How To Use A Petzl Grigri Belay Device

If you are unfamiliar with belay devices, learn about how to use a Petzl Grigri belay device. Petzl is the first maker of the Grigri belaying device, which is similar to traditional belaying devices, but is a bit more complex. The Grigri is advertised as self-locking, but this should not be taken to mean that the Grigri is a "hands-free" belay device. The Petzl Grigri presents various benefits and drawbacks, depending on what type of climbing you are doing and your skill level. Learn about how to use a Petzl Grigri belay device. Note: These instructions are not intended to replace the instructions you should receive from an expert before attempting a climb.

In order to learn about how to use a Petzl Grigri belay device, you will need:

• Ten minutes
• The Petzl Grigri
• A climbing rope ten to eleven mm in diameter
• Knowledge of basic climbing terms

1. Locate your brake hand. Place your brake hang on the Petzl Grigri. Make sure that your thumb is facing away from the the Grigri. Make sure you are aware of where your brake hand is at all times while belaying a climber.
2. Give slack to the climber. As the climber progresses on his ascent, you will increase the amount of slack you give. Feed the rope through the Petzl Grigri belaying device in keeping with the climber's speed. Use both hands to feed rope through the Grigri. Don't go too fast or the Grigri will lock.
3. Arrest a fall. In order to stop a climber's fall, you will need to quickly give slack to the climber. Using your brake hand, squeeze the lever quickly to engage the built-in cam. Take your other hand to feed rope through the Grigri belaying device, using a pushing and pulling motion. Quickly return your brake hand to the belay position. It is important that you do not leave the cam open. Make sure that you do not accidently squeeze the cam and lose control of the rope.

Using the Petzl Grigri belay device for lead climbing can be attempted, but its safety is disputed. Petzl recommends the Grigri for use in lead climbing, but it should be used with caution. In order to use the Petzl Grigri for lead climbing, the lead climber has to hold the Grigri open only at certain times but not the whole time. Lead climbing with the Petzl Grigri should not be attempted by beginning climbers.