Collection: GearKeeper MAG KEEP™ retractors

GearKeeper MAG KEEP™ retractors for thermal imaging cameras

During firefighting or rescue operations, a thermal imaging camera must not only be securely attached to your gear. You also need to be able to grab it quickly, use it freely, and stow it easily again.

That is why the GearKeeper MAG KEEP™ retractorwas developed.

The MAG KEEP™ models are identifiable by the model designation RT3MK. The letters MKindicate that the retractor is equipped with the MAG KEEP™ magnetic locking system.

The series combines a powerful self-retracting cable with a magnetic attachment. This keeps the connected equipment secured during use, while the end of the retractor is magnetically held against the housing when the tool is stowed.

GearKeeper offers various retraction forces and line lengths within the RT3MK series. This allows the version to be tailored to the weight of the connected equipment and the desired range of motion.

The problem: a secured camera can still swing

A traditional retractor prevents a connected thermal imaging camera from being lost. After all, the cable remains connected to the user.

But that does not automatically mean the equipment is stowed stably.

During walking, climbing, crawling, and other active tasks, a connected camera can swing back and forth. This can be annoying and also causes movement of the cable and the attachment point.

Especially during firefighting and rescue work, you want to carry equipment as compactly and stably as possible on your gear, without sacrificing the speed with which you can deploy the camera.

The solution: the GearKeeper MAG KEEP™ system

MAG KEEP™ therefore adds a magnetic lockto the retractor.

When the thermal imaging camera is stowed, the extendable end of the retractor is magnetically held against the GearKeeper housing. This stabilizes the end as long as the tool is not in use.

According to GearKeeper, this magnetic attachment has three important functions: it prevents the cable from bouncing up and down when magnetically locked, reduces cable movement since it does not need to bend in the stowed position, and limits the swinging and movement of the connected equipment.

Do you need the thermal imaging camera? Then you simply pull it directly off the magnetic attachment. There is no separate fastener to open.

This makes it possible to grab the connected tool quickly and with one hand.

Why choose a GearKeeper MAG KEEP™ retractor?

The advantage of MAG KEEP™ lies in the combination of securing, stabilizing, and instant usability.

The thermal imaging camera remains connected to your gear with the retractor, while the magnetic attachment helps reduce unwanted movement when the camera is not in use.

In addition, the RT3MK series features various properties tailored for intensive professional use.

MAG KEEP™ magnetic attachment

The extendable end is held magnetically against the retractor's housing. This limits swinging and movement when the connected equipment is stowed.

High retraction force

The MAG KEEP™ series is available with different retraction forces:

• RT3MK-4536:approx. 1.02 kg (36 oz) – line length 45 cm
• RT3MK-4548:approx. 1.36 kg (48 oz) – line length 55 cm
• RT3MK-4558:approx. 1.64 kg (58 oz) – line length 55 cm
• RT3MK-4568:approx. 1.93 kg (68 oz) – line length 40 cm

These four versions are also available as -LC models with an aluminum Twist Lock carabiner.

This allows you to match the retractor to the weight of the equipment used and the desired range of motion.

Pivot Ball reduces cable wear

At the cable exit is a Pivot Ball. This construction allows the cable to move at different angles when the retractor is extended and is designed to reduce wear on the cable.

Barrel Swivel prevents cable twisting

The Barrel Swivelat the attachment point helps reduce twisting and bending of the cable. Movement is absorbed as much as possible at the attachment point.

Nylon-coated stainless steel cable

According to the original product specifications, the retractor features a nylon-coated stainless steel cable, combined with stainless steel split ring and hardware. The packaging also mentions a breaking strength of 80 lb / approx. 36 kg.

Please note: this specified breaking strength is not a recommended working load and is separate from the retraction force of the different models.

Heat and impact-resistant housing

The MAG KEEP™ retractors have a High Temp / High Impact plastic housingand are developed for demanding conditions. The original packaging also mentions a temperature range of -40 °F to 400 °F (-40 °C to 204 °C)for the housing.

Aluminum carabiner or Twist Lock carabiner

Within the GearKeeper MAG KEEP™ series, you can choose from two attachment options.

The standard RT3MK modelsare equipped with a large aluminum carabiner. This allows the retractor to be easily and compactly attached to the gear.

The RT3MK-LC modelsare equipped with an aluminum Twist Lock carabiner. This version features a locking mechanism for the carabiner.

GearKeeper has integrated the carabiner to keep the amount of loose length as limited as possible.

Which applications is MAG KEEP™ suitable for?

GearKeeper presents the MAG KEEP™ series specifically as TIC Retractors for Fire/Rescue applications. TIC stands for Thermal Imaging Camera.

The retractors are therefore particularly interesting for:

Fire services

For securing and keeping a thermal imaging camera within reach during activities such as walking, climbing, crawling, and other movements during an operation.

Rescue services

For situations where equipment must remain secured but at the same time must be quickly available when needed.

