A maillon, maillon rapide or quick link is a metal link, similar to a
carabiner.[1] Maillons have a threaded sleeve which tightens over a thread, as opposed to a hinged gate like a carabiner, making them stronger, but more difficult to use.[1] Like carabiners, maillons are available in a range of shapes and thicknesses (i.e., strengths), and often offer greater versatility over carabiners as their different shapes and lack of hinged gates allow them to be used in multi-directional load situations.[2]
Maillons are used primarily in
climbing and
caving. In caving, they are used to make secure and vital connections such as those required when using
single rope technique,[4] or for attaching ropes to anchor points. In climbing, they are used to construct leave-in-place
abseil anchors. Maillons can also be used for fastening harnesses with a dual attachment point.
Variations
The length of the gate opening, and of the maillon itself, can be varied. Suppliers typically have a short and long (symmetrical) oval in their range, as well as other shapes.
"D" maillon: the central component of a caving harness or
single rope technique kit on which all items of equipment are attached. So called because it is shaped like the letter D.
"Delta" maillon: a variation of the D maillon, the delta maillon is triangular in shape, rather than semi-circular.
