Petzl America Recalls Ice Climbing Axes After Shaft Breaks During Use, Causing Injury
Petzl America is recalling thousands of Nomic and Ergonomic ice climbing axes due to shafts that can break at the handle during use, creating a serious fall hazard that has already injured one climber.
Petzl America has issued an urgent recall of its popular ice climbing axes after the shaft of one unit broke during use, causing a climber to fall and suffer injury. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall on March 26, 2026.
What's Being Recalled
The recall affects two models of Petzl ice climbing axes:
- Nomic axes (model U021AA00) in black, with serial numbers 17L 0000000 000 to 20F 9999999 999
- Ergonomic axes (model U022AA00) in orange, with serial numbers 18F 0000000 000 to 21L 9999999 999
Both models feature aluminum shafts, steel picks, and reinforced plastic grips. The serial number is printed on a label on the upper portion of the shaft.
The Safety Risk
The ice axe shaft can break at the handle during climbing, creating an immediate fall hazard. Given that ice climbers often rely on their axes as their primary anchor point on steep, icy terrain, a shaft failure can result in serious injury or death. One injury has already been reported to the CPSC.
What You Should Do
Stop using these ice axes immediately if you own either model. Continuing to climb with these axes puts you at serious risk of injury or death.
Contact Petzl America right away for a free repair. Here's what the company will provide:
- A pre-paid shipping label to return your axe shaft
- A complete repair kit with a new shaft
- Hardware for the grip rest
- Assembly instructions
To request your repair kit, register at https://www.petzl.com/US/en/Sport/Contact?request=product-recall.
Check Your Equipment
To determine if your ice axe is affected, look for the serial number printed on a label on the upper portion of the shaft. Compare this number against the recalled serial number ranges listed above. If your axe falls within these ranges, it's part of the recall and should not be used until repaired.
Ice climbing is an inherently dangerous sport, but equipment failure should never be the cause of an accident. Take this recall seriously and get your gear repaired before your next climbing adventure.