Gri Gri

Gri Gri. Is an auto locking belay and descending device. This in an invaluable piece of equipment. It's braking capability provides added safety to the climber and gives the belayer a unique ability to apply tension for a long duration. The climber can try and re-try a route while working out the sequence on a crux. The Gri Gri functions equally well for leading as top roping. It is a nice size, fitting easily in the hand, with round corners and a comfortable feel. Petzl Climbing designed the Gri Gri for primarily outdoor sport, recreational and gym climbing.

How it Works. The Gri Gri has an internal cam that provides the self-braking capability. When climbing ropes glide loosely through the device without tension the cam is not affected. However when tension is applied the resulting friction causes the cam to rotate in the closed direction, pressing the rope very tightly against the inner friction plate. This action firmly breaks the rope.

Gri Gri Information:

Gri Gri operation is best on cords 10 to 11 millimeters in diameter. It weighs 7.9 ounces, or 225 grams. It is made with aluminum side plates. The internal cam and friction plate is stainless steel and the lever is reinforced Nylon. The Gri Gri comes with a three year manufacturer's warranty. Get qualified, in-person instruction before using this device. The following provides a basic understanding but does not constitute qualified instruction (see disclaimer).

Set up. Open the Gri Gri and insert the rope according to the diagram imprinted on its interior. It should travel from the belayer, into the Gri Gri and around the cam, then exit at the diagram with arrow and climber as shown to the left. Take note of the engraved diagrams on the inside of the Gri Gri and ensure the travel of the rope flows in the indicated direction. Close the Gri Gri. Do a quick function check by pulling the line hard to ensure the device engages. Attach a locking carabiner through the hole.

Belaying. Use the Gri Gri in the same way you would use any of the other Belay Device. Use both hands, one on the climber's side and one on the free side (brake side). "Give" the line by pushing the rope into the Gri Gri while pulling at a moderate rate with the other hand. Falls are stopped in the same way as other devices: Using the break hand on the free side pull down to create friction which engages the cam. In some cases you may need to "give" quickly to your partner. This is no problem: Using the brake hand (free side) squeeze the lever against the Gri Gri causing the cam to be held open or unengaged. At the same time with the other hand, pull the line through the device with as much speed and force as needed. Immediately return the break hand to the belay position--do not continue to hold the cam open. The great value of the Gri Gri is in providing a fail-safe in case of a belayer's error. The belayer should not rely exclusively on the fail-safe braking capability of the Gri Gri and should always monitor his partner, ready to catch a fall by applying downward pressure using the break hand on the free end.

Lowering. Just pull the lever with gradual increasing pressure to allow movement through the device. The speed of travel through the Gri Gri, or speed of descent, is managed by the pressure on the lever.

Rappelling. The Gri Gri can also be used for controlling your descent during a rappel. However, the Gri Gri is made for use with a single rope. So, if you want to do a double rope rappel (in order retrieve your rope when you get to the bottom) you should not use the Gri Gri.

Gri Gri / Am'D Package includes the Gri Gri and a locking Am'D 'biner. The Gri Gri is intended to be used in combination with a locking 'biner. If you don't have one, this package deal will save you some money. The Am'D locking 'biner with the packages gives you the choice of screw-lock, ball-lock, or triact-lock gate, and the locking 'biner has an impressive key lock type gate that's uniquely designed to prevent snags.

Summary. The Gri Gri is an awesome device. Many people highly recommend it for a wide range of applications to include belaying for lead and/or top rope, rappelling, and even as an ascender. It is highly reliable when used correctly. With a top rope they can lock off and work the route; ascending or descending whenever they need to giving plenty of time to work a route without burning out their belayer and for this reason routesetters find the Gri Gri invaluable. The Gri Gri is an excellent choice for indoor gyms, sport and recreational routes.