GPCA makes carabiners that are actually multitools: machined from a single block of steel, titanium or aluminum, with a box cutter, bottle opener and screwdrivers milled into the frame, a screw gate, and a hidden capsule in the gate barrel. There are four current models and this review covers what each adds, how the tools work, and the TSA trick.
Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| PRO | 420 steel, TC4 titanium or 6061 aluminum; screw gate; box cutter, bottle opener, Phillips and flathead; secret capsule; 200 lb static (120 to 150 aluminum); $39.99 |
| PRO X KEY | Steel or titanium; PRO tools plus a key module holding up to 3 keys inside the frame; $59.99 |
| X Grip | Steel or titanium; 5-inch frame with a grip zone and dual-zone gate; no tools; secret capsule; doubles as a leash handle; $39.99 |
| LITE | Unibody 420 steel; screw gate; box cutter (removable via T8 Torx) and bottle opener; secret capsule; $34.99 |
The tools
The box cutter is a small blade set into a corner of the frame, exposed enough to cut tape and cardboard and recessed enough not to cut you. The bottle opener is a notch. The drivers are milled tips. They are real and they work for the jobs a keychain tool gets.
The secret capsule
Unscrew the gate ring past the lock point and there is a hollow in the barrel that fits a ferro rod, a rolled bill, a spare Torx bit or a pill. It is the feature that sells the carabiner at a party.
TSA
The blade module comes out with a T8 Torx, and without it the carabiner is carry-on compliant. Put the blade in checked luggage or leave it home.
Which one
PRO for the full tool set, PRO X KEY if key noise bothers you, X Grip for a dog leash or a bag handle, LITE to start.
Frequently asked questions
Are GPCA carabiners rated for climbing?
No. EDC tools only, 200-pound static.
Are they TSA compliant?
With the blade module removed, yes.
What is in the secret capsule?
Whatever fits: a ferro rod, a bill, a Torx bit, a pill.
Which GPCA holds keys?
The PRO X KEY, up to three inside the frame.
Steel or titanium?
Titanium is lighter and matte; steel is polished and cheaper.
The bottom line
The GPCA PRO is the carabiner that replaces a keychain multitool. The X KEY is the one that silences the keys.
Related reading
Best EDC carabiners
Best EDC pens
The 8 best mini multitools for EDC
