Nite Ize S-Biner
S-Biners are much lighter than conventional carabiners and have two attachment points, which really comes in handy when you need to quickly attach and detach things. When I stumbled on these at Frys recently, I picked them up right away. I'm a product design engineer so whenever I see a simple elegant design, I just have to get it. I now use a #2 for my backpack and a #1 for my keychain; I like to clip just my motorcycle key to my jacket, so I don't have to root through my pockets, and I also like to separate my car key when I take it in for service. The two attachment points really makes this easier. On a recent bike camping trip, we also used them in a pinch to hold my friends panniers in place. In addition to various sizes, S-Biners even come in a variety of colors. Just don't use 'em for climbing.
-- Cormac Eubanks
Nite Ize S-Biner
$5
(size 2, black)
Available from Amazon
Other sizes/colors also available from Amazon
Manufactured by Nite Ize
Related items previously reviewed on Cool Tools:
Favorite (15)
Oryctolagus habilis
Also available in Canada from LeeValley.com (to avoid border duty hassles!)
bifyu
I've tried these for keys, but find that the springs for the clips are too weak to keep them closed securely. If you keep them in your pocket, the keys or key rings often separate from the s-biner.
John
I used this for a while, after reading the review here. I found that in attaching it via one clip I often inadvertently opened the other clip, dropping keys in the process.
Rob
I have had mine for about 4 months, and I have in-advertently dropped keys out of it on several occasions. After almost loosing my truck key which has a special chip in it to disarm the theft feature (about $50 to replace) I finally decided I didn't want to risk it, and bought a cheaper but more secure version from Walmart. It is heavier, but I can deal with the weight, rather than loosing a $50 key.
Jon
I also loved the design, but using as a key chain definitely didn't work very well. Now they're gathering dust.