Cleaning/Maintaining Active Gear

I was recently caught in a rain/hail storm on a sandstone climb. My yellow #2 BD cam got some grit in it and now it doesn't have that really smooth pull.

How can I clean it?

Boil it and then relube.

I'll second the boil/relube advice. Just keep any webbing away from heat sources. John

From the Black Diamond Camalot "Instructions for Use":

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.

RETIRE A CAMALOT IF:

♦ The cams have been damaged in a fall.
♦ The cams are bent, chipped or deformed.
♦ The cam teeth are worn away.
♦ The wire loop is frayed, kinked or damaged.
♦ The stem cable is frayed, kinked or damaged in any way.
♦ The springs are weak or damaged.

If the webbing or stitching is fuzzy, frayed, melted, cut or torn, or has been overly exposed to ultraviolet light, the Camalot should not be used until you have the sling replaced. For recommendations on sling replacement, contact the Black Diamond Warranty Center in the United States by calling (801) 278-5552 or contact your local retailer for further information.

If the trigger cable is fraying, Trigger Wire Replacement Kits are available for the Camalot.

use high pressure air, to clean.
Use WD-40, to remove OLD OILS
use air again, and wipes to remove WD-40
re-lube

My cam and I thank you all for the beta!

Can you boil a #2 BD camalot with the plastic stem going right down to the cam head? Is it bad for the plastic??

danielwhore wrote:Can you boil a #2 BD camalot with the plastic stem going right down to the cam head? Is it bad for the plastic??

It is important that you pull the trigger action when the cam is in the water to allow the water in the areas where the dirt is. This means keeping just the cam head in the water so you don't burn you fingers, and also keeping the plastic out of the water (for the most part).