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FEATURES: |
| FRAME |
The frame is
made from raw aluminum which first
appears silver in color. The colored
surface is achieved through a
process of anodization which
interacts with the surface metal to
produce a durable outer layer. The
frame shape is achieved either by
bending the aluminum rod or forged
through a die. The thickness range
of the aluminum for most promotional
carabiner keychains is in the range
of 5 to 8mm. You will often see
these items classified according to
aluminum thickness. Promotional
carabiners are no load bearing and
should be stamped with this
information somewhere on the frame
or on the gate.
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| SPINE |
The spine is
defined as the portion of the frame
opposite the gate. On some custom
shape carabiner keychains this area
may not be well defined depending on
the actual shape. The spine is
typically where customization of a
name, logo or message will appear.
This is achieved either by laser
engraving or pad printing.
Laser engraving is the method of
choice as it won't scratch off
compared to an imprint. Most
carabiner keychains can be
customized on both sides of the
spine.
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| GATE |
The gate is
where the action is. The gate allows
quick and secure clipping to loops
and straps and what makes the
carabiner keychain such a functional
keychain. The gate is made from
aluminum and is typically clear or
bright in color. On some carabiners
the gate is also anodized the same
or a different color from the frame.
The gate opens with pressure and
springs closed when the pressure is
released. Sometimes "no load
bearing" or "not for climbing" is
stamped on the gate.
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| GATE HINGE |
The gate
hinge contributes to the overall
carabiner keychain quality. Inside
the bottom of the gate is a spring
like mechanism that is attached to
the hinge. The action of the gate as
determined by the hinge spring
should be firm and not too loose.
The correct alignment of the gate
with nose is determined by the
hinge.
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|
NOSE |
The nose is
the portion of the frame that meets
and catches the top of the gate when
in the closed position. The shape of
the nose is determined by the top of
the gate which can be either angled
or contain a pin. Most promotional
carabiners are of the angled type
where the top of the gate fits snug
against the nose.
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|
BASE |
The base is
just the bottom of the carabiner.
It's where the split ring sits. it's
also where add-on attachment
accessories will be when the
carabiner is clipped to either a
strap or loop. The width of the base
is determined by the size dimension
of the carabiner. For example an 8mm
will have a wider base area than a
6mm. The add-on accessories are
usually in the form of a strap with
a split ring either alone or in
combination with additional
functionality such as a compass.
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| SPLIT RING |
A split ring
is a round metal (usually nickel
plated) wire wound partially
on to itself. Keys are added onto
the ring by threading them between
the wires. Split rings can vary in
size and wire diameter. Split rings
used for carabiner keychains and
many other promotional keychains are
typically 0.75" to 1.0" in diameter.
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ACCESSORY
ATTACHMENT (optional) |
Carabiner
keychain accessories add
functionality to our carabiner
keychains. Additional functions
include compass, thermometer, and
water bottle holder. The additional
functions are incorporated into a
nylon strap which includes a split
ring for keys. Nylon straps are also
available plain as well as with a
custom imprinted label.
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