The Gri-Gri will act as something of a “second-hand,” even if the worst should happen and the brake strand is released. Regardless of the context – sport, trad, multi-pitch, single pitch, trad, alpine – it is inherently safer than the ATC.

With a GRIGRI, it is not possible to rappel on the two strands coming out of the anchor. So one must rappel on a single strand, blocked at the rappel ring by a knot attached to a locking carabiner. Rappel only on the strand opposite the knot block; the other strand is used only for retrieving the rope.

On the GRIGRI +, check the condition of the wear plate. Check the condition of the attachment hole (marks, deformation, cracks, corrosion...). Check the condition of the rivets (marks, deformation, cracks, corrosion, absence of play...).

Check for any cracks, excessive wear, metal burs, or grooves where the rope contacts the device. If you find any of these, retire the piece. If there are any mechanical parts to your belay device, like the camming mechanism on a Grigri, make sure the action is smooth and works properly.