CMC Protech Manual-Lock

CMC
Protech Manual-Lock

Name:CMC Protech Manual-Lock
Category:triple-action twist lock
Locking Type:assisted
Locks:double
Unlock Style:lower-and-twist
Sleeve Rotation:90° (unlocked) | 90° (maximum)
Shape:asymmetric D
Material:aluminum
Profile:round
Nose:keylock
Nose Guard:offset gate
Rivets:flat spun
Gate Shield:full
Weight:78.6 g
Dimensions:Length: 111.38 mm
Width: 65.06 mm
Depth (basket end): 11.08 mm
Gate Opening: 24.62 mm
Strength Ratings:Major Axis: 26 kN | Minor Axis: 9 kN | Gate Open: 11 kN
Other Markings:Laser: MANUAL LOCK PATENTED (made in usa flag logo) (CMC logo)CMC(TM) PROTECH(TM) | (UL Classified logo) 5F04 MEETS NFPA 1983 (2017 ED) MBS 26 kN " T " PART# 300182 LOT#22265M0099 read MANUAL LOCK | crossbones | crossbones (lock-icon-locked) (left-turn-arrow)
Batch Marking Location:spine-right
MSRP:$27 (2022)
Collection Criteria:★ Personal Favorite
★ Mechanically Interesting
Summary:spring-powered manual locking
Description & Commentary:

The CMC Manual Lock acts somewhat like a standard triple action locking carabiner, but can be manually set to the unlocked position. The user must manually trigger the sleeve, which then engages two-stage locking under spring pressure.

Unlike a Rock Exotica ORCA-Lock, the CMC Manual Lock does not automatically reengage the locking action when the gate is fully opened.

CMC Proseries carabiner is oversized both in dimensions and strength rating. Designed for US Fire and Rescue services, it carries an NFPA "T" rating designating the item for Technical Use (or Escape Use, a lower rating) loads as described in the standards. This is a lower rating than the NFPA G (General Use) designation as found on the CMC Proseries Manual Lock, but still overbuilt for recreational use. (Technical Use replaced the Light Use/Personal Use designations)

A note on the strength ratings: The minor axis and gate open strengths are pulled from CMC's website. The carabiner markings only include the major axis strength rating.

Interestingly, the Protech carabiners with a keeper pin are manufactured from larger diameter bar stock, and rated at 3kN greater along the major axis and 1kN lower along the minor axis than the versions without keeper pins.

Overall build quality is decent, on par with other Rock Exotica carabiners (who likely produces these for CMC). A few examples are blemished in places under the anodization and included excessive lubrication in the gate keylock. These are definitely working carabiners, not climbing jewelry.

Relevant Patent:US8474112
MPN:300182
Manufacturer Color:slate
Technical Notice:Technical Notice