Recall of Petzl GRIGRI 2

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

June 20, 2011

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, as pictured in Figure 1.

When the handle is stuck in the position shown in Figure 1, 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 open position, failure to control the braking side of the rope will dramatically increase the risk of an uncontrolled descent, possibly resulting in injury or death.

A GRIGRI 2 with a damaged handle must be immediately retired from service.

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

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

Petzl Response

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

• Ask users to immediately stop using all GRIGRI 2’s with the first five digits of the serial number between 10326 and 11136.
• Recall all affected GRIGRI 2’s and replace with new, revised versions.
• Petzl will pay for all shipping costs to complete this replacement.
• Increase the mechanical strength of the handle on all GRIGRI 2’s from serial number 11137 onward.
• Begin shipping replacement GRIGRI 2’s immediately. Users will receive replacements in the same order they return their old units to Petzl.

Every one of us here at Petzl is committed to resolving this issue as quickly and efficiently as possible. Thank you for your coopoeration and support.

If you have a GRIGRI 2 (D14 2O, D14 2G, D14 2B) with the first five digits of the serial number between 10326 and 11136, stop use immediately and contact Petzl America to initiate an exchange.
Contact Petzl America in one of two ways:
– By phone: 1 (800) 932-2978 (toll free)
– By email: grigri2recall@petzl.com
Petzl will pay all shipping costs associated with this exchange

For more information or to find out how how to initiate an exchange visit Petzl.

*Note: The previous generation GRIGRI is NOT affected by this recall.