Retention cable on Rock Exotica Soloist Fraying

Here is a photo of the model in question. My device is starting to get beat up from daily use, and the metal cable connecting the retention pin to the aluminum housing is frayed. I estimate that 1/3 of the individual wires are now cut, certainly not confidence inspiring for a solo device. The cord that connects the cam to the retention pin is replaceable, but the cable is not. I will follow up with the manufacturer to see if they can fix/replace the cable, but I doubt they can help me as they no longer manufacture this device. Has anyone encountered this issue with their own soloist? Any nifty fixes that don't involve drilling a hole in the housing where the cable goes? I'll try to upload a photo of my device, but I'm still in the dark ages technology wise.

The cable always breaks and is a design flaw.  Just cut it off, sand down the stub and tether the pin to where you attach the device to your harness.

It would be an easy fix for anyone with a light duty swager, like the one in the Cam Doctor (trigger wire repair kit). BUT I can't see how the end of the cable is fixed into the body of the device.  It's probably epoxied in there but that could be a PITA to get out.

Edit "sanding down" a snipped cable, LOL.

Not sure if the Soloist is the same method, but I have several RE devices that utilize a deeply set tiny hex head allen set screw to retain the cable. I have replaced these many times over the years. Might be worth a closer look. 

MH

Skye Swoboda-Colberg wrote:

What are RE devices?

RE = Rock Exotica.

My wire frayed and came apart yesterday -- I use the Soloist exclusively as I lead solo and prefer it to the Silent Partner. I checked my records and note that Rock Exotica repaired the cable last time it came apart, which was June of 2012. I just shot them an email to see if they'll fix again, but I like the repair suggestion illustrated here and will do that in the meantime. Last time around they were pretty speedy in their turnaround and didn't charge me anything. I think they even repainted all the directions on the body of the device and smoothed off all the dings and such. It gets used hard and I'm glad I have a new one on the shelf as I don't think they're available anymore. 

You  can get that cable at hardware  stores, and you will need a tiny allen key. Also replacement kits available  for arborists, seen them online. I have repaired  both the soloist  and  micro ascender