ART has issued two updates for the ART BlackBird mechanical device — one for the upper bearing pin on the friction enhancer and another for the fractured “nose” on the right side plate. Following further clarification from ART, customers who purchased their BlackBird from Treetools should now return their devices directly to Treetools for assessment and processing.
Upper Bearing Pin Replacement
During internal inspections, ART identified isolated cases of material-strength variation in the upper bearing pin of the BlackBird friction enhancer. In rare cases, this could result in a pin fracture, affecting the upper clamping jaw. There is no immediate fall risk, as the lower clamping jaw continues to function securely even if the upper pin fails, but ART recommends prompt replacement.
ART has redesigned the bearing pin with a thicker wall and deeper screw engagement for improved strength. The replacement kit—including the new pin, screw, and instructions—will be supplied free of charge.
If you purchased your ART BlackBird from Treetools, please return your device to us first. We will coordinate directly with ART to ensure your unit is fitted with the updated pin assembly and returned as quickly as possible.
Right Side Plate “Nose” Issue
A small number of climbers have reported the “nose” on the right side plate of the friction enhancer breaking off. The nose regulates the clamping movement of the enhancer. When it shears, the friction enhancer may fully extend and lock up—annoying but not dangerous.
The issue has occurred only in SRT configurations, typically with resin-contaminated ropes, which can cause temporary seizing and sudden release forces. To fix this, ART has re-engineered the right side plate in stainless steel, significantly improving strength and durability while adding only 40 grams to the overall weight.
This repair is not user-serviceable and must be completed by ART. Customers who purchased their BlackBird from Treetools should return their unit to us for processing. We’ll arrange shipment to ART for side-plate replacement once the service begins in calendar week 49 (early December). The replacement is free of charge, and future production runs will ship with both updated components already installed.
Summary
- Upper Bearing Pin: Replacement kit available free, send your device to Treetools for processing.
- Right Side Plate (“Nose”): Must be replaced by ART — send your device to Treetools for processing.
- All future ART BlackBirds will include the updated stainless-steel components.
ART continues to maintain a high standard of quality and safety. These updates reinforce that commitment and ensure ongoing confidence in the BlackBird’s performance.
Treetools will provide further updates as ART releases more information.
