Camming Anchor (used in climbing)

CPSC Recall #06-141 — April 17, 2006

Recall Summary

Recall Number06-141
Recall DateApril 17, 2006
Remedy TypeRepair
Units AffectedAbout 4,100
ManufacturerColorado Custom Hardware (CCH) Inc., of Laramie, Wyo.
Manufactured InUnited States

Where It Was Sold

Climbing stores nationwide and Web retailers from November 2004 through December 2005 for between $50 and $60.

Product

Camming Anchor (used in climbing)

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Colorado Custom Hardware (CCH) Inc., of Laramie, Wyo., is voluntarily recalling about 4,100 Camming Anchors used in climbing. The cables that support climbers using these devices can fail, causing climbers to fall.Name of Product: Camming Anchor (used in climbing)Units: About 4,100Manufacturer: Colorado Custom Hardware (CCH) Inc., of Laramie, Wyo.Hazard: The cables that support climbers using these devices can fail, causing climbers to fall.Incidents/Injuries: CCH Inc. has received one report of an anchor cable failing a climber during use.Description: 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 center punch dimple at the base of the round ball where the axle goes through the cable eye. They 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.Sold at: Climbing stores nationwide and Web retailers from November 2004 through December 2005 for between $50 and $60.Manufactured In: United StatesRemedy: Consumers should stop using these devices immediately and contact the firm for instructions on how to have the units repaired.Consumer Contact: For additional information, call the firm at (800) 776-9185 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, or visit CCH's Web site at www.aliencamsbycch.com.

Hazard

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

Incidents & Injuries

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

Remedy Instructions

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

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Repair at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Repair) at no cost to you.

Furniture tip-overs are a leading cause of pediatric injuries in the U.S., particularly dressers, bookcases, and television stands. CPSC data shows that a child dies approximately every two weeks from a furniture or TV tip-over. Unstable high chairs, baby swings, and bouncers are also frequent recall subjects due to fall risks. ASTM International standards now require that certain furniture must meet tip-over resistance standards, and CPSC has been actively pursuing mandatory requirements for dressers and chests. If you have furniture that was not recalled but feels unstable, wall-anchoring kits are widely available at hardware stores.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.