Edelrid Pinch Rope Adjustment Device User Manual

General Safety and Application Notes

This user manual contains important notes for proper and practical use. These notes must be understood before use and adhered to during use. The reseller must provide this document in the language spoken in the country of use and it must be kept together with the equipment during its entire service life. Reading the instructions alone cannot replace experience, responsible action, and knowledge of the risks involved in mountaineering, climbing, and working at height or depth; it does not absolve users from personal risk.

The product must be used exclusively by trained, experienced persons or under direct instruction and supervision by trained and experienced persons. It must be used exclusively with CE-marked components of personal protective equipment (PPE) for fall protection. Combining this product with other components may lead to mutual interference. The user or supervisor is responsible for the compatibility of equipment components and anchorage points. Poor physical or mental health can jeopardize safety. Errors and carelessness can lead to severe accidents, injuries, or death.

The equipment must not be altered in any way not expressly recommended by the manufacturer in writing. The ready-for-use condition and proper function must be checked before and after each use. If in doubt about safety, remove the product from use immediately. The manufacturer disclaims any liability for abuse and/or improper use. Users or responsible persons bear all responsibility and risk. National rules for product application should also be observed.

Attention: Failure to observe these instructions may lead to severe injury or death.

Anchor Points

For safety, it is essential to choose the anchorage device/point and work type to minimize free fall and fall height. Ensure sufficient free space below the user before using a fall arrest system. To avoid high loads and swinging falls, anchor points for belay purposes must always be as vertical as possible above the person being belayed. Sharp edges, ridges, and crushing can seriously impair stability and should be covered where necessary. Anchor points and anchoring must withstand worst-case loads. Even with shock absorbers (EN 355), anchor points must resist at least 12 kN (see EN 795).

Instructions for Use (EN 12841-C)

Type C devices are for moving along a working rope. When working at height, use with a back-up device (EN 12841-A) on a second independent rope. Only use with ropes according to EN 1891. Ropes tested for EN 12841-C certification include EDELRID Enduro Static 10.0 mm and EDELRID Performance Static 10.5 mm. The device is not suitable as a fall arrest system; dynamic loads can damage the rope.

Product-Specific Information

Braking effect depends on rope diameter, rope nature, humidity, and other factors (rain, temperature, user weight). Familiarize yourself before each use. The device must not be opened during belaying or lowering.

Nomenclature:

• A – Releasing lever
• B – Braking cam
• C – Movable side plate
• D – Mounting channel
• E – Mounting eyelets
• F – Rope channel
• G – Opening push button
• H – Marking

Approved Parameters: Parameters vary by application. Performance limits are reached when all parameters are at maximum. Extreme conditions may lead to loss of control or rope damage. Take additional measures if necessary (increase friction, reduce speed, divide route).

Rope Diameter Deviation: Commercially available ropes may deviate up to 0.2 mm from the nominal value.

Rope Redirection: The brake side of the rope must always be redirected.

Correct Installation: Connect via mounting eyelets (E) with a suitable locking carabiner (see fig. 4a) or directly via the mounting channel (D) to an anchor point (10-20 mm width for textile, 17 mm for metal). EDELRID Kiwi Triple Lock or a locking carabiner with anti-twist protection is recommended for the eyelets. Ensure the carabiner lock does not jam in the eyelets. The device can be additionally secured with any locking carabiner when using the mounting channel.

Fixed Point Attachment: Ensure the releasing lever and brake cam are not obstructed in their functional range when attached to a fixed point.

Partner Check: Perform before each operation to avoid errors. Wear gloves. Tie a knot at the end of the belaying rope.

Function Test & Hazards: Perform a function check before each use. Gloves are recommended. Ensure hair, fingers, or clothing do not get caught. Metal parts can become very hot.

Correct Operation (Belaying): Always enclose the braking rope with the braking hand. For releasing rope, use four fingers to enclose the rope, with the thumb on the releasing lever for feeding rope.

Correct Operation (Lowering/Abseiling): Control the braking rope and releasing lever with one hand at all times. Ensure the lever moves freely and is not blocked. If the anti-panic function is activated, move the lever forward to continue lowering. Experienced users can pull the lever further back in specific situations. Redirection of the braking rope is recommended when lowering a follower.

Anti-Panic Function Deactivation: A screw is provided to permanently deactivate the anti-panic function by screwing it into the underside of the releasing lever. Caution: Only for experienced users.

Maintenance, Storage, and Transport

Storage & Transport: Store and transport correctly.

Maintenance: Use alcohol-based disinfectants (e.g., isopropanol) if needed. Lubricate metal part joints regularly with acid-free oil or PTFE/silicone-based lubricant after cleaning.

Service Life and Replacement

Maximum Service Life: Time from manufacture to discard state. Synthetic fibers age even without use; life depends on UV exposure and climate.

Maximum Useful Life: Time from first use to discard state, assuming proper use, no detectable wear, and optimal storage. Frequent use or extreme load can significantly shorten service life.

Inspection Before Use: Check for damage and correct function before every use. Discard immediately if:

• Doubts about safe usability exist.
• Sharp edges could damage the rope or hurt the user.
• Visible signs of damage (fissures, plastic deformation) are present.
• Material shows strong corrosion or chemical contact.
• Metal parts rested on sharp edges.
• Metal parts show extensive abrasion/material loss.
• The gate can no longer be closed.
• A hard fall load has occurred.

Inspection and Documentation

For commercial use, the product must be inspected regularly (at least annually) by the manufacturer, a qualified person, or an approved inspection body. Legibility of markings must be checked. Inspections and maintenance must be documented separately for each product. Record: product ID/name, manufacturer details, unique ID, manufacture/purchase/first use dates, next inspection date, inspection result, and signature of the responsible qualified person. A template is available at edelrid.com.

Temperature of Use

Dry Conditions: Heat, cold, humidity, icing, oil, and dust can impair function.

Temperature Range:

• Use: 0°C to +30°C (32°F to 86°F)
• Storage/Transport: -30°C to +60°C (-22°F to 140°F)

Contact Details

Contact EDELRID for questions. Contact details are on the back page. Instructions for use are subject to change; the latest version is always at edelrid.com.

Notified Bodies

Notified Body for EU Type Approval: CE 2777 (SATRA Technology Europe Ltd, Bracetown Business Park, Clonee, Dublin 15, Ireland)

Notified Body Monitoring PPE Production: AUVA, Vienna Twin Towers, Wienerbergstraße 11, 1100 Wien, Austria

Material

Aluminum, steel, polyamide.

Product Labelling

Manufacturer: EDELRID

Manufacturer Address: Achener Weg 66, 88316 Isny im Allgäu, Germany

Model: Pinch

Product Description: Rope adjustment device, braking device, and descent device according to EN 15151-1:2012 and EN 12841:2006/C.

Lot Number: 2777 (Identification of the notified body monitoring PPE production).

Manufacturing Date: YYYY MM (Year and month of manufacture).

Standards Compliance: EN 15151-1 (Rope diameter: 8.5 – 10.5 mm), EN 12841-C (Max. load: 120 kg; Rope diameter: 10.0 – 10.5 mm, use only with Kernmantel rope according to EN 1891).

Warning: Read and observe warning messages and instructions.

Declaration of Conformity

EDELRID GmbH & Co. KG declares that this product conforms to the essential requirements and relevant provisions of EU Regulation 2016/425. Original Declaration of Conformity available at edelrid.com.