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[rbirk]

I was climbing with my Grivel G14 crampons today Sunday up on Pinnacle gully on Mt Washington. Weather was sunny and around -4C. Then suddenly the front bail just snapped and broke into two pieces. Attached is a picture. This was while leading the third pitch. Crampon immediately fell off the boot and then hanged on my foot using the strap.

I don’t think this is supposed to happen. Would you say this is a common usage issue or a manufacturing problem?

[DWT]

usage.  Did you whip?

[Admin Al]

those crampons look pretty well used, how old are they? it shouldn't happen no matter what tho.  3rd pitch...that's a snow pitch, right? I haven't pitched Pinnacle out in 10 years, so I don't remember the distances from that standpoint. so what did you do?  did you have any duct tape handy?

[rbirk]

They are 4 years old. Yes, luckily it was mostly snow from that point, so I finished the climbing. Just had to be little more careful with the right foot. After topping out, my second gave me his microspike for my right foot

[Admin Al]

4 years is not so old. I would contact Grivel

[DGoguen]

so I finished the climbing. Just had to be little more careful with the right foot.

Ah the famous, often referenced, "pidgeon hole" technique.
Nice job. I would contact Grivel. I don't usually complain about wearing gear out but the two times I did speak up, ( not Grivel) I got a replacement.
I have a box of spare parts, I'm sure there are Grivel bails if you need one.

[rbirk]

I sent an email with photo to info@grivel.com last night. Haven't heard anything back, but will wait a few days. That was the only email or contact info I could find on their web site.

Yes, a new bail would be awesome. There's still plenty of ice out there that needs to be climbed.

[DGoguen]

Yes, a new bail would be awesome. There's still plenty of ice out there that needs to be climbed.

I just checked, I had a couple of them. Send me a PM with your address and I'll drop it in the mail.

Just shipped it. You should see it on Wednesday afternoon.

[alclimbup2]

Wow, I dont have them anymore, and dont remember exact make, but they were definitely Grivel, but about 15-20 years ago I had same exact thing happen about 60 feet up on a thin 3+ leading, the bail broke in two!, tink tink to ther ground, I'm kicking my bare plastic boot to no avail. I was freaking cause I was way past last marginal at best pro, just getting into decent ice puttin in a screw when it happened, managed to get the screw in and an axe buried and weighted them until a third friend ran up to to toss a rope from above. It was only 2 years old, brought it back to All Outdoors in Manchester where I got them and they got Grivel to mail a replacement. You'll get one, but fact it happened at all is suspect , that should not happen, glad you are ok, brought back a scary memory

[DGoguen]

You must immediately Say " Pidgeon Hole", "Pidgeon Hole" "Pidgeon Hole" and the force will be with you.

[rbirk]

Dave, got the front bail and installed it. Thanks so very much!! i owe you one.

[rbirk]

Used my new repaired crampon last Sunday on O'Dell. Thanks again Dave!! However I think there won't be much more ice for me to play with until next season.