Bow Maintenance
By: Dead Ringer
Now is the perfect time to perform some basic bow maintenance to ensure your rig is dialed in and ready for the fall. Follow these tips to keep your bow in top shape.
Care for Your Strings
Inspect your bowstrings and D-loop for any signs of heavy wear or damage. If they feel or look dry, frayed, separated, or fuzzy, head to your local archery pro shop for a replacement. Even if your bowstrings appear to be in good shape, replace them every 2-3 years. In between, be sure to keep strings waxed — typically every 3-4 weeks is optimal.
Check Limbs & Riser
Carefully examine your bow’s limbs and riser, looking for warping and deep scratches or gouges. You might need to invest in a new bow if limbs are warped, but you can prevent further damage due to scratches by applying a thin layer of clear nail polish over the damaged area. This will lock out moisture that could potentially lead to internal damage over time.
Clean Cams
Make sure your cams are properly aligned, smoothly rotating in sync as you draw. If they aren’t, your local archery pro shop can help you get them back to peak performance. You should also keep them tidy by removing dirt and dust with a soft brush then add lubricant to the bearings and axles after every 1,000 shots.
Clear Your Sight
A quick cleaning can help prevent oxidation and extend the life of your bow sight. Use a can of compressed air to gently clear moisture, dust, and dirt from around the knobs, steel ball bearing, and microadjustment rod.
Tighten Up
Make sure all accessories and components are secure so they don’t shift while you’re in the field, creating noise, vibration, and inaccuracy. Use a Hex Key Set to tighten up any loose hardware and make any necessary adjustments.