Salt Lake City, Utah (April 13, 2016) - Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is voluntarily issuing a recall, subject to user inspection, of Index rope climbing ascenders, because some units may have been improperly assembled and may fail during use, potentially resulting in injury or death.
This recall concerns both the right (style number 620003) and left (style number 620004) versions of the Index Ascenders manufactured between December 22, 2014 and February 25, 2016, with manufacturing codes between 4356 and 6015.
In some Index Ascenders, the rivet attaching the toothed cam to the ascender body may not be properly finished. This could cause the cam to become detached, allowing the ascender to disconnect from the rope. There is also the potential that the rivet attaching the plastic safety catch to the cam may not be properly finished, increasing the likelihood that the ascender could become detached from the rope.
No accidents have been reported; however, in the interest of customer safety, Black Diamond has decided to voluntarily issue a recall, subject to user inspection, of Index Ascenders.
If you own Index Ascenders that fall within the scope of this recall, Black Diamond is requesting that you STOP USE IMMEDIATELY, and inspect them following the procedures below. If they fail inspection, please contact Black Diamond, and we will replace your ascenders free of charge.
Right and left Index Ascenders manufactured between December 22, 2014 and February 25, 2016, with manufacturing codes between 4356 and 6015 are within the scope of this recall.
To find the manufacturing code, look for the four-digit number inside the ascender next to the toothed cam.
Only ascenders with manufacturing codes between 4356 and 6015, are within the scope of this recall. If you have an Index Ascender that falls within the scope of this recall, please follow the inspection procedures below.
If your Index Ascenders match the above criteria, examine the rivets on the back of the device securing the toothed cam to the ascender frame and the rivets securing the plastic catch to the cam.
Questions? Please consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If your Index Ascenders failed the inspection procedures above, please follow the steps below to return them to Black Diamond and receive replacements.
Questions? Please consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)