Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported May 19, 2016
Black Diamond Recalls Climbing Ascenders Due to Fall Hazard
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 cl…
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with CPSC →
Black Diamond Equipment Ltd., of Salt Lake City, Utah recalled This recall involves Black Diamond brand Index Ascenders (left and right versions) used a… - a moderate-severity action.
Black Diamond Recalls Climbing Ascenders Due to Fall Hazard was recalled by Black Diamond Equipment Ltd., of Salt Lake City, Utah in May 19, 2016. Reason: The Index Ascenders' rivet holding the toothed cam can release, allowing the Ascender to slide on the rope or…. Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ascenders and contact Black Diamond …. Verify recall #16164 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
Black Diamond Equipment Ltd., of Salt Lake City, Utah issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-The Index Ascenders' rivet holding the toothed cam can release, allowing the Ascender to slide on the rope or….
- Moderate
- severity level
- May 19, 2016
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #16164 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #16164) was formally reported on May 19, 2016. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. Black Diamond Equipment Ltd., of Salt Lake City, Utah is listed as the recalling firm. Federal records list the affected scope as About 2,800 (in addition, 300 were sold in Canada).
The documented reason for this recall is: 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. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: 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 a… - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Outdoor & Sports recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 510 outdoor & sports recalls on record
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Affected scope
About 2,800 (in addition, 300 were sold in Canada)
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product description
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.
Reason for recall
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.
Remedy, what to 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.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 16164 |
| Date reported | May 19, 2016 |
| Date initiated | May 19, 2016 |
| Recalling firm | Black Diamond Equipment Ltd., of Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Affected scope | About 2,800 (in addition, 300 were sold in Canada) |
| Distribution | Not disclosed |
| Official source | CPSC notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What to do with this recall
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ascenders and contact Black Diamond for instructions on inspecting and retur…
- Check the recall number (16164) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was 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.. Recalled by Black Diamond Equipment Ltd., of Salt Lake City, Utah. Units affected: About 2,800 (in addition, 300 were sold in Canada).
Why was this product recalled? ▼
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.
What should consumers 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.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on May 19, 2016. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 16164.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (16164) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.
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Other recalls in the same product category, useful for spotting patterns across the same defect class or manufacturer.
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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported May 19, 2016. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.