How to clean climbing cams. Like cams, they do not require a constriction to work.

How to clean climbing cams. As far as lube goes, metolius cam lube is alright. Nov 16, 2012 · One of the best parts about sport climbing is its utter simplicity: Clip some bolts as you climb, and—well, that’s pretty much it. What are rock climbing friends? Like other climbing devices such as belays, carabiners and quickdraws, harnesses, a climbing friend or cam is also an essential safety piece used for secure holds when climbing. Aug 15, 2023 · Photo by Gaurav Pikale on Unsplash How to Clean Trad Gear Maximize functionality and keep yourself safe Climbing is a sport intricately woven with risk. Step 2: Turn off the camera Before starting the cleaning process, ensure that your security camera is turned off to avoid any damage to the device or the lens. Getting into leading trad routes? Learn how to choose types of passive protection, such as chocks, nuts and hexes. The difference between a tipped out regular cam or a bomber offset cam, is often the difference between C1 and C2 or C3. Feb 25, 2015 · Cams are some of the most interesting, useful and well-engineered pieces of climbing gear made. The most complicated part is cleaning the anchors; in other words, threading your rope through the rings or chains at the top so you can lower down, grab your draws, and not leave any gear behind. If you find the trigger and springs in your cams getting “sticky” use a mild soap like Nikwax Tech Wash followed by a lubricant like Metolius Cam Lube to restore them to like new operation! Our patented, wax formula gives your cams ultra-smooth performance, and seals out dirt and moisture. Welded. If you live outside of the states then it's a bit harder. That means keeping cams free of Getting humbled in the art of cam-cleaning is a rite of passage for aspiring tradsters. Manufacturers also don't guarantee cams after 10 years. By following the steps outlined in this article, climbers can ensure that their cams are clean and ready for their next adventure. Read DMM knowledge articles. Our team member Julie recorded the process Climbing magazine is producing a series of how-to videos to demonstrate a number of basic skills and techniques. Jul 29, 2025 · In the maintenance of climbing equipment, it is as important to have the equipment in perfect condition as it is to know how to wash and maintain it. Apr 24, 2017 · Fix gunked up, gritty, and sticky cams with these quick and easy steps of how to clean a cam, whether it's from Black Diamond, Metolius, DMM, or Wild Country. Excellent ability to block out particularly on muddy and icy ropes thanks to the holes on the cam. When Should I Replace My Climbing Cam? Climbing cams are one of the most important pieces of gear for a climber, and they need to be replaced periodically to maintain peak performance. Before sea-cliff climbing, make sure your cams are well lubricated. Cam hooks can be placed in vertical, diagonal or horizontal cracks, or inverted in roofs. We give you lots of tips on how NOT to use cams and a few tips on how to do it. Sep 12, 2016 · Learn how to clean (or booty) stuck cams and nuts. No, we are not professionals nor experts but we are quite Getting humbled in the art of cam-cleaning is a rite of passage for aspiring tradsters. Learn how to clean gear from a trad climbing route with instruction from the American Mountain Guides Association. From aerospace physics to real rock: the definitive cam guide with lab-tested data and pro placement rules. In order to give you the best experience when out climbing, we've got cams in The Metolius Cam Lube that Julie used is 20% off in our Spring Cleaning Sale. Apr 21, 2022 · Outdoor Prolink Pro Kaya Lindsay shares the best ways to clean up your climbing gear and get ready for spring and summer climbing. Learn how to place climbing cams. 3mm, so avoid anything more than 1. 18K subscribers Subscribed Oct 15, 2018 · Here we take look at cleaning and maintaining perhaps that most complex piece of climbing hardware, the camming device. The Totem Cam offers an extraordinary holding power and unique capabilities with the patented Direct Loading system. Hi Everyone, in this video we show you how to (We) clean our cams (camelots) friends and ball-nuts. Use a brush to remove extra gunk and grime. That should get the rust off and leave the cam action feeling brand new. It goes on wet, and sets up dry. Aug 6, 2017 · The following is an extract from my up and coming book Higher Education, the most exhaustive big wall climbing book yet written. They fit into small cracks from the size of a thin lost arrow to a #1 Camalot, and work by simply camming against the sides of a crack under bodyweight. html Getting humbled in the art of cam-cleaning is a rite of passage for aspiring tradsters. Cams are no different to any other item of technical climbing equipment, in that their performance and lifespan will benefit from regular care and attention. 