Welcome to the fourth and final chapter of our comprehensive blog series "Exploring Cam Cleats". In Part 4, we shift our focus from the uses and functionality to the equally important realm of preserving and optimising the performance of your cam cleats.

In this instalment, we'll unravel the mysteries of cleaning, inspecting and servicing cam cleats. With insights into proactive maintenance routines and best practices, you'll be equipped to maintain your cam cleats in peak condition, ensuring that every sail is met with the reliability and performance you've come to expect from Allen hardware.

Whether you're cruising leisurely or navigating a competitive race, the reliability of your cam cleats is crucial. Proper maintenance minimises the risk of unexpected malfunctions which could lead to losing a race or unwanted line handling issues.

Dirt, salt, and debris have an insidious way of infiltrating the inner workings of cam cleats. These particles create friction, hindering the smooth operation of the cleat's mechanism. A compromised cam cleat can struggle to grip lines securely, impairing your ability to maintain accurate line control.

We recommend, cleaning cam cleats (and other hardware!) with fresh water after every sail, especially when sailing on the sea or launching from a sandy beach.

To wash the cam cleat, simply dowse the cam cleat in fresh water and at the same time open and close the jaws by hand. This will ensure any loose grit or any build-up of salt is washed away from the internal mechanism.

NEVER use lubricant! There are several reasons for this. Firstly lubricant can actually make the ball bearings too slippery, meaning they won't roll properly and can end up skidding. This can create flat spots on the ball bearings and lead to more friction when opening the jaw.

Secondly, grit and sand will stick to the lubricant. Which will create far more friction and additional wear to components as the parts grind over the grit or sand.