How to Load a GriGri for Belaying a Rock Climber

The belay device is one of the essentials for rock climbing safety. Many climbers opt for Petzl's GriGri, an auto-locking belay device. A GriGri is a mechanical device that cams against the rope to break a climber's fall. Loading the device correctly is critical to the safety of the climber.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Climbing harness
• Petzl GriGri
• Locking carabiner
• Dynamic climbing rope (eHow recommends 10mm, 60m rope)

1. 

   Hold the GriGri horizontally with the face plate facing up. There is a picture of a climber on the left side of the GriGri. A picture of a hand is on the right.

2. 

   Swing open the GriGri. There are identical pictures on the inside.

3. 

   Trace the rope through the track inside the GriGri. Be sure the end of the rope leading to your climber matches up with the picture of the climber. The end you will break with should match the picture of the hand.

4. 

   Close the GriGri.

5. 

   Clip the carabiner through the hole on the GriGri and then through the belay loop on your harness. Be sure the black lever is positioned on the left. (This lever is used to release the camming mechanism in order to lower the climber. It must be operated with the left hand since the right hand is used to break the rope.)

6. Screw the gate closed on the carabiner. If you're using an auto-locking carabiner, press on the gate to be sure it is locked and will not open.

7. Check the setup. Ensure the climbing and belaying ends of the rope match the respective pictures on the GriGri. The carabiner must be clipped through the holes on both the body and the face plate of the GriGri. Press on the gate of the carabiner to make sure it is locked.

Tips & Warnings

• Before the climber begins climbing, give a quick tug on the climbing end of the rope to make sure the GriGri stops the rope from coming through the device.
• Break the rope with your right hand just as though you were not using an auto-locking device. Assume the device will fail, so if it does, you are prepared to break the climber yourself.
• Always consult the instruction manual that accompanies any piece of climbing gear.
• Climbing is an inherently dangerous sport. Seek expert instruction before participating in this sport. Most climbing gyms offer a wide range of classes taught by certified instructors.