"He is not going to use it for climbing, so it does not have to be load bearing. If you are going to climb, I agree to only carry climbing biners."

The problem is that there are now some climbing biners that are about the same size as some of the toy biners, as manufacturers produce very specialized, smaller units that weigh under an ounce. All of these have wire gates, so I wouldn't think they would do at all for a key ring. IMHO, it's just an accident waiting to happen.

Russ,

If you don't want to put too many keys on it, I use a Ti and Brass screw link from CountyComm http://www.countycomm.com/tiscrewlink.html
I have several and all but one lock very securly. They are much smaller than what you have discussed but will carry a fairly large load. One carries my personal keys (3 house keys on one ring, 2 car keys on separate rings, a mini pry bar and tube whistle on another and Fenix ML flashlight on a clip. My school keys include 3 keys on one ring and a key, mini screwdriver, pry bar and another key on a separate ring and a Streamlight 3N. I carry my keys with the light tucked into my waistband and the keys on the outside. A true carabiner is uncomfortably large (needs to fit at least a rope and a sling or two) and I don't like the mini's.

Just a customer.

Respectfully,

Jerry

Quick links come in all sizes and are very durable and stay tightened well. Here is an assortment, but you can usually find them at the hardware store for a couple of dollars.

http://www.amazon.com/MAXCRAFT-7709-Quick-Assortment-20-Piece/dp/B0042D6HPS%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q%26tag%3Dduckduckgo-d-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0042D6HPS

i actually looked at my key ring and that is what i have been using for years. never accidentally screws apart - the knurled locking cylinder is not much larger than the biner itself.

two thumbs up!

If you are looking to put the keys on it, I used one like

these

for years. The ones I have are all brass and fully threaded. I don't recall them ever coming unscrewed. At the time I got them from the Coleman outlet store. A cheap model with interrupted threads (2 smooth flat sides & 2 radiused threaded sides) was constantly coming loose.

Edit to add:

P.S. Thanks for the reminder. I'm going to see if I've got any left and switch back.

Yep those are good, not what I'd consider a carabiner, but since it won't be used for climbing/supporting weight, they're ideal.

When it comes to key rings, this is the best I have ever encountered: http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Line-71101-K...words=key-chain

I have used one for more than a year - light, foolproof, easy to change, and inexpensive. Way better than any carabiner.

Here is something you might want to cheeck out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkraPv-I_Bk

It's called a "twin gate carabiner" - supposedly as secure as a locker, but no unwieldy screw on the gate. This is rather new,and I have no personal experience with this gadget. I'll bet it is rther pricy, but it might work just fine for your keys.

That twingate looks pretty sweet! I'll have to see if they make a version in the 2.5"-3" range. It has to fit in my pocket after all.

"It has to fit in my pocket after all."

It will look much more macho if you clip it to a belt loop. I don't believe they make a small version yet, I think it is brand new and available only in new sizes.

I'll be noble and acquire one and test it for you... that's just the kind of guy I am