Calibrating the Latch

I advanced along the concrete rim to the edge of the metal railing. Bolted near the lower bar was an unused zinc-plated carabiner clip attached to a cord. I reached out to evaluate the spring gate. Pressing my thumb against the narrow steel arm, I applied inward force until the spring compressed completely. The hinge snapped shut against the curved frame with a sharp mechanical strike when released. I repeated the compression twice to assess tension stability before stepping back onto the dry tile.