Dear Petzl customers,

We have identified a quality issue with a limited number of the M34 BL Am'D BALL-LOCK and M36 BL WILLIAM BALL-LOCK carabiners with the new metal locking sleeve: the sleeve may be unlocked without pressing the green button, so the locking system acts as a TWIST-LOCK, instead of a BALL-LOCK. Following testing and analysis of current stock, we believe this issue may be present in approximately 5-10% of all BALL-LOCK carabiners that have the new metal sleeve. This information does not apply to the older nylon-sleeve locking system, but only to BALL-LOCK carabiners with the metal locking sleeve manufactured in 2006.

There will not be a recall of these products because a non-conforming carabiner still functions as a twist-lock carabiner. However, Petzl takes great pride in the quality of its products and wants to replace those carabiners that are non-conforming. Therefore, we suggest that you do the following:

1. Inspect all of your metal-sleeve BALL-LOCK carabiners following the simple procedure below OR return them to the Petzl distributor in your country for inspection and possible replacement.

2. If you do your own inspection, you may return any non-conforming product to the place of purchase (or Petzl distributor in your country) for replacement.

We apologize for this inconvenience and appreciate your attention and patience. Petzl is constantly working to improve its methods of production and quality assurance. Please do not hesitate to contact the Petzl distributor in your country with any questions you may have.

Best regards,

Marc GALY
Quality Manager

BALL-LOCK metal sleeve inspection procedure

1. Unlock, open and close the carabiner once as shown in the technical notice.
   - Am'D BALL-LOCK technical notice
   - WILLIAM BALL-LOCK technical notice

2. Grip the spine of the carabiner with your right hand so that your thumb is on the wider end of the carabiner (end opposite the hinge).

3. Firmly grip the locking sleeve by wrapping the fingers of your left hand around it.

4. Without pressing the green button, twist the sleeve firmly in the direction normally used to unlock the carabiner.

Inspection results

A non-conforming product will unlock easily with a single firm twist. Please do not apply excessive force as a single firm twist is all that is required to unlock a non-conforming product.

Conforming product will resist a firm twist and remain locked; again, please avoid excesssive force.