Product Recall
Mountain climbing camming anchor recalled
April 18, 2006

Colorado Custom Hardware (CCH) Inc., of Laramie, Wyo., has announced a voluntary recall of about 4,100 camming anchors (also known as "Alien Cams") used in climbing. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

The cables that support climbers using these devices can fail, causing climbers to fall.

CCH Inc. has received one report of an anchor cable failing a climber during use.

These camming anchors, or 'Alien Cams,' are devices used as both a precautionary measure to stop a climber in the event of falls, or it is used to actually support the climber. Climbers insert the device into cracks or crevasses in rock and it grips the sides of the crack.

The recalled units are marked with a small centre punch dimple at the base of the round ball where the axle goes through the cable eye.

The recalled units have production dates, from November 2004 (written as 1104) through December 2005 (written as 1205), which can be found on the bottom of the handle puller.

Manufactured in the U.S., the affected products were sold at climbing stores and via web retailers from November 2004 through December 2005.

Consumers should stop using these devices immediately and contact the firm for instructions on how to have the units repaired.