Bad cam?

Hello,

I had an earlier post about BD u-stem camalots. The cam I ordered came in today and it looks like the head might be cracked. I'm not too sure if I was sold a bad cam or if I'm just being paranoid. Would you climb on it or try to return it to the seller? Thank You

After reading this I wasn't too sure how solid this cam could be...
rockclimbing.com/cgi-bin/fo…

The attached pictures might not be too clear but hopefully enough to tell if the cam is solid or not
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Looks to me like it's a marking from the die. That's why it's repeated on the same part.

I wouldn't worry about it.

Hi:

Is that an old Black #4 Camelot? If so,I'm afraid that is one way that those units end their lives (and hopefully not yours). If I remember correctly, the part in question began its life as a piece of extruded stock, there shouldn't be any "die" marks on them at all. It sucks, but you should probably take a pair of cutters, cut every cable on the thing and throw it in the dumpster.

Be safe, not sorry.

Tyson Anderson wrote:Looks to me like it's a marking from the die. That's why it's repeated on the same part. I wouldn't worry about it.

Those blocks were machined, not cast.

I have to agree that that does not look normal. But out of curiosity, how vital is that part to the cam's function? Is it part of the load-bearing, fall-stopping system or is it something that just holds things together?

Just so the OP knows I'm feel the pain-this was one of mine-I have since retired all of my old doubles.

i have an old #2 that i retired for that very reason. i wouldnt use it for anything but aid.

looks like the typical radial crack in the older style (u stem) camalots. see the other thread on older black diamond camalots for comparable photos.

Return without any doubt. Better yet, tell the seller it is dangerous and they shouldn't climb on it or sell it to anyone else either. Ask for your money back and destroy it yourself.

I work at an aerospace company that has flourescent penetrant inspection equipment. We test aluminum parts all the time to check for cracks. If I had the cam in question in my hand I could test it for cracks.

Flourescent penetrant Inspection (FPI) sprays a developer onto the aluminum. The developer is then washed off. The part is then put under a black light. Any place where there are cracks still have the developer in it and shine out broad as daylight.

If you shipped me the part and had a return box posted and ready to ship it back I would test it and post pictures for free.
-Randy

randy88fj62 wrote:I work at an aerospace company that has flourescent penetrant inspection equipment. We test aluminum parts all the time to check for cracks. If I had the cam in question in my hand I could test it for cracks. Flourescent penetrant Inspection (FPI) sprays a developer onto the aluminum. The developer is then washed off. The part is then put under a black light. Any place where there are cracks still have the developer in it and shine out broad as daylight. If you shipped me the part and had a return box posted and ready to ship it back I would test it and post pictures for free. -Randy

Well now this seems like it could be mighty handy for home made stuff and people wanting to test things like this on their own. Any more info/ can it be purchased easily?

C Blank wrote: Well now this seems like it could be mighty handy for home made stuff and people wanting to test things like this on their own. Any more info/ can it be purchased easily?

The chemicals and permits we have are expensive, expecially for California. I am not sure if they have kits for personal amateaur use. Our technicial had to take training classes and get certifications as well. I have no info on how to diy. Maybe try searching the FPI process and see what you come up with.

Had to fast forward the thread, hence did not read the posts as I frankly don't care about the remarks. However, if you are questioning the cam don't climb on it. Sell it (or better yet, give it to me), not planning on climbing with it, but will use it in some mixed media art that I create. Get in touch with me (anyone for that matter with gear they no longer find useful). I will use them for art projects, thanks.

J