quickdraws

Quickdraws are a piece of climbing equipment used to connect a climber’s rope to protection points on a rock face, allowing the rope to run smoothly as the climber ascends. A quickdraw consists of two carabiners linked by a short section of durable webbing, often called a dogbone. One carabiner is clipped to the protection point (such as a bolt or fixed gear) and the other carabiner is clipped to the rope or to the point where the rope enters the route. The arrangement keeps rope drag down and speeds up clipping during ascent.

Components and variations: Quickdraws typically use aluminum carabiners and a sewn or taped webbing connector. Carabiners can be straight-gate, bent-gate, and may have non-locking or locking mechanisms. Wire gates are common in modern draws for lighter weight and reduced risk of gate flutter. The dogbone length varies, and some models offer replaceable or adjustable components. Sport climbing quickdraws are usually built for speed and simplicity, while trad and alpine systems may favor longer lengths or different gate configurations to suit protection points and route conditions.

Materials and design: The carabiners are generally high-strength aluminum, rated for substantial loads along the major axis. The dogbone is typically made of strong nylon or polyester webbing with reinforced stitching. Many quickdraws are color-coded to help climbers organize gear and minimize rope drag on multi-pitch routes.

Safety and maintenance: Regular inspection is required to check for wear on the webbing, fraying, or damaged carabiner gates. Ensure gates operate smoothly and that carabiners are properly oriented to avoid cross-loading. Replace any worn or damaged components and follow manufacturer guidelines and relevant safety certifications.