during potential dynamic loads (sudden movements, falls, etc.).

Why 10 kN and above?

• Dynamic LoadsSudden movements and load changes in ropes can create forces much greater than static load.
• Wear and tear: Wear and tear that may occur during use should be taken into consideration.
• Multiple Uses: When working with multiple attachment points and ropes, the distribution of the load among the carabiners and the forces to be applied at different angles.

The recommended minimum tensile strength for carabiners used in suspension scenarios is 10 kN, ideally 22 kN or higher. This is necessary to ensure safety and account for potential dynamic loads.