SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/climb-abd-not-automatic

With an assisted-braking device like a GriGri, does the belayer still need a brake hand on the rope?

Yes. No assisted-braking device is automatic.

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  1. Yes, always keep a brake hand on ✔
  2. No, the cam does all the work
  3. Only when lead belaying

Why: An assisted-braking device (ABD) has a cam or shape that helps grab the rope, but it can fail in some setups. The same belay rules apply: brake hand on, always.

Huh, didn't know that: The AAC warns that an ABD seems to do all the braking, and calls that impression a deception.

The dad joke
A GriGri is like a seat belt with a brain. You still have to drive.
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References

Answer: Yes, always keep a brake hand on. An assisted-braking device (ABD) has a cam or shape that helps grab the rope, but it can fail in some setups. The same belay rules apply: brake hand on, always.

  1. AAC Know the Ropes: Assisted Braking Devices americanalpineclub.org/news/2017/5/23/assisted-braking-devices
    No ABD is automatic and 100% reliable.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. AAC Gold Standard Curriculum: Belaying americanalpineclub.org/news/2016/3/15/9ifwyakbvdf826by6gv97y1uzk1mzb
    The fundamental principles of belay also apply to an ABD.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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