2 nuts and a bail biner are 30$, and most of my friends have more found nuts than they know what to do with. Mar 26, 2021 · In preparation for the climbing season ahead, Hati talks us through how to clean your cams for rock climbing. That said, just about any larger cam will work. Well, trad climbing is your answer! Unlike the early days, modern trad climbers have access to gear such as spring-loaded camming devices, commonly known as cams. Work on technique with your feet on the ground at the base of a cliff or boulder, or practice slotting nuts on toprope. 5”) through purple (2”) Tricams appear most often on trad racks because they are light, easiest to clean, and the most versatile of the full set. When trad climbing, gear keeps you safe, and to ensure maximum functionality (aka safety), the spring-loaded metal devices known as “cams,” should be regularly inspected and maintained in great condition. Cams use a spring system that presses the jaws into the sides of the rock crack to hold their position firm. Here are some guidelines for when to replace your climbing cams: -If the teeth on the cam lobes are starting to wear down, it’s time for a new cam. This short video includes instruction on how to clean, lubricate and store your trusty cams! Getting humbled in the art of cam-cleaning is a rite of passage for aspiring tradsters. How to Clean Climbing Gear – The Complete Guide Your climbing gear and equipment are expensive. Get stuck gear un-stuck with these nut tool tips and tricks. Characteristics: Superb holding power Sep 19, 2022 · Occasionally cams will need some maintenance to continue to operate smoothly. In this video Juli Apr 16, 2010 · That said, usually a climbing cam with a flexible stem and narrow head will work in a Tricam placement. Traditional pitons wedged into cracks, thus destroying the rock face. Use a rag to wipe off the big water droplets. — Add liquid dishwashing detergent directly to the cam heads, and scrub them with a stiff-bristled toothbrush, especially the springs and lobes. Follow trad routes as often as you can. Beginning climbers can easily follow this quick and simple post. squamish. Mud, dust, water or ice reduces the friction and can cause the cam to slide out during a fall. Then just dry and wipe down. Today we take you through a step by step guide and show you what to avoid when cleaning. But with proper transport, storage, inspection, and care, you can accomplish the maximum lifespan of your gear. 60 ml (2 fl. Here we show you how to do it without damaging its resistance. Mar 15, 2019 · Proper cleaning and maintenance can add years of life to your rock climbing equipment. Fixed. This short video includes instruction on how to clean, lubricate and store your trusty cams! Janelle Smiley shares her tips for safely cleaning an anchor from the 2019 Arc'teryx Climbing Academy. Resling earlier if you climb a lot or whip a lot. The more experienced leader isn’t buying it (and doesn’t want to buy a new cam, either), so he raps down to investigate—and cleans it Cam maintenance is important, in that like any other technical item of climbing equipment, a cam's performance and lifespan will benefit from regular care and attention. Aug 10, 2015 · How to clean Totem Cams - Traditional climbing gear. The more experienced leader isn’t buying it (and doesn’t want to buy a new cam, either), so he raps down to investigate—and cleans it Beth Rodden shows you how to inspect and maintain your cams. I've lost more gear from gear loops ripping or dropping cams than bailing on a single pitch, after 15 years of climbing mostly traditionally. Cleaning routes is the only safe way to learn how to climb trad Find yourself a patient teacher Know before you go. May 17, 2022 · Have some dirty climbing gear? Learn the smart & easy way to wash your climbing gear so it lasts longer and keeps you safe. Exclusive design which features everything you require of a cam for all-around use with extended capabilities. arcteryxacademy. Don't get stuck in the "Hero Worship" trap Carry a nut tool, and learn how to use it well Learn the tricks for removing stuck nuts and cams Don't drop any gear! I’ve put together the easiest and quickest guide to keep your climbing shoes