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Red C3 got a little wet, now lobes won't retract - Update: Replaced no questions asked by BD

marty funkhouser · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 20

You obviously don't soak the nylon. And you soak for maybe 2 min. while working the mechanism....in a well ventilated area. No danger of vapor affecting the nylon.

Ray Pinpillage · · West Egg · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 180
George Bracksieck wrote:WD-40 claims it can be used as a degreaser; yet it is definitely a lubricant. After application, I wipe off the remaining oil from the cam lobes and everywhere else that I can reach with the edge of a tissue, in between the cams. I let dry before putting the cams into my pack full of nylon slings, etc. WD-40 penetrates to mitigate rust, which I think is the cause of poor camming action after merely getting water in the mechanisms. It has worked well for me. Even if NOT lubed, any camming device can attract dirt and grit (and then lose camming ability) when used in sandy or dirty cracks.
Water Displacer Formula 40 was originally designed as a preservative. It has lubricating and solvent properties like many petroleum products. WD40 contained Naptha which is white gas.
M Mobley · · Bar Harbor, ME · Joined Mar 2006 · Points: 911
bearbreeder · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2009 · Points: 3,065
Special instructions for maintaining cams in saltwater environments.

Sea cliff climbing presents an added challenge to keeping your cams working smoothly. The high strength aluminum alloy that we use in the cam lobes is very susceptible to salt water corrosion. In this harsh environment, the steel parts will also corrode, even if they are considered to be "stainless steel". Before sea cliff climbing, we recommend spraying the cam heads with Metolius Cam Lube (MCL) or WD 40 lubricant, then wiping off the excess with a rag. After climbing, clean the cams in fresh water, dry them with a towel, and apply MCL or WD 40 to the cam heads. Metolius Cam lube is a wax-based lubricant that coats the metal parts, and keeps the salt water out for a short period of time. WD 40 is an oil-based lubricant that also coats the metal parts, and keeps the salt water from contacting the metal for a short period of time. WD 40 is compatible with the sling material, and will not reduce sling strength, but it is best to keep it away from the sling. We include WD 40, because it is readily available world wide, and MCL, our lubricant of choice, may not be available to you. Be sure to store your gear in a way that it can continue to dry after you have returned home. Avoid storing your gear in damp or humid environments.

If you go to climb in a dry dusty environment, and have been using WD 40, you should replace it with another lubricant that is not oil based. Oil-based lubricants tend to attract dirt and dust. Metolius Cam Lube is a wax based lubricant that tends to repel dirt. If MCL is not available, you can use graphite or Teflon-based lubricants, as these also tend to repel dirt. Be sure to keep the slings away from the lubricants.


http://www.metoliusclimbing.com/how-to-cam_care.html

;)
flynn · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2002 · Points: 25

Kudos to BD Customer Service; way to go!

I've been using full-strength Simple Green as a solvent for years now. Works well and quickly. Not a lube, just a godzilla-strength cleanser to remove anything that gets into the moving parts (rust, dirt, sand, olive oil, blood, beer :) ). We use White Lightning as a lube. The combination has worked great.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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