Build My Own FeedMagnetron Technology™: The reinvention of the auto-locking carabiner, coming July 2012
Throughout the decades, we’ve been at the forefront of revolutionary carabiner design here at Black Diamond Equipment—from Yvon Chouinard’s original ovals; to the climbing world’s first-ever wiregate, the HotWire; to the crossload-eliminating belay carabiner, the GridLock. Never satisfied with the status quo, we’re always striving to develop the next great carabiner design innovation, which has led us to our latest game-changing advancement: Magnetron Technology™.
What’s so special about Magnetron Technology? One word: magnets. Yes, that’s right—locking carabiners that utilize magnets and not twistlocks or screwlocks on the gates. Available on select locking carabiners in July 2012, our patent-pending Magnetron Technology is so revolutionary we decided to share a sneak preview with you now to get you stoked. Here’s the basics: using the power of magnetic fields to reinvent the locking carabiner, the Magnetron GridLock and the Magnetron RockLock locking carabiners combine maximum security and ease of use like never before.
• Magnetic attraction to a steel insert in the carabiner nose keeps two independent arms securely locked
• Locking arms must be individually depressed before the gate can be opened
• Once open, opposing magnetic fields repel the arms to ensure smooth and reliable gate operation
• Symmetrical design allows for easy one-handed operation (right or left)
For an in-depth look at the concept and development of Magnetron Technology, watch the video below, and then look for the Magnetron GridLock and the Magnetron RockLock to be in stores by July 2012. If you are a member of the outdoor industry, be sure to check out the Magnetron GridLock and the Magnetron RockLock in person at Black Diamond Equipment’s booth during the Summer 2011 OutDoor Europe and Outdoor Retailer tradeshows.
United States / English 
12 Jan 2012, 6:39PM
what if, a external factor pushes the locking mechanism for example a rock (misuse - put the carabiner backwards). Will the mechanism open? How hard does the carabiner open?
20 Dec 2011, 6:54PM
Had one in my hand at Rocktoberfest- can't wait to replace my belay biner with this!
30 Nov 2011, 8:28AM
how hard does one have on the gate to make the magnet lock fail?
looks cool, that's my only major concern...
28 Nov 2011, 11:56AM
WILL REI CARRY THIS ITEM ...??
I WOULD LOVE TO BUY ...! !
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27 Oct 2011, 12:40PM
if one were drop this into dirt laden with iron particles what would be the outcome? I'm sure that BD wouldn't overlook something like this but I thought I'd ask anyway
4 Sep 2011, 9:07AM
Beautiful carabiners, this magnet system is really ... attractive ^^ I look forward to arrive in July 2012. Hope that the release date is advanced ;)
21 Aug 2011, 12:44PM
WOW! I am excited about these. Played around with the screw gate version of this and felt a bit clunky coming from just a normal auto locker. Definitely liking the cross loading elimination. Might make a good solo top rope biner. I am excited to see how they operate. What's with the 1 year lead time??? July 2012 is soooooo far away.
Matt
28 Jul 2011, 12:49PM
As a tree climber I'm curious to know how well the locked magnetic gate resists external impact to open the gate? For example the locking metal sleeves on triacts add some strength against external gate impacts.
20 Jul 2011, 10:08AM
I am betting they are neodymium magnets, and they appear to be quite small. I would guess the effect against things like ice axes, other mag biners, and even compasses would be negligible with this sort of design. The magnetic field effect would not travel very far due to the size of the magnet, and maybe not even have much effect outside the space of the aluminum biner housing.
As a note - they use neodymium magnets (much larger than the ones in this biner) inside hard disks to actuate the head arm. They are pretty much right next to the platters full of magnetic data, and have no effect. I am sure BD has done their research and found a magnet size and type that fulfills the need for the biner, without turning it into a giant horseshoe magnet on your rack.
It will definitely be interesting to see how well it works out over time and abuse. FYI -
15 Jul 2011, 11:46PM
ooooooh magnets !!! KooL ! This Carabiner Looks Very Functional ! The question from me is What material is the black latching arm made of? Plastic, or Aluminum? And what is the shear strength of that delicate little pivot rivet? If it's Plastic with a puny pivot then it compares up to a $300 Dead Bolt mounted in a hallow- core Balsa-wood door! And Then add Cold Temperatures, and a bit of Stress & 'Time' to Plastic! and, Run a way!!! c|:oP If I see one, and there's no plastic Then...... TTYL D
15 Jul 2011, 1:46PM
It seems like a inovative idea but it seems excessively complex and therefore glitchy. Wouldnt it be easier and more reliable to just throw a spring and slider plate at the base of the 2 arms, then a ridge to lock the biner with the arms where the keylock is located? Then you get the same easy opening and closing motion and in a device that will probably be cheaper and more reliable. Just my musings.
