The Palm Side Swing HMS Autolock Karabiner is the one connector in our Rescue Kit range built specifically for rope-based rescue technique, not just clip-and-forget attachment. It's the only karabiner we stock certified to both EN362:2004/B and EN12275 (UIAA approved) — the second standard is what actually qualifies it for rope/connector use, and it's the reason to choose this over a standard autolock karabiner if you're setting up a Munter hitch — which requires a large, pear-shaped locking carabiner, specifically a Type H or HMS carabiner—to function correctly as a dynamic friction and belay system , a Z-drag, or any controlled-lowering system on the water.
What HMS Actually Means
"HMS" is short for the German 'Halbmastwurfsicherung' — literally, "Munter hitch secure." It refers to the wide, rounded pear shape of the gate, which gives a Munter hitch (a friction hitch used to belay or lower a load on a single rope) enough room to run smoothly without binding or twisting. A standard D-shaped karabiner can pinch the hitch and make it unreliable under load; this shape is built to avoid that.
Where It Earns Its Place: Munter-Hitch Rescue Work
If you're lowering a swimmer or a boat down a controlled line, or building a Z-drag to free a pinned boat, the HMS shape and the EN12275 rating are what make this karabiner suitable for that job — a standard rescue karabiner isn't rated for it. The larger 26mm gate opening (versus 24mm on the standard Palm Autolock Karabiner) makes it easier to clip onto thicker rope, webbing or a paddle shaft one-handed, in gloves — exactly the conditions a real rescue happens in. The single-twist autolock gate locks fast without fiddling with a screw gate, so you're not slowing a rescue down to secure the connector.
Who It's For — and Who Should Think Twice
This is the right choice for paddlers, coaches and river guides who already know rope-rescue technique and need a connector rated for it — building a technical rescue kit, running a Munter hitch, or equipping a club or commercial kit bag. It assumes you already know how to use a Munter hitch; it isn't a substitute for training, and the EN12275 rating supports rope/connector use rather than a full lead-climbing protection system, which needs additional equipment and technique beyond a single karabiner. If you just need a straightforward, general clip-in point for a throwline or tow system, the standard Palm Autolock Karabiner — stronger on major-axis load at 28kN — covers that more simply and for slightly less.
Specs & Construction
Anodised aluminium construction, 93g. Major axis (gate closed, correctly loaded) breaking strength is 22kN; minor axis (side-loaded) is 10kN — a kilonewton is roughly 225lbs of force, and the gap between the two figures is why correct loading orientation matters in a real rescue or rope system. This is lower than the standard autolock's 28kN major-axis rating — this product's case is rope-work capability, not raw strength, so choose on the job you need it to do.
Ordering & Delivery
Part of our Rescue Kit range alongside the standard Autolock, Screw Gate and Wire Gate karabiners — see our delivery information and warranty pages for current UK shipping and cover terms before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does HMS mean on a karabiner?
HMS stands for the German *Halbmastwurfsicherung* ("Munter hitch secure") and refers to the wide, rounded pear-shaped gate designed to let a Munter hitch run smoothly without binding — unlike a standard D-shaped karabiner, which can pinch the hitch under load.
What is a Munter hitch used for in kayak/canoe rescue?
A Munter hitch is a friction hitch tied directly onto a karabiner that lets you belay or lower a load — a swimmer, a pinned boat, or equipment — on a single rope, with the amount of friction controlled by hand rather than a separate belay device.
What's the difference between the Palm Autolock and Palm Side Swing HMS Autolock karabiners?
The Palm Side Swing HMS Autolock is certified to EN12275 as well as EN362, which qualifies its pear-shaped gate for rope-work techniques like the Munter hitch; the standard Palm Autolock Karabiner is EN362-only, rated higher on major-axis strength (28kN vs 22kN), and suits general clip-in use such as throwlines and tow systems.
Is the Palm Side Swing HMS Autolock Karabiner suitable for climbing/belaying?
Its EN12275 certification does support rope/connector use, including belaying with a Munter hitch, but it isn't a substitute for a full climbing protection system, which needs additional equipment and technique beyond a single karabiner — it's built for water-rescue rope work specifically.
Why does this karabiner have a larger 26mm gate opening than the standard autolock?
The wider opening makes it easier to clip one-handed onto thicker rope, webbing or a paddle shaft while wearing gloves — a practical detail for the fast, fumble-prone conditions a real on-water rescue happens in.