A GRIGRI is an assisted braking belay device manufactured by Petzl designed to help secure rock-climbing, rappelling, and rope-acrobatic activities. Its main characteristic is a clutch that assists in braking under a shock load. The success of this device has led to grigri becoming a common name for devices of this type. In 2011 a new version, the GRIGRI 2, was released to replace the original 1991 model. Petzl released the GRIGRI + in 2017, adding safety features to the original design, and 2019 saw the release of an updated version of the device, simply called the GRIGRI.
Mechanism of operation
The GRIGRI works by pinchingthe rope when it is moving quickly, making it an assisted braking belay device. This function distinguishes it from traditional belay devices such as a Sticht plate or an ATC, whose braking mechanisms depend entirely on the user controlling the rope in a specific manner to increase or decrease friction. Inside the GRIGRI, the rope runs along a cam; the cam allows the rope to pass if moving slowly but rotates when the rope moves more quickly, blocking further movement by pinching the rope against the inside of the device.
Uses and limitations
Petzl recommends the device for lead belaying and top-rope belaying. When used correctly, the GRIGRI's camming mechanism can assist in holding a climber that is working a route, or hanging on the rope while trying to figure out a climb. When belaying, the same technique for "taking in" that is used with an ATC or similar device is used. While paying slack out into the system, if the device is held open and the climber falls, the device will not lock unless the belayer stops holding it open. Each generation of the GRIGRI has a lower limit for the rope diameter for which the cam will engage; the manufacturer recommends the Grigri2 to be used only with 8.9 to 11mm diameter ropes. This device has just one place for installing rope and it can't be used in climbing with half rope. This device is not suitable for left-handed belay technique. There is a sharp edge on the side that will fray rope if used left-handed, but a smooth flange to protect the rope while belaying right-handed. However, there are special techniques that allow left-handed belayers to use this device, like reorienting it to face the other way.
Operating instructions
Incorrect operation
The release handle is pulled without holding on to the braking side of the rope.
The GRIGRI is held in one hand. As a consequence, the GRIGRI cannot move without restriction and the blocking mechanism cannot function.
The belayer operates the release handle incorrectly, lowering the climber too quickly. Under these circumstances, there is a risk that the belayer might panic and pull the handle farther back, causing an even more rapid descent for the climber. This risk is mitigated in the GRIGRI +, which was designed with an "anti-panic" feature that re-engages the cam if the belayer holds the handle open.
The brake hand leaves the braking side of the rope at any time, including while the GRIGRI is locked. The blocking mechanism does not work in all cases without reinforcement.
The rope is installed incorrectly. This will lead to the blocking mechanism failing.
Correct operation
Before climbing, a partner safety check is performed.
The braking hand always holds on to the braking side of the rope.
Taking up and paying out slack is primarily done with the same methods as those developed for tube-style belay devices.
Giving slack quickly to the leader is done using the “Gaswerkmethode” or "Gaswerk technique".
Proper belay technique is observed with regard to managing slack, proper belayer positioning in relation to the rock, etc.
When lowering the climber, the braking hand holds on to the braking side of the rope while the leading hand gradually releases the blocking mechanism by pulling the release handle carefully. The braking hand supports the regulation of lowering the climber.
The correct operation of the GRIGRI should always be learned and trained under qualified supervision.
While the GRIGRI was designed as a belay device, big wall climbers have invented novel ways to use the GRIGRI that are not recommended or validated by the manufacturer. For example, some big wall rope soloists use the GRIGRI as a self-feeding hands-free self-belay device. It has also seen use by the second to self-belay while jumaring the rope as one half of the ascender pair. Uses outside of those validated by the manufacturer come with considerable risks, and Petzl's official documentation goes so far as to expressly prohibit certain uses.
