Editing Spring-loaded camming device (section)

==Modern use==
[[File:Camalot_number_6.JPG|thumb|right|Use of a cam in a large crack]]
The invention of SLCDs revolutionized rock climbing because it meant that parallel and flaring cracks could be easily protected. Furthermore, unlike [[piton]]s, SLCDs can be removed easily without causing damage to the rock, which made [[clean climbing]] (climbing without damaging the rock) practical on many more climbs. Since the invention of the Technical Friend (that replaces the original one-piece [[machining|machined]] alloy shaft with a [[brazing|brazed]] assembly incorporating a length of thick [[stainless-steel]] cable, which is better able to cope with loading over an edge), there has been a great deal of development of the SLCD by a variety of manufacturers. For example, the adoption of the dual axle design by Black Diamond, the invention of three-lobed camming units to fit smaller cracks, and the more recent invention of the Link Cam by Omega Pacific, a design that allows one SLCD to span an even larger range of crack sizes. SLCDs are sold in various sizes to fit a diverse range of cracks from about {{convert|6|-|300|mm|in|sigfig=1}} wide, though devices of below about {{convert|10|mm|in|sigfig=1}} or above about {{convert|100|mm|in|sigfig=1}} are not often seen. To fit non-parallel cracks, there are SLCDs with asymmetrical "offset" cams and devices that expand the lobes independently (Totem Cam).

[[Traditional climbing|Traditional climbers]] frequently climb with numerous and variously sized SLCDs to cover a wide range of crack sizes, often having multiples of the same size, depending on the protection requirements of the climb. Some popular climbing areas like [[Indian Creek (climbing area)|Indian Creek, UT]] have extremely consistent feature sizes that require climbers to carry double-digit numbers of the same size SLCDs to properly protect a route.