A mechanical joint comprising: a piping element, the piping element comprising an element flange (122, 122a, 122b), the piping element defining a socket (222, 222a, 222b) extending inwards from the element flange; a pipe length (102, 102a, 102b), the pipe length extending through the element flange into the socket, the pipe length defining an outer pipe surface(204, 204a, 204b); and a gland (124a, 124a, 124b), the pipe length extending through the gland, the gland comprising a joint restraint assembly, the joint restraint assembly comprising: a restraint base defining a restraint pocket; and a gripper (232, 232a, 232b) disposed within the restraint pocket, the gripper configured to rotate in the restraint pocket, the gripper further configured to engage the outer pipe surface to prevent removal of the pipe length from the socket, wherein the gripper defines an engagement end and a lever end disposed opposite from the engagement end; the gripper comprises a plurality of gripping protuberances disposed on the engagement end; at least a one of the gripping protuberances engages the outer pipe surface; characterised in that the gripper is configured to be prevented from rotating towards engagement with the outer pipe surface by a deactivation mechanism, when in a deactivated configuration. a piping element, the piping element comprising an element flange (122, 122a, 122b), the piping element defining a socket (222, 222a, 222b) extending inwards from the element flange; a pipe length (102, 102a, 102b), the pipe length extending through the element flange into the socket, the pipe length defining an outer pipe surface(204, 204a, 204b); and a gland (124a, 124a, 124b), the pipe length extending through the gland, the gland comprising a joint restraint assembly, the joint restraint assembly comprising: a restraint base defining a restraint pocket; and a gripper (232, 232a, 232b) disposed within the restraint pocket, the gripper configured to rotate in the restraint pocket, the gripper further configured to engage the outer pipe surface to prevent removal of the pipe length from the socket, wherein the gripper defines an engagement end and a lever end disposed opposite from the engagement end; the gripper comprises a plurality of gripping protuberances disposed on the engagement end; at least a one of the gripping protuberances engages the outer pipe surface; characterised in that the gripper is configured to be prevented from rotating towards engagement with the outer pipe surface by a deactivation mechanism, when in a deactivated configuration. a restraint base defining a restraint pocket; and a gripper (232, 232a, 232b) disposed within the restraint pocket, the gripper configured to rotate in the restraint pocket, the gripper further configured to engage the outer pipe surface to prevent removal of the pipe length from the socket, wherein the gripper defines an engagement end and a lever end disposed opposite from the engagement end; the gripper comprises a plurality of gripping protuberances disposed on the engagement end; at least a one of the gripping protuberances engages the outer pipe surface; characterised in that the gripper is configured to be prevented from rotating towards engagement with the outer pipe surface by a deactivation mechanism, when in a deactivated configuration.