Which material is recommended for the giant swing carabiner?

• A. Aluminum
• B. Steel
• C. Titanium
• D. Plastic

Answer: (B)

Selecting a material for a giant swing carabiner hinges on safety under dynamic, high-load use. The rig experiences strong, repeated forces as a person swings, plus potential side loading and abrasion from rope movement. Steel provides the best combination of high strength and excellent fatigue resistance, so it maintains its shape and integrity under repeated shocks and heavy loads. That reliability is crucial for a safety-critical piece of equipment. Lighter metals like aluminum are common where weight matters, but under these dynamic, repetitive conditions they can fatigue or deform over time, reducing reliability. Titanium might offer strong performance and corrosion resistance, but it’s typically unnecessary and more costly for this use. Plastic cannot handle the required load or wear resistance, making it unsuitable for a load-bearing swing carabiner.