Irrespective of whether they are used for hunting or archery, proper maintenance of bows and arrows is crucial. In addition to ensuring that they shoot correctly, this maintenance will prolong the equipments’ lifespan. Most beginner archers and hunters do not know how take care of their equipment properly. This is something serious that can affect their performance in their respective fields. Below are some tips on how to maintain bows and arrows.
Whether someone has just began shooting or has been doing it for decades, he or she will want to take excellent care of his or her equipment. This involves making a habit of checking one’s arrows and bows before commencing shooting. Notably, one should check the limbs for cracks and nicks, and also that the bow has been strung correctly. The bow’s metal parts should be checked for corrosion or rust for those who shoot in rainy or humid places.
Some makers of bows advice that a light synthetic wax should be applied to a bowstring after every few months. In addition, the shooter should check the string for signs of broken or loose strands of fraying. For those who use compound bows, they should carry out routine checks on their cables and bow strings. This can be done by running fingers over the surface of a bow’s limbs while looking carefully for twisted limbs or bulges and cracks in the limb surface. Cracks are also likely to develop in some risers, although very rarely.
A bow that requires some repair or whose parts need to be replaced can break if the owner continues to use it. A notable problem involves damaged limbs or risers. Should this be the case, it is advisable to stop shooting and then unstring the bow carefully if it is a longbow or recurve. Then, one should contact the bow manufacturer or local dealer to seek advice.
Generally, it is the arrows that undergo the most wear and tear of all hunting and archery equipment. This underlines the importance of inspecting them each and every time one plans to shoot them. The archer should check the points to ensure they are not coming unscrewed or unglued. He or she should also check the fletching to ensure they are fully attached, while also replacing any nocks that are observed to have cracks.
For those who shoot wooden or aluminum arrow shafts, checking for straightness regularly is recommended. This can be done by laying them on a flat surface in a way that the fletching is off the edge. By simply rolling them back and forth, any bent arrow will immediately become obvious. In the case of wooden arrows, watching out for cracks is paramount. Such cracks can results in the arrow breaking dangerously in the midst of a shot.
When using carbon arrows, it is important to ensure that their shafts are not splintered in any way. This can be done by flexing the arrow and then listening if any cracking sounds will be heard. Should any crack be found, the shooter should take caution not to touch the splinters. This is because carbon splinters present more dangers when compared to wooden splinters.