Professional users of thermal imaging cameras

Even outside direct firefighting and rescue applications, the system can be interesting when a suitable thermal imaging camera or tool is used regularly and needs to be carried stably on the gear in between uses.

In any application, it is important to match the retraction force, line length, and model to the connected equipment.

Important warnings for safe use

Due to the high retraction force, it is important to use a GearKeeper MAG KEEP™ retractor correctly.

On the original packaging, GearKeeper explicitly warns about the extremely high retraction force.

Never release an extended retractor without a connected tool

Do not extend the retractor and release the end when no thermal imaging camera or other suitable tool is attached to it.

The cable and the end can snap back quickly and powerfully due to the high retraction force. GearKeeper warns that this can lead to injury and product damage.

Therefore, always allow the connected equipment and cable to retract in a controlled manner.

Watch out for the strong magnetic field

The MAG KEEP™ system uses a powerful magnet. GearKeeper warns on the packaging that the magnetic field can be harmful to pacemaker users, among others, and that the retractor should be kept away from equipment sensitive to strong magnetic fields.

Check the retractor before use

GearKeeper also advises checking the cable and connections for wear and damagebefore every use.

Damaged parts should be repaired or replaced where necessary to help prevent loss or damage to connected equipment.

Which MAG KEEP™ retractor fits your thermal imaging camera?

The right version depends primarily on the weight of the connected camera, the desired retraction force, the required line length, and the type of carabiner.

For every retraction force, there is a version with a standard aluminum carabiner and a -LC version with a Twist Lock carabiner. This allows you to choose a MAG KEEP™ retractor that matches your equipment and the way you want to attach it to your gear.

View the different models above and choose the version that fits your application.

Keep your thermal imaging camera secured, limit unwanted swinging, and ensure your equipment remains instantly within reach with GearKeeper MAG KEEP™.

Frequently asked questions about GearKeeper MAG KEEP™ retractors

What is a GearKeeper MAG KEEP™ retractor?

A GearKeeper MAG KEEP™ retractoris a self-retracting retractor with a magnetic lock for securing and stably carrying items such as thermal imaging cameras. The MAG KEEP™ system holds the extendable end magnetically against the housing when the connected equipment is not in use. This limits swinging and unwanted movement.

How does the GearKeeper MAG KEEP™ system work?

The MAG KEEP™ systemuses a powerful magnet to hold the extendable end against the retractor's housing. When you need the connected thermal imaging camera, you pull it loose from the magnetic attachment and the cable extends. After use, the cable can be retracted in a controlled manner and the end is placed magnetically against the housing again.

What is the advantage of a MAG KEEP™ retractor?

The main advantage is that a MAG KEEP™ retractor both secures and stabilizes the connected equipment when it is not in use. The magnetic attachment reduces swinging and movement and prevents the cable from bouncing when the system is magnetically locked. At the same time, the connected tool remains quickly available for use.

What are GearKeeper MAG KEEP™ retractors used for?

GearKeeper presents the MAG KEEP™ series as TIC retractors for Fire/Rescue applications. TIC stands for Thermal Imaging Camera. The retractors are thus primarily developed for securing and keeping thermal imaging cameras within reach during firefighting and rescue work.

What does RT3MK mean for a GearKeeper retractor?

Within this collection, you recognize the retractors with the MAG KEEP™ system by the letters MK in the model designation, for example, RT3MK-4536, RT3MK-4548, RT3MK-4558, and RT3MK-4568. The models are available with different retraction forces and line lengths.

Which GearKeeper MAG KEEP™ retractor do I need?

The right MAG KEEP™ retractor depends, among other things, on the weight of the connected equipment, the desired retraction force, and the required line length. The series ranges from approximately 1.02 kg retraction force with 45 cm line length to approximately 1.93 kg retraction force with 40 cm line length. There are also models of approximately 1.36 and 1.64 kg with a line length of 55 cm.

What is the difference between the standard and -LC MAG KEEP™ retractors?

The standard RT3MK models are equipped with an aluminum carabiner. The models with -LC after the model designationhave an aluminum Twist Lock carabiner with a locking mechanism. The different retraction forces are available in both versions.

Can I pull out a MAG KEEP™ retractor without a tool attached?

Do not pull out the retractor to then let go of the end when no tool is attached.GearKeeper warns of the very high retraction force: the end can snap back quickly and powerfully, causing injury or damage to the product. Therefore, always let the cable retract in a controlled manner.

Does the MAG KEEP™ system have a strong magnet?

Yes. MAG KEEP™ uses a powerful magnetic field.GearKeeper warns on the packaging that this can be harmful to pacemaker users, among others. Therefore, keep the retractor away from people and equipment for whom a strong magnetic field may pose a risk.

Should I check a MAG KEEP™ retractor before use?

Yes. GearKeeper advises checking the cable and connections for wear and damagebefore use. Components should be repaired or replaced if necessary to help prevent loss or damage to connected equipment.