CPSC, MSA Announce Recall of Climbing Wall Descenders
Home product recall 05-578. Announced by CPSC on Jun 3, 2005.
- CPSC: stop using it
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own notice is on cpsc.gov.
The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Jun 3, 2005. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- 783 units, as CPSC gives them
- Reported injuries, in the notice (needs attention)
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
This product, which assists wall climbers during descent, has a faulty bearing that can cause the brakes to fail. When this occurs, wall climbers risk rapid descent, with no braking capability.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should stop using the descenders immediately and contact MSA to schedule a free repair of the product.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: Contact MSA at (800) 672-2222 anytime or visit the firm’s Web site at www.MSAnet.com
Which ones are recalled?
Two types of descenders, which are used in recreational wall climbing, are included in this recall: Redpoint and Auto-Belay descenders. The descenders consist of a round metal housing into which a retractable red strap (Redpoint) or steel cable (Auto-Belay) is coiled. The front of each descender’s round metal housing includes a red label (Redpoint) or green label (Auto-Belay) with the name of the product. A label on the back of the product’s housing includes the descender’s date of manufacture, last service date, and product number. Redpoint Descenders are identified with product numbers 10024873, 10027646 or 10027798. Auto-Belay Descenders are identified with the product number 10021806. Redpoint Descenders manufactured or serviced from August 27, 2004 through April 6, 2005 are included in the recall. Auto-Belay Descenders serviced from August 27, 2004 through April 6, 2005 are included in the recall.
783 units, as CPSC gives them.
Redpoint™ and Auto-Belay Descenders.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 2 photos on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Made by Mine Safety Appliances Co. (MSA), Pittsburgh, Pa.
- MSA worldwide, from August 27, 2004 through April 6, 2005. Sale Price: About $2,000.
- Made in United States, as the notice gives it.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
MSA has received three reports of Redpoint Descenders’ brakes failing. One fall resulted in a cracked vertebra. Other injuries include bruised ribs and a sprained ankle.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.