clean. Like cams, they do not require a constriction to work. Aug 8, 2022 · How to place ’em As with any removable protection, placing nuts takes practice. Remove any knots or twists. With climbing or bouldering shoes though, socks detract from the overall quality of the climbing, and make it so you can’t feel the rock as closely. Extraordinary holding power and unique capabilities with the patented Direct Loading system. The ability to quickly and safely protect parallel-sided cracks opened up the world of traditional climbing to whole new realms. It's important to clean and maintain cams for safety reasons and to prolong the lifespan of your gear. You can head up to the correct line, and maybe the 2nd person can clean your left gear. (Check out our Best Climbing Cams Review for a complete breakdown of the cams we tested). Because cams rely on this friction, make sure to only place them in clean, dry cracks. Sep 14, 2025 · Totem Cam, the state-of-the-art cam for climbing. Apply a lubricant. ROCK CLIMBING PROTECTION Rock climbing protection has always been a core part of what we design and build. At GearLab, our roots are in rock climbing, as the website started as an offshoot of SuperTopo. Specific information about Totem Cams maintenance. Perhaps no single gear invention, except maybe sticky rubber, has so directly affected the type and difficulty of routes that climbers Aug 10, 2015 · How to clean Totem Cams - Traditional climbing gear. He and author of 9 books and viewed as an expert in big walling, soloing, and climbing techniques, having climbed El Cap over 40 times and climbed on all seven continents. The smaller sizes are used mainly for aid climbing because of their diminutive slings and because they’re difficult to clean while free climbing. Jun 7, 2017 · Check out our Climbing Cam Review to see how top small cams compare. Sep 12, 2025 · Trail Camera Maintenance tips ensure your hiking adventures stay picture-perfect. Jun 24, 2013 · In the last book, offset cams were "recommended" in the racks. hownot2. Nov 18, 2016 · The trickiest—and most important—parts of multi-pitch trad climbing are placing solid gear and building safe anchors fast. metoliusclimbing. Learn how to clean, secure, and optimize your trail cams today! May 17, 2024 · In conclusion, properly washing a climbing cam is essential for maintaining its functionality and lifespan. — Rinse and air-dry them. In this video, Julie Ellison, Climbing’s gear editor, shows how to place and clean cams. Improper cleaning of climbing equipment voids the warranty. This makes you a proficient cleaner, and you’ll see how a more experienced leader places all types of gear. Here's a quote from Metolius's cam care page regarding their cam lube and other lubricants: For lubricating your cams, we recommend Metolius Cam Lube because it is self-cleaning and waterproof after it has dried completely. Apr 4, 2025 · If you plan on trad climbing, cams are essential. Climbing cams increase your safety, acting as anchor points in cracks and crevices where bolts are lacking. chest rope clamp Chest rope clamp specifically conceived for climbing, caving, rescue, work on height, canyoning. For more info visit http://www. A short guide to cleaning and keeping your cams in good working order, in turn helping to extend their lifespan. com/cam-care-and-maintenance. Apr 18, 2019 · Manufacturers say to resling cams about every 5 years. . this is how I like to clean a climbing route! whatever you climb up there and then you're done climbing you have to get all of your gear back so this is how The invention of the spring loaded camming device (commonly called simply "cams") in the 1970's revolutionized the climbing world. Self-cleaning action reduces wear by shedding dirt. How To Use Cam Hooks - Clean Aid Climbing VDiff Climbing 5. c Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. In the 1970s, our original Stoppers helped lead the shift toward clean climbing. On hard, intensive walls, where cams are being placed and removed hundreds of times, as well as being twisted, bent and abused, trigger wires will break. May 19, 2023 · We took 5 of the best nut tools and tested them at cleaning a variety of cams and nuts in all sizes and over a broad spectrum of rock types. In similar situations, I've applied a mechanical lubricant (I used the blade oil for my trimmers) and scrubbed the affected area with a gentle brush (toothbrush or dish brush) until the rust was removed. 