Tricam

A Tricam (Latin tri " three ", engl. Cam " cam " ) is a mobile, that is wiederentfernbare climbing backup that is anchored in predominantly hole-like cracks, gaps and holes in the rock. It is used similarly to a wedge in the rock climbing as an intermediate backup or Standplatzbau.

Construction and form

It is a semi-circular metal wedge in the form of a circular segment with a pyramidal tip on the inside of the circle segment. At one end of a ribbon Kreisegmentes is rotatably mounted in an axis. On the outer side of the circle segment at smaller Tricams a depression with larger more guide Saxony. In the pit or on the guide shafts the ribbon can be inserted and guided to the other end of the circle segment. At the end of the flat belt is a loop for latching a snap hook. On the noose a nominal load is usually specified which is usually 6 to 22 kN. Large Tricams are generally for weight loss from sheet metal parts composed of a hollow body.

Operation and use

Tricams are used primarily in alpine or sport climbing. They are clamped into existing structures of the rock, which run in main load direction. Structures, which run forward can be found mostly in round cavities in the limestone, still in rock cracks and between large boulders.

The main loading direction has at belays as fall downward direction in Standplatzbau also; there may, however, have also upward when the Tricam is used to brace the stand down. Also lateral principal stress directions are possible if the Tricam is braced with other mobile backup material.

According to a first and most common usage is in the folded state of the Tricam, that is with the axis of rotation of the flat belt inserted forward into the opening and is clamped by means of a tensile load on the flat strip to prevent unintentional slipping out. Here, three contact points form the rock: Two on the outer edges of the circle segment and the opposite tip. Each additional tensile load exerts on the metal part of the Tricams a torque which enhances the effect of jamming. This kind of usage is particularly suitable for holes, which are common in the limestone. However, it can also come in cracks and spaces are used.

Furthermore, the Tricam can be used in accordance with a second type of use like a big wedge. For this purpose it is introduced with the rotational axis of the flat strip to the back of the widening of her in a narrowing in the main load direction crack or gap in the rock and stuck. In this position he is tightened to prevent accidental slipping out. This kind of usage is mostly for cracks and gaps. In holes, it is usually difficult to apply.

The Tricam can be removed after use. In the first usage it is pushed forward and taken out while avoiding train on the ribbon. In the second usage it is removed against the main load direction of the crack or space. In both cases, a Nut remover can be applied to solve a fixed Tricams.

More information

Tensile loads and falls are held by Tricams especially in the intended main loading direction. A burden in a different direction could generate the Tricam tear out of position or loosen so that it can be herausgewackelt from his position.

In order to cover a wide range of terminal widths, lead climbers mostly Tricams several different sizes and other terminal devices, such as Chocks, Hexcentrics or Friends with him. Tricams are mainly used for medium to large holes and cracks and spaces used. Their advantages lie in the availability of holes, which are unsuitable for other clamping devices like Rocks or Hexentrics. Furthermore, they possess compared to Friends a simple, rugged construction and a significantly lower price.