A method of coupling a pipe length to a piping element includes sliding a gland over an end of the pipe length, the gland including a joint restraint assembly, the pipe length defining an outer pipe surface; inserting the end of the pipe length into a socket defined by the piping element; fastening the gland to the piping element; and activating the joint restraint assembly to prevent removal of the pipe length from the socket by rotating a gripper in an engagement direction of the joint restraint assembly; and engaging the gripper with the outer pipe surface in an initial engagement position.