Unblocking a rope that is jammed behind the cam - Petzl USA
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Unblocking a rope that is jammed behind the cam

Warnings

  • Carefully read the Instructions for Use used in this technical advice before consulting the advice itself. You must have already read and understood the information in the Instructions for Use to be able to understand this supplementary information.
  • Mastering these techniques requires specific training. Work with a professional to confirm your ability to perform these techniques safely and independently before attempting them unsupervised.
  • We provide examples of techniques related to your activity. There may be others that we do not describe here.

In certain specific cases (for example, assisting the climber in regaining a high point after a fall, GRIGRI fixed on a carabiner attached to two points, rope climbing...), the rope can become jammed behind the cam. Don't worry: this jamming does not damage the rope. Our internal testing shows that even with the smallest diameters, the rope remains intact, even if the climber falls. Note also that even with the rope in this position, the cam functions normally and the climber's fall will be arrested.

Unjamming the rope is simple. Always hold the brake side of the rope when performing this action. If the rope is not under tension, push on the side of the device to reposition the climber side of the rope in the cam groove. If the rope is already under tension, simply pull on the brake side of the rope.

Initial state: the rope is jammed

Initial state: the rope is jammed.

Sag
Pull on the brake side of the rope

Unjamming, if the climber side of the rope is under tension: pull on the brake side of the rope.


The rope is jammed

Initial state: the rope is jammed.

Sag
Reposition the climber side of the rope in the cam groove

Unjamming, if the climber side of the rope is not under tension: push on the device to reposition the climber side of the rope in the cam groove