A mechanical joint includes a piping element, the piping element comprising an element flange, the piping element defining a socket extending inwards from the element flange; a pipe length, the pipe length extending through the element flange into the socket, the pipe length defining an outer pipe surface; and a gland, the pipe length extending through the gland, the gland comprising a joint restraint assembly, the joint restraint assembly comprising: a restraint base, the restraint base defining a restraint pocket; and a gripper 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 joint restraint assembly is selectably configurable from a prepared position to an activated position.