Black Diamond Airlock Screwgate (≤1996)

Black Diamond
Airlock Screwgate (≤1996)

Name:Black Diamond Airlock (≤1996)
Sub Item:Screwgate
Category:screw lock
Locking Type:manual
Locks:screw
Unlock Style:nose stopped
Sleeve Rotation:900° (unlocked) | 1305° (maximum)
Shape:S-spine
Material:aluminum
Profile:trapezoid
Nose:notch & pin
Nose Guard:none
Rivets:domed
Gate Shield:none
Weight:80 g
Dimensions:Length: 108.2 mm
Width: 72.2 mm
Depth (basket end): 11 mm
Gate Opening: 21.5 mm
Strength Ratings:Major Axis: 23 kN | Gate Open: 10 kN
Other Markings:Forged: BLACK (c-diamond logo) DIAMOND(superscript dot) USA | (ratings)
MSRP:14.95 (1996)
Summary:early s-spine HMS
Description & Commentary:

A compact S-Spine belay carabiner that BD designed for use with the ATC belay device. Hot forged, with large rounded surfaces and distinctive large lettering along the trapeziodal spine. Only marked for Major and Open gate strength ratings, the catalog listed (the relatively low) 6kN as the minor axis strength.

This uniform diameter locking sleeve with full-length knurling is shown in the 1996 Spring catalog, whereas the tapered locking sleeve with partial knurling appears in the 1997 Spring catalog - a clear step towards the distinctive locking sleeve BD has used for decades.

This example lacks batch markings, as found on the tapered sleeve versions.

The Airlock had a relatively short production run, and climbers tended to only buy a couple, making it not as common as other 1990's BD carabiners.

The much longer lived Airlock2 carried on the Airlock name for many years.

Clippings:SCABOOK072-B11-1996-Cata01-015
MPN:210060
Manufacturer Color:polished silver