I forgot:
Another common beginner mistake is to not secure your link openings. Carabiners, shackles, quicklinks, they can all open unintendedly from shocks, outside friction, etc..
Carabiners: Different types need different types of security, but in general carabiners are designed to open quickly! Therefor never ideal for locations where they remain for a long time.
Quick links: Thread facing, twist the connector downwards so that gravity prevents the connector to unwind from shocks. A bit of tape around the link can stop it from rotating.
Shackles: Usually they have an eye in the connecting part. By threading a cable tie through the eye and the inside of the shackle and tightning it, the connector cant rotate.
by Daniel Simu, in response to this post 2015-09-23 11:47:42