3mm (clean out holes with the stiff broken cable to make insertion of new cable easier). How to look after your Climbing Kit! Includes washing ropes, cleaning cams, marking kit JB Mountain Skills 32. Clean climbing is rock climbing techniques and equipment which climbers use in order to avoid damage to the rock. Rinse with fresh water, opening and closing the heads. BIG CAMS For bigger cams, I like the Black Diamond Camalot C4 the best because of their wide range and quality. Nov 11, 2021 · — Swish the cams around in the water, and work the trigger while you do so. Due to their moving parts, cams fall into a classification of climbing gear known as “active protection. You know the story: The second, a trad-climbing newbie, fiddles with a cam for what seems like eternity before declaring it totally stuck. All the components are part of the latest generation of Kong blockers. Here’s how to store your climbing rope: Before storing, ensure that the rope is clean and dry. This article explains the physics of how climbing cams work, and also how to place, remove and rack them. For cams, I like to boil some water, and dunk the heads in and shake them around to get dirt/whatever out of the hard to reach places. In this video, Julie Ellison, Climbing's gear editor, shows how to place and clean Jul 24, 2025 · So you’ve taken up climbing, but decided that sport climbing is too soft and you’re looking for a bit more grit, pain, and fear. Tips and tricks on how to make the most of DMM kit for climbing, rigging, tree care and beyond. After climbing, clean your cams thoroughly in fresh water, dry them with a towel, and re-lubricate. Follow the detailed steps below to clean your climbing shoes and get rid of stench and dirt. 8K subscribers 394 Apr 24, 2019 · Find the best places to resling cams. The more experienced leader isn’t buying it (and doesn’t want to buy a new cam, either), so he raps down to investigate—and cleans it Keywords: how to clean nuts and cams, rock climbing techniques, climbing safety tips, mountain climbing basics, beginner rock climbing guide, climbing equipment maintenance, bouldering climbing tips, cleaning climbing gear, rock climbing lessons, mountaineering skills This information is AI generated and may return results that are not relevant. Neglecting cleaning risks delayed locking, erratic descent, or catastrophic failure. Along with 20% off selected ropes, climbing shoes, protection & cleaning accessories, to get your gear back in tip-top shape. The more experienced leader isn’t buying it (and doesn’t want to buy a new cam, either), so he raps down to investigate—and cleans it Feb 6, 2011 · Steph Davis just posted step-by-step instructions on how to clean cams on the Prana blog. Check for any gouges or significant flat spots on the curve of the cam contact surface, these ‘witness marks’ may be indicative of a high impact fall and affect the holding power of the cam. If your cams are sticking, squeaky, the lobes are getting stuck, or you just want to stay on top of maintaining one of the most important pieces of equipment that a climber carries, then this Oct 15, 2018 · Here we take look at cleaning and maintaining perhaps that most complex piece of climbing hardware, the camming device. How cams work When you fall on a camming unit, three basic factors decide whether it will hold or pull out: how well the cams grip the walls of the placement (friction), how hard the cams push out against the walls of the placement (outward force), and how well the rock on the walls of the placement hold up to the pressure exerted by the cams (rock Andy Kirkpatrick is a world-famous climber and award-winning writer and film maker. We’re here to help you choose the best climbing cams so you can jam your way up that next crack Jan 14, 2008 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. Feb 26, 2021 · The diameter of the wire used on camming units vary, but as a rule of thumb the standard hole drilled into cam lobes on small to medium cams tends to be around 1. Depending where you live, it's actually pretty cheap to have metolius resling your cams for you, then youve things that will last another 8 years, keep their colour coding and slim slings and also keep some value if you decide to sell them off later. When dirt attaches itself to the fully dried film, small particles of the lube will break away, carrying dirt with it. You'll need to inspect the rusted area afterwards to determine if the cam is still suitable for use. Wipe off the extra cam lube. The new material and a special chemical and thermal process give to the cam, in addition to black color, a much Aug 27, 2025 · We tested all the best climbing cams available in 2025 and, like all rock