SAFETY NOTICE: ART BLACKBIRD Upper Pin Replacement
BlackBird Retrofit Call
ART calls on all BlackBird owners to replace the upper bearing pin of the friction enhancer along with the corresponding screw.
During inspections, we have identified isolated cases of variations in the material strength of the upper bearing pin. These variations could lead to pin fracture and, consequently, failure of the upper clamping jaw.
There is no immediate risk of a fall, as the lower jaw inside the BlackBird body remains reliably clamped even if the upper pin were to break.
Nevertheless, the manufacturer asks that you carry out the replacement promptly, as long-term data for this scenario is currently unavailable.
The required replacement kit (including instructions) will be provided free of charge and will be available from calendar week 45.
The new pin features a significantly increased wall thickness, and the corresponding screw engages much deeper; the thread is now located in the rear section of the pin to provide greater overall strength.
To request the replacement kit, please email the manufacturer directly at: info@climb-art.de
“Nose” – Right Side Plate of the Friction Enhancer
Several users have also informed us of the nose on the friction enhancer breaking off.
This nose serves to limit the clamping movement of the friction enhancer.
If the nose breaks, the friction enhancer can fully extend, causing the entire system to lock up.
Even in this case, there is no risk of a fall.
We have already reinforced this area with two stainless steel pins, but this measure alone is not sufficient to completely prevent nose breakage.
The BlackBird is certified by TÜV Süd according to EN 12841 and has successfully passed numerous tensile tests without any issues.
The described nose breakage occurred exclusively when using SRT (Single Rope Technique) and with resin-contaminated ropes.
When using such a rope, the friction enhancer may temporarily seize.
If the release lever is then fully actuated, the enhancer can suddenly extend and transfer a sharp impact force directly onto the small nose, which may break off.
When using double-rope systems (MRT/DRT), this situation cannot occur due to the system design.
To address this issue, we decided to manufacture the right side plate of the friction enhancer – including the nose – from stainless steel.
This significantly increases the material strength and the overall durability of the BlackBird.
At the same time, we have optimized the shape, so the weight increase is only 40 grams.
You can decide whether to have the side plate replaced as a precautionary measure, or only if the nose is damaged.
Replacement is free of charge and must be performed at ART’s service center.
ART will be able to carry out replacements starting from calendar week 49 and will start receiving units from week 48.
Please send your BlackBird along with the completed return form provided in the attachments.
All future production batches will already be delivered with both reinforced components installed.
For more than 20 years, the brand ART has stood for products of the highest quality and precision, designed with an emphasis on safety and durability.
We adhere to strict quality standards and are committed to maintaining them with the BlackBird model as well.
For this reason, we decided to implement these improvements and ask for your understanding.
Free translation of the original manufacturer text.
