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…
Black Diamond Equipment Ltd., of Salt Lake City, Utah recalled This recall involves Black Diamond brand Index Ascenders (left and right versions) used a….
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 CPSC recall-The Index Ascenders' rivet holding the toothed cam can release, allowing the Ascender to slide on the rope or….
- None
- agency class
- 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 recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. Consumers holding this product should act on the agency's documented remedy above 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 - 515 outdoor & sports recalls on record
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 | Not classified by agency |
| 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.
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Similar severity · nearest report date
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Similar Outdoor & Sports · nearest report date
Same product category, closest by report date among other firms and states (deduped against the severity set).
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Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026