Why Proper Maintenance Matters for Your Compound Bow

CTV6 hours ago

0 3 minutes read

A hunting compound bow is not a “set it and forget it” tool. It’s a finely tuned mechanical system with cams, cables, strings, axles, bearings, and fasteners. If any part is neglected, you risk:

Decreased accuracy and consistency in your shots
Equipment failure (e.g., broken string, frayed cable, cracked limb) in the field can ruin a hunt, or even cause unsafe conditions and injury.
Shorter lifespan of your gear (strings and cables wear out, finishes corrode, hardware loosens), leading to higher cost over time.
The “investment protection” aspect: you spent money on a bow, arrows, and accessories — maintaining them helps preserve value and performance.

In short: if you treat your bow like a “maintenance-free” item, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Simple care extends life, improves reliability, and helps you hunt with confidence.

Key Maintenance Tasks & Schedule

Here are the main things you should check, how often, and how to do them.

1. Before & After Each Outing

Visually inspect the bowstring and cables: look for fraying, fuzzing, separated serving, or damaged loops. Recommendation: Apply string wax often.
Wipe down the bow if you’ve been in wet/muddy conditions. Moisture + debris = corrosion risk on cams, axles, and screws.
Check screws and bolts for looseness. Every shot creates vibration; even accessories (sights, arrow rests) can loosen over time.
If you’ve been in extreme conditions (rain, slush, heavy dust), make a more thorough check — debris in the cam system, or mud in cable guards, for example, can impair performance.

2. Periodically (every few months or after heavy use)

Wax your bowstring and cables: During heavy use, a light application of bow-string wax at least every two weeks is recommended.
Inspect limbs for cracks, chips, or delamination. A small surface chip might be cosmetic, but any crack or splinter is a serious issue.
Inspect cam timing and synchronization (for twin-cam or single-cam systems). If one cam is ahead/behind, you’ll lose accuracy.
Check bearings or axles (depending on bow design) for wear, and apply lubricant if the manufacturer calls for it.
Ensure the bow is stored properly: dry, cool, out of direct sunlight or heat. Heat can degrade limb epoxy, and humidity can cause corrosion.

3. Annually

Replace strings and cables if wear is evident, or if recommended by the manufacturer (many suggest every 2 years under normal use).
Take your bow to a qualified archery shop for a full “tune-up”: timing check, cam or module check, hardware check, bearing/axle check.

Detailed How-To for Key Components

Let’s break down some of the major maintenance components with what to look for and how to care for them.

Bowstrings & Cables

Use a quality string wax and rub it into the string fibres (but avoid excessive build-up). The wax protects against moisture/UV and reduces friction.
Inspect the serving (the wrap/thread around the main string/cable where it contacts cams or other hardware) for separation, fraying, or wear. When the serving is compromised, the string life is shortened.
Never dry-fire a compound bow (shooting without an arrow) — this can severely damage the string or limbs.
If you notice fuzzing, broken strands, brittle appearance, or slack in loops, it’s time for replacement.

Limbs & Riser

Visual inspection: check for cracks, chips, delamination, especially around limb pockets or riser junctions. Even surface chips might be harmless, but cracks are dangerous.
Avoid storing your bow in high heat (e.g., a hot car) or direct sunlight, as it can degrade epoxy or laminate.

Cams / Axles / Hardware

Depending on design, cams or wheels may have bearings/bushings. Over time, these wear or become contaminated with dust/debris/moisture. Use compressed air or a small brush to clean.
Light lubrication may be required (manufacturer guidelines). Use silicone/Teflon-based lubricants, not penetrating oils like WD-40.
Every few hundred shots, check for loose hardware (cam modules, limb bolts, accessory screws). Tighten carefully, but don’t overtighten or change torque settings unless you know what you’re doing.

Storage & Transport

After use in wet/muddy/rainy conditions, dry off your bow shortly after returning home. Moisture left on cams, screws, and riser can lead to corrosion.
Store in a cool, dry place. Use a hard case for transport or storage if possible. Avoid extreme temperature swings and direct sun exposure.
Hang or store in such a way that no undue stress is applied to limbs, cams, or string. Some archers hang vertically by the riser or limb; others keep in a case.

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