climbing gear, we found that the best piece of gear for you will Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. Our top picks are Metolius and Runout Customs, but we list all the options, prices, shipping, and return times. Retire your cams if the cams have been damaged in a fall, if the cam teeth are worn away, if the tailpiece or crossbar is cracked, if the stem cable is frayed, kinked or damaged in any way, or if the springs are weak or damaged. Available in four common sizes, cam hooks greatly reduce the need to hammer a piton. Aug 18, 2025 · Your Petzl STOP’s auto-locking cam is vulnerable to dirt, sand, and salt – contaminants causing 60% of device failures (UIAA Safety Commission). Damage from improper cleaning and disinfecting can be serious enough to cause ropes, harnesses, slings and webbing to fail well below the rated strength. oz. You can also use something like white lightning wax-based chain cleaner if you're doing a lot of sandy desert climbing. It’s important to clean your shoes periodically to not only eliminate smelly bacteria, but also to extend the life of your shoes by removing the buildup of abrasive dirt and sand. Cams may require multiple cleanings and dryings. Such problems when they appear on the ground are annoying, something to fix when you’ve got time, but on a wall Mar 1, 2023 · This article lists five of the best climbing cams that will provide the climber with the best experience during the climb. Here are a few tips for maintaining your rock climbing cams, carabiners and ropes. comVideo: John Price Sep 9, 2021 · SPRING CLEANING SALE We've been inspecting all our gear lately, replacing old dogbones & cleaning our cams. We break our first cam at the end!👉 Learn and SHOP at https://www. Technology that is pushing the clean climbing limits. Don’t forget to read and understand the instructions that come with your climbing gear. Wild Country and Climbing Magazine have produced a series of 'How To' videos designed to demonstrate basic climbing skills and techniques. Nov 23, 2023 · A security camera cleaning pole (optional): This tool can help you clean security cameras mounted in hard-to-reach places without having to use a ladder or other climbing equipment. Keep in mind that each part of your gear undergoes a rigorous and strict testing process to make sure it serves its … How to Clean Climbing Gear – The Complete Guide Read More » Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. Sep 6, 2013 · The pink (. We compared their weight, durability, ability to clean a nut, ability to clean a cam, the comfort level while pounding on the nut tool with our hand. Oct 20, 2024 · Organizing and Storing Climbing Ropes Your climbing rope is one of the most critical pieces of gear, and proper storage is essential for maintaining its strength and flexibility. " Jun 28, 2004 · Cleaing and lubricating cams - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Beyond saving. Add dish soap (a mild cleaner) to the water. In general, single stem cams are the best for aid climbing because they hold better in contorted placements. These techniques date at least in part from the 1920s and earlier in England, but the term itself may have emerged in about 1970 during the widespread and rapid adoption in the United States and Canada of nuts When you place a cam, the springs cause the lobes to press out on the sides of the crack, creating just enough friction to keep it in position. If you've been putting off cleaning, now Nov 22, 2021 · How to Clean a Cam Rinse the cams in hot water. This article teaches you how to place stoppers and cams. Today, our climbing protection is still the trusted industry standard – and we’re still just as committed to innovation. Apr 9, 2023 · Before peeing on your partner’s cam, try the standard method: Clean it in warm, soapy water, and then lube the moving parts with WD-40, bike-chain lube, or a climbing-specific lube. Our expert team has a combined 40 years of climbing experience and has field-tested the best climbing gear since the inception of our site Feb 22, 2013 · Climbing magazine is producing a series of how-to videos to demonstrate a number of basic skills and techniques. So, how to clean climbing shoes? There are two methods of cleaning climbing shoes, machine or hand wash. ) Learning how to place trad gear is an essential skill as you progress as a climber. Now we list most racks as requiring 1-2 sets. Yes, you can get up most walls without them; but offset cams are usually the most bomber clean placement in a pin scar. gdmdi7s qlro5 cd8cj a6jh5 qldsst 2eibm8 9vo d1 xb lbpug