Cam Lube

My oldest set of BD cams is almost four years old and are getting a little sticky. I've washed them in water and scrubbed them with a soft brush over the years but have never lubricated them. Anybody have a tried and true method for treating camalots that will keep them springy (including the process and a brand of lubricant)?

Hi Steve,
I have used WD40 and it seems to work great.
I would recommend using it sparingly, and only directed into the sticky areas.
Wash the outside of the cam that may come in contact with software after appication to avoid getting any on ropes, slings, harness, etc.

Here are Black Diamond's recommendations from their Instructions for Use for Camalots:

Camalot care

Camalots demand a certain amount of care. Proper storage and routine checkups will prolong the life of your Camalots.

♦ Store Camalots in a clean, dry environment, out of direct sunlight.

♦ Keep Camalots away from heat sources.

♦ Do not allow Camalots into contact with corrosives such as battery acid, solvent, etc.

♦ If your Camalot has sticky action or is clogged with dirt: wash in very warm, clean water and dry completely. Lube after washing and drying and wipe off the excess.

♦ Wash and lube after contact with saltwater or salt air.

♦ Keep axles lubricated to prevent rust.

They don't recommend a specific lube, but Metolius Cam Lube should work well.

Metolius also sells a Cam Maintenance Kit which includes cleaner, lube, cleaning brush, and a cleaning cloth.

Awhile back I read the following about cam care and have been doing it ever since with great successes.

• Fill a bucket with warm water and a little Simple Green
• Swish the lobes of the cams in the water, pulling the trigger several times
• Lightly scrub the springs and wires with a toothbrush.
• Rinse lobes, springs and sling in clean warm water
• Spray compressed air (aerosol or from a compressor) into the lobes and springs. This helps push out any remaining dirt and speed up the drying process.
• Air dry for 12-24 hours
• Use a cam lube on the springs.

As for the lubes. I don’t think WD-40 is a good idea. It is oil based and oil collects dirt. This can actually make things worse. Ask mountain bikers about chain lube and they will say the same thing. I believe that cam lubes are silicone based and do not collect as much dirt. I assume that most light silicone based lubes would work, but for a $3 bottle of Metolius cam lube you can’t go wrong.

Every time I do this I’m amazed at how much dirt is in the bottom of the bucket after 20 cams.

There seems to be little difference between the Metolius Cam Lube and White Lightning chain lube, except the price. Both are wax-based lubricants, and both are great on cams.

Metolius: ~ $2.00/oz.
White Lightning: ~ $1.50/oz.

Cheers,
Bobby

Just out of curiosity does anyone have opinions on using graphite as a lube. It is dry and seemed to work well on my middle school mini soapbox car. Bad idea?

Sergio P wrote: I don’t think WD-40 is a good idea. It is oil based and oil collects dirt. This can actually make things worse. Ask mountain bikers about chain lube and they will say the same thing. I believe that cam lubes are silicone based and do not collect as much dirt.

Never use an oil based lube! Remember where other industries have gone (e.g., Vaseline then, K.Y. now)

;-)

Thanks all. I used your example Sergio with the White Lightning chain lubricant (my local gear shop doesn't carry the metolius cam lube). It worked great: the cams are all functioning like they're brand new!