CAMP USA Ball Nut

Ball Nuts are specifically designed for thin, parallel-sided cracks where standard cams are too wide to fit. They use a sliding ball mechanism to expand against the rock, making them much more effective in narrow features as small as 3mm.

They are versatile enough for both. While they are a staple for aid climbing in thin seams, they are also excellent for protecting challenging traditional routes where standard stoppers or cams simply won't seat properly.

Yes, there is some overlap, but Ball Nuts are generally superior in very thin, parallel cracks where a cam's lobes might not have enough surface area to grip securely. They are often the better choice when the crack is too shallow or narrow for even the smallest micro-cams.

Like any active protection, they can be tricky to remove if they have been heavily weighted or placed in a constriction. However, the trigger mechanism is designed to be relatively intuitive to release, provided you have the right angle.

The biggest advantage is that they are hammerless and non-destructive. They provide secure protection without damaging the rock surface, making them a much more ethical and sustainable choice for protecting thin cracks.