Replacement Friction Pins for Chicane

These replacement friction pins for Chicane devices let you renew the wear surfaces that the rope runs across. Worn pins change how the device brakes, so swapping them restores smooth, predictable friction on a stationary rope.

Why the pins wear

Every foot of rope you descend drags across the friction surfaces of an SRS device. Grit in the rope speeds that up, and over time the pins develop grooves or flat spots. Worn pins change the friction you get, which can make the descent grabby in one spot and slippery in another.

Replacing the pins is cheaper than replacing the whole device, as long as the rest of it passes inspection. Browse other SRS climbing devices if your device is due for retirement.

Climbers who descend long distances on dirty rope will see pin wear sooner, so keeping your rope clean helps the pins last.

Swapping and checking

Install the pins exactly as the manufacturer's instructions show, and only if the maker permits user replacement. Check every fastener afterward and test the device on the ground, with your full weight and a backup, before you climb on it.

Inspect pins and frame before each climb for grooves, sharp edges, and cracks. Treat it as life-support equipment: it must meet ANSI Z133 and the manufacturer's instructions, be inspected before every climb, and be used only by trained climbers.

If you are unsure whether the pins are within limits, retire the device or send it for service.