Return for Replacement: Petzl GRIGRI 2

*** this recall is now closed ***

Concerns all GRIGRI 2’s (D14 2O, D14 2G, D14 2B ) with the first five digits of the serial number between 10326 and 11136.

Petzl has discovered that exerting excessive force on the fully extended handle of the GRIGRI 2 can cause internal damage, such that the GRIGRI 2 handle may become stuck in the open position.

When the handle is stuck in this position, the assisted braking function is disabled.

A damaged GRIGRI 2 in this configuration will function similarly to a manual belay device (e.g. tube style device).

When using a damaged GRIGRI 2 with the handle stuck in the position as shown in Figure 1, failure to control the braking side of the rope will increase the risk of an uncontrolled descent. A GRIGRI 2 with a damaged handle must be immediately retired from service.

It is important to note that failure to control the braking side of the rope is a misuse of the GRIGRI 2 under any circumstance (See GRIGRI 2 Technical Notice - pdf file, 2.5Mb).

As of June 20, 2011, seven damaged products have been returned to Petzl through our worldwide distribution network. Petzl has no knowledge of any accidents resulting from a damaged GRIGRI 2 handle.

Because the safety of our users is our primary concern, as a precautionary measure, Petzl has decided to take the following actions :

• increase the mechanical strength of the handle on all GRIGRI 2’s from serial number 11137 onward.
• recall all GRIGRI 2’s with the first five digits of the serial number between 10326 and 11136, and replace them with a new, strengthened GRIGRI 2.Petzl will pay for all shipping costs to complete this replacement.

The previous generation GRIGRI (shown below) is not concerned by this recall.

Download the Australian Recall Posterfor this recall.