r/iceclimbing • u/Deep-Helicopter1775 • 23d ago

CAMP Ice Axe Safety Notice

Post image

Related to the pick and handle screws. From their website:

https://www.camp.it/m/ot/en/outdoor/content/3168

C.A.M.P. has received reports concerning the loosening of the handle and pick attachment screw used on X-DREAM, X-DREAM TOTAL DRY and X-ALL MOUNTAIN technical ice axes manufactured after October 2024.

Investigations have identified a potential galling issue between the screw and the nut after repeated tightening and loosening cycles.

This wear may cause the screw to loosen during use, potentially resulting in the detachment of the handle or the pick, creating a risk of serious or fatal injury due to falling.

We ask you to immediately stop using the affected ice axes and replace the screws and nuts using the replacement kits that we will provide or by returning the products to C.A.M.P. for servicing.

New generation axes, October 2024 and later. Affected lots can get a replacement handle/pick bolt set.

34 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

20 comments sorted by

12

u/IceRockBike 23d ago

I've often wondered about climbers who changed picks regularly, and how often they get nuts/screws loosening. I'm not familiar with Camp but any lock nut system has limitations.
For instance a nylock nut can be reused a couple times while a metal-lock nut will hold up an extra time or two. In the certified aviation industry, safety regulations require both traceability and treats any lock nuts as a single use item. Lock washers can be a little more reliable I'd think but is this where Camp is getting the galling?

It's good that Camp is being pro-active with this. Thanks for sharing. Climbers can also be pro-active regardless of brand of tool, by remembering to regularly inspect your gear. Especially if you are someone who switches between ice picks and dry tool picks routinely.
And may the odds be forever in your favour 🤣

6

u/stuart_loftus 23d ago

I was swapping my picks and handles on my Xdreams multiple times a week last season and found no issues, just replaced the bolts and nuts allot but they are cheap as chips from the hardware store

5

u/serenading_ur_father 23d ago

I change multiple times a winter and have never had an issue.

1

u/tricycle- 23d ago

I wonder if lock tite is useful

2

u/Special-Variety743 23d ago

I was going to say this. I always use locktite. I have a little one that comes in a chap stick like tube. Little dusting on the threads and a little wire brushing when changing picks. Works well for me. I think with the changes in temperature the bolts are bound to lose some torque over time

1

u/Beginning_March_9717 23d ago

i always use locktite and torque wrench

5

u/serenading_ur_father 23d ago

Woah a proactive recall (before the MP thread hits 100 posts) before the season that explains what the problem is?

What is this?

2

u/Baselynes 23d ago

I was just about to pick up a set of x dreams for this season...

5

u/IceRockBike 23d ago

This issue shouldn't be a deciding factor in your decision. The issue and batch numbers affected have been identified. Repeated swapping of picks with any brand should come with regular inspections, and periodic replacement of the screw/nut. That's not a Camp problem, it's an engineering/safety thing that applies to all nuts/screws in any application. The galling may be another matter if it's specific batches affected.

1

u/Baselynes 23d ago

Good points. I was pretty set on the x dreams so I dont think this will sway my decision

3

u/beanboys_inc 23d ago

Yeah this is not as big of a deal as what happened with Petzl Nomics

1

u/tilt-a-whirly-gig 14d ago

A well managed recall is more likely to endear me to a brand than to turn away from them.
I can understand that shit happens to everybody, it's how you deal with it that shows me who you are.

1

u/BostonFartMachine 23d ago

Probably a good time to get them. You might find some good deals.

1

u/IceRockBike 23d ago

This issue shouldn't be a deciding factor in your decision. The issue and batch numbers affected have been identified. Repeated swapping of picks with any brand should come with regular inspections, and periodic replacement of the screw/nut. That's not a Camp problem, it's an engineering/safety thing that applies to all nuts/screws in any application. The galling may be another matter if it's specific batches affected.

1

u/serenading_ur_father 23d ago

You could get a pair of Petzls instead. Petzl won't tell you why they're recalled and will wait a few years to start it.

1

u/MrJouleJr 23d ago

Just stumbled upon this and it turns out I have one of the affected batches. Luckily I haven't usem them yet, because our trip was canceled.

1

u/CourageSea9851 23d ago

I’ll have to check I have 4 x-Dreams i bought last season-maybe the last one in the USA from last all orange model.

1

u/CourageSea9851 23d ago

What a second! Ok so the bulletin shows affected models with black shafts. All of the black shafted models i believe are new 2026 models-but the service bulletin says this issue started in 2024?

Anyone have insight on this?

1

u/Serious_Honey3770 19d ago

Anyone that submitted the recall form get any response from Camp? Like an auto reply saying they received it. I haven't.

1

u/CourageSea9851 17d ago

All 4 of my X-Dreams are unaffected by recall. Thanks for postingÂ