Open Regular Close Auto
Patent Pending
3-Stage autolock:  Lift up, twist and open the gate
Available on the Pirate, rockD and rockO carabiners

What it is
The ORCA is a unique autolock sleeve/gate that can be set in the unlocked position.  When you open the gate it is just like opening a non-locker, but the act of opening the gate “triggers” it and when the gate closes it will autolock just like a regular autolocking carabiner.

Why it’s good
The ORCA can be unlocked on your rack for easy access without any of the gymnastics involved in opening a conventional autolock in tight situations.  Then when you clip it in something it will lock.  Or, if you put it in a bolt hanger, tripod head, etc., and hold the sleeve when closing it will remain unlocked.  Then you can turn the biner over and install a rope, pulley, etc., just like it was a non-locker, but when the gate snaps shut it will be locked.  When climbing something sketchy, do you ever want to use a locker for your first placement?  Use it for the bottom biner in a quickdraw and you can simply put the rope in and it will lock when it closes.

How it’s manufactured
The ORCA was designed in SolidWorks (3D modeling software).  It is manufactured here in Utah on our 7 axis CNC turning centers.  These state-of-the-art machines have two tool turrets and are actually like two machines in one.  There is a separate program written for each turret.  You just have to be careful you don’t violate that law of physics that says two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time.  Or it can be very expensive.

Who can use it?
The ORCA is very versatile but it is not like any other carabiner and you must understand how it works.  It is for experienced, advanced users.  Of course, the truth is that everyone working or playing at height must totally understand their equipment and techniques or it would be best to find a more sedate activity.

Additional Information:
How it works:  The bottom of the sleeve has a special recess for the rivet head so that when the sleeve is rotated open (with the gate closed) it will be held in the open position.  When the gate is opened far enough, the sleeve hits the frame and is pushed up a little so that it is no longer held open by the rivet head.  It rotates a little bit so that it is now acting like a regular autolock and when the gate is closed it will lock. 

There are several subtle features in the ORCA to accommodate its unique action, for example it has an asymmetrical frame nose opening due to the height change between being locked and unlocked (confusing to read about, but you can see rationale if you closely watch it operate). 

Can you use it like a regular autolocker?  Yes, if you don’t set it to the unlocked position you can just open it like a regular autolock (lift up, twist and open) and when you let the gate close it will autolock.  However, you’ll probably seldom do this because having it unlocked when not in use is a tremendous convenience.

Can you close the gate without having it lock?  Yes, if you close the gate while holding the sleeve so it can’t rotate (as opposed to just letting it go) it will not lock.