Black Diamond Recalls Climbing Ascenders Due to Fall Hazard
Home product recall 16-164. Announced by CPSC on May 19, 2016.
- 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 May 19, 2016. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- Replace what’s offered
- About 2,800 (in addition, 300 were sold in Canada) units, as CPSC gives them
- None injuries, CPSC’s notice says
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
The Index Ascenders’ rivet holding the toothed cam can release, allowing the Ascender to slide on the rope or become detached from the rope, posing a risk of injury or death to climbers from a fall.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ascenders and contact Black Diamond for instructions on inspecting and returning the product for a free replacement. Instructions for inspection are also available at https://warranty.bdel.com/IndexRecall/Landing. Only those ascenders having an unformed rivet need to be returned for replacement.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- What the company offers to fix a recalled product or vehicle: a repair, a replacement or a refund, as the recall notice says. For a vehicle, dealers make the safety repair free. Follow the notice’s own steps, or contact the company it names. Source: CPSC; NHTSA (49 U.S.C. 30120).: replace.
- How to reach the firm: Black Diamond at 800-775-5552 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, email at recall@bdel.com or online a http://blackdiamondequipment.com and click on “SAFETY NOTICES: Recall for Inspection” for more information.
Which ones are recalled?
This recall involves Black Diamond brand Index Ascenders (left and right versions) used as rope clamps for rock climbing and mountaineering. The metal ascenders are orange, with a black and gray grip or silver with a black and gray grip. Index Ascenders with a manufacturing code from 4356 to 6015 are included in the recall. The manufacturing code is located on the frame of the ascenders. “Black Diamond” is imprinted on both sides of the handle.
About 2,800 (in addition, 300 were sold in Canada) units, as CPSC gives them.
Black Diamond Index Ascenders for climbing.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 3 photos on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Imported by Black Diamond Equipment Ltd., Salt Lake City, Utah.
- Distributed by Black Diamond Equipment Ltd., Salt Lake City, Utah.
- Eastern Mountain Sports, Moosejaw Mountaineering, Outdoors Inc., REI, Sport Chalet, and other specialty outdoor stores nationwide and online at Backcountry.com and BlackDiamond.com and for about $80.
- Made in United States, as the notice gives it.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
None reported
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.