SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/climb-check-locking-carabiner

During a partner check, how should the belayer show the belay carabiner is locked?

Try to press the gate in so the climber sees it stays shut.

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  1. Tap it on the ground
  2. Say "it's locked" out loud
  3. Try to press the gate open ✔

Why: The locking carabiner joins the belay device to the belayer's harness. An unlocked one can fail when the rope is loaded, so the belayer squeezes the gate to prove it won't open.

Huh, didn't know that: Screwgate carabiners take two movements to open; many other locking styles need three.

The dad joke
My carabiner and I have a lot in common. We both lock up when someone asks a hard question.
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References

Answer: Try to press the gate open. The locking carabiner joins the belay device to the belayer's harness. An unlocked one can fail when the rope is loaded, so the belayer squeezes the gate to prove it won't open.

  1. AAC Gold Standard Curriculum: Belaying americanalpineclub.org/news/2016/3/15/9ifwyakbvdf826by6gv97y1uzk1mzb
    the belayer should demonstrate to the climber that the carabiner is locked by attempting to press the gate in.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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