| Name: | Petzl Am'D Ball Lock (metal sleeve v1b) |
| Category: | triple-action twist lock |
| Locking Type: | full-auto |
| Locks: | double |
| Unlock Style: | press-and-twist |
| Sleeve Rotation: | 45° (unlocked) | 45° (maximum) |
| Shape: | asymmetric D |
| Material: | aluminum |
| Profile: | flat |
| Nose: | keylock |
| Nose Guard: | none |
| Rivets: | domed |
| Gate Shield: | relieved: blocked |
| Weight: | 79 g |
| Dimensions: | Length: 111 mm Width: 66 mm Gate Opening: 24.5 mm |
| Strength Ratings: |  28 kN |  7 kN |  8 kN |
| Other Markings: | Forged: PETZL Am'D Pat. | (ratings) CE0197 Laser: Am'D BL Ⓚ EN362:2004-B  10306UM0065 |
| Batch Marking Location: | spine-exterior-left |
| Collection Criteria: | ★ Personal Favorite ★ Mechanically Interesting |
| Summary: | press-and-twist unlock |
| Description & Commentary: | A metal sleeved version of the Plastic Sleeved v1 Ball Lock, which itself was an autolocking version of the Petzl Spinball. It operates easily with only a button press and 45 degree throw (vs the Spinball's 120 deg throw). The metal sleeved Petzl Ball Lock suffered from some early issues and was recalled in 2006. It eventually replaced the plastic sleeved version, and is my preferred auto-locking carabiner mechanism for tree climbing if I do not need a steel carabiner or ANSI gate-face rated carabiner. Unlike the plastic sleeved ball lock, the metal sleeved version uses a wider, shallower button, which I find easier to depress. The only downside is that the Ball Lock is only available on the relatively heavy Am'D and William carabiners. This gold color was exclusive to Sherrill Tree at the time of purchase. |
| Relevant Patent: | US5608953 |