What is a risk associated with side loading a carabiner?

Side loading a carabiner significantly compromises its structural integrity, thereby reducing its strength and increasing the risk of failure. When a carabiner is loaded in a way that is not aligned with its intended design — such as being pulled sideways rather than along its spine — it does not utilize its full strength potential. This misalignment can lead to the carabiner being unable to handle the weight or force applied, which could cause it to break or malfunction under load. Understanding the correct orientation and loading of gear is crucial for maintaining safety standards in rigging and fall protection practices.