petzl ball lock

[Bundle 2]

It kind of surprises me that manufacturers of ppe and in this case Petzl ; Lets face it , the reputation of this french company is world wide, still somehow allow quality control balls up like the plastic gate issue to need a recall. I mean, this is not a quality control issue in the strict sense. Whether or not the plastic gates were the reason for the recall referred to above, I could never bring myself to use the carabiner. I just was not turned on by the plastic. Not even an expensive polymer. Cheap manufacturing standards aimed at keeping costs down no doubt.I could lose faith in the safety of my day to day working life. I know this sounds bad but somehow I dont think if it had been me I could have allowed such a crucial thing to have slipped thrugh the safety testing net had I been responsible for the deign of the thing at Petzl. Which brings me to the next issue. Too many hands make mistakes. Maybe its a case of accountability in the primary sense of decisions being jointly or even remotely made. I've said too much...Scare mongering and slander are but a small step from here!

[DontLookDown]

I no what you mean, I had the option of using the plastic gate ball lock crabs when I was learning to climb at college, and I really hated them with a passion. The first time I came across the metal gate it just seemed allot nicer and I had to get one. One of my favourite crabs now!!! didn’t the size of the button get slightly bigger with the metal gates as well?

[Amelanchier]

I hate them.

They're absolute ball-locks.

[Log-ologist]

:thumbsdown:It was used to connect a micrograb on a wire core flip line to my side D's it got in a funny angle and pop. Lurching towards a running saw when your cutting is not good news.

[Pete Mctree]

Some interesting reading from treebuzz.

 

http://www.treebuzz.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=121952&an=0&page=0&gonew=1#UNREAD

[Bundle 2]

You want to use a short tape connector in there or summut...prevents twist and go action!! Also good as quick release rescue...slash and away...

[treejumper]

Some interesting reading from treebuzz.

 

http://www.treebuzz.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=121952&an=0&page=0&gonew=1#UNREAD

 

Worrying - I'm just glad I have none

[Bundle 2]

mmmmm...........

[Pete Mctree]

Remember it's only one persons observation, but i would wait to see what the manufacturer have to say. There was a recall of certain ones and it might be one that was not returned. INHO it is a great krab, my personal favorite. It does teach us that observation and carefull kit maitenance are essential for our longevity

[Bundle 2]

The point that here seems to need making is one of design...Do the designers climb and use the gear...they ought to if we are to get wheat not chaff....?

Nice post there Pete........>>>