A carabiner is designed to be pulled between two points. Tests performed to determine the strength rating of the carabiner are performed in this way. When the carabiner is pulled in a way in which it was not designed it will result in a reduction of the rated strength. Three way loading refers to a carabiner being attached to three separate pieces of equipment each pulling the carabiner in a separate direction. This can result in a dramatic loss of strength and failure of the carabiner.