How To Use A GriGri Belay Device

Do you want to know how to use a Grigri belay device? The Grigri is a belay device patented by Petzl, one of the world´s leading climbing gear manufacturers. This particular device has some remarkable capabilities that make it highly recommended for traditional climbing.

What you need:

• A Grigri
• A climbing rope
• A harness
• A locking carabiner

1. Put on the harness. Open the belt and each of the leg loops and extend the harness on the floor. Step in each of the leg loops, leaving the strap fastener in the front. Raise the harness until the belt reaches your hips, making sure the leg loops do not twist. If they do, the harness will feel uncomfortable. Tighten both leg loops and tighten the belt, tying a double loop at the end of the belt.
2. Open the Grigri. This device has the same working principle as a switchblade, so slide it open to a 45-degree angle.
3. Look at the printed graph on the face of the Grigri. The main plate has a drawing showing the correct way to use the device.
4. Make the rope go around the wheel in the center of the Grigri and out again as shown in the picture.
5. Close the Grigri with the rope in the right position. Again, this device works as a switchblade. Make the holes in the front and back plates of the Grigri match.
6. Clip the Grigri to the locking carabiner. The carabiner must be clipped through the hole that marks the junction between both upper and lower plates of the Grigri.
7. Clip the carabiner to the belay loop on your harness and lock it. Make sure the load is properly placed on the carabiner and it remains with the gate locked and facing up.
8. Put some load on the Grigri to ensure it's properly placed. Do this by sitting on the harness after taking the slack of the rope connected to the anchor.
9. Remember, even though it is sophisticated, the Grigri is still a friction device, so make sure to hold the rope as instructed to provide breaking force. You can get more friction either by making the rope's angle wider or squeezing the rope with your strong hand.
10. When both the climber's side and the coil's side of the rope are parallel, the rope will run. In the event of a sudden pull, the Grigri will automatically break. One of the most important capabilities of the Grigri is it does not brake suddenly, but provides a slow breaking to avoid hard pulls in the event of a fall, preserving both the climber and the rope.

Tips:

• Read the instructions thoroughly and practice using the Grigri before heading for a climb.