How it works is simple... When you screw this down into the cam, it uses the sharp wedged point to split a piece of special nylon arm clutch material that is pressed into the CAM at the factory. When the nylon log is split, 1/2 of it gets pressed up against the arm threads to keep it taught and it will stay where you left it. The clutch is adjustable from 100% loose to 100% tight. The nylon material is an integral part of the CAM and cannot be replaced. You must replace the complete cam if the arm clutch wears out. It should last 20 years or more with average use.