Gotta hand it to them the magnets do seem new-agey and clean.
14 Jul 2011, 7:54AM
July 2012 is a while away... It would be awesome if you guys had an email form to notify people when these are finally released!
14 Jul 2011, 3:59AM
I am curious with a great magnetic (auto lock) carabiner!
like to know more!!
13 Jul 2011, 11:05PM
Fascinating idea.
Similar concerns as others:
Iron content in dirt or grime that the 'biner is exposed to.
Life span of magnets
Effect of other steel items near the 'biner such as ice tool picks or steel anchor chains
Effect on other digital items near the 'biner such as a Suunto compass watch or an Ortovox S1 avalanche beacon
Effect on a plain old magnetic compass
13 Jul 2011, 5:56PM
Looks great!
I have seen rare-earth magnets decompose in contact with certain materials. I presume you've dealt with this though.
Looks like people working in very cold conditions will have trouble with thick gloves. Maybe you should add some semi-rigid pads to the finger tips of your line of gloves.
Can't wait til launch.
13 Jul 2011, 2:52PM
I really like this magnetron 'biner. The problem I see that should have been obvious is that we were always thinking "aluminum" never considering adding magnetic and magnet attracting materials. So, I am very happy that somebody got outside of the material block. The first 'biners I used were war surplus steel which I found in a war surplus store in Orem. I almost literally bought a ton of them LOL They were heavy and rusty and a lot of them were stuck shut ... no problem my dad is an Navy veteran of WWII and a submarine tender who new about Naval Jelly. We got a gallon of it also at the surplus store. They suited me fine for years ! ! ! When Chouinard came out with aluminum 'biners I bought a couple (couldn't afford any more) and they were nice !!!! Then how about aluminum block engines with steel sleeves, that would be a clue ??? As you might guess I am busy designing things ... first thing you need to do is check out the box if you can find it so that you may be able to think outside it ...? Yours truly, HUGE
13 Jul 2011, 2:13PM
Can't tell from these first renderings, but I hope they work well with gloves on.
13 Jul 2011, 10:29AM
Just a random thought:
It would be cool if some years from now someone is able to build a makeshift compass in a survival situation because they happened to be carrying one of these. Perhaps you should mark the polarity orientation of the magnets so I know which way the needle will want to point once I magnetize it :)
13 Jul 2011, 9:40AM
I am truly amazed of how you manage to bring the climbing technology forwards by simply applying basic physics. I would be so proud working with you!
Thank you!
Best regards,
Sandra, PhD student in physics, KIT, Germany
13 Jul 2011, 9:39AM
What happens when these carabiners come into contact with other metal (ie. a hanger) or other Magnetron magnets (ie when racked). Very cool idea!
13 Jul 2011, 9:24AM
It is grea to see folks stepping outside the box for inovation. It looks like a great design, I lookforward to seeing it at the OR show.
13 Jul 2011, 8:32AM
I'm curious whether you've considered or tested whether the magnets will attract more dirt, dust, grime as a result of iron content?
Thanks,
AJ
13 Jul 2011, 8:04AM
Hey, you would have gotten my $$ if you'd put up a pre-order page! (Feel free to email me when you're selling them.)
13 Jul 2011, 7:58AM
Can someone from BD comment on how this is more secure than a different type of locking carabiner (e.g. screw gate)? I'm assuming BD will want to charge significantly higher prices for a device containing springs AND what are presumably rare earth magnets.
... or is this simply a design that allows for more convenient (ambidextrous) opening of the 'biners?
13 Jul 2011, 7:56AM
It's a very interesting idea!
The only thing that is worrying me is that magnets can be demagnetized with time or due to some circumstances and there is no back-up for these situations.
Anyway let's give it a shot! ;)
13 Jul 2011, 7:15AM
too long to wait!
13 Jul 2011, 6:39AM
Love the renderings and product design. Awesome breadboard model! Looks like a great new piece of equipment!
13 Jul 2011, 6:27AM
Goooood job!!! Looks amazing! I want one now!
13 Jul 2011, 4:56AM
Hello,
I think it's a great carabiner!
But what does it with ice and snow?
How long are the magnets strong enough to function? Because the magnets lose mostly magnetrons with as result that the carabiner after x time not more will function.
How many weight the carabiner? When can I buy the carabiner?
Greetz Lander