April 18, 2006
CCH Inc. is recalling about 4,100 "Alien Cams" mountain climbing equipment. 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 are devices used as both a precautionary measure to stop a climber in the event of falls, and 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.
The cams were sold at climbing stores nationwide and Web retailers from November 2004 through December 2005 for between $50 and $60.
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 CCHs Web site at www.aliencamsbycch.com.
The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
