Cams are safety devices that provide a stable anchor point during rock climbing. Placed into cracks and crevices in the rock, cams remain in place using friction. Tricams are devices that use three points of contacts -- a spike and two friction rails -- and are effective in horizontal cracks when maintained under a load. Active cams have four friction rails that are contracted using a trigger to allow them to be inserted into cracks.
Step 1
Obtain training by a professional in the technique and safety of rock climbing. Online references do not replace professional instruction.
Step 2
Only use cams in rock that is not covered with water or moss. This could reduce friction and cause cams to be ineffective and dangerous.
Step 3
Place a tricam into a horizontal crack with the point side down and the friction rails up. Place a downward load on the attached strap to lock the tricam into place.
Step 4
Place an active cam into a crack by pressing down on the trigger and squeezing the friction rails close to the shaft of the active cam. Release the trigger to lock the active cam into place.
Step 5
Remove a tricam by removing the downward load and sliding the tricam out of the crack.
Step 6
Remove an active cam by pressing the trigger and removing the active cam from the crack.
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