Over time, taking care of a crossbow becomes a kind of obligatory rite for shooters who take pride in their craft Proper maintenance is an essential ritual that any self-respecting shooter must practice regularly. Regularly maintaining your crossbow offers several advantages. Firstly, it enhances the efficiency of your shooting weapon. Secondly, it ensures consistent shooting accuracy, reducing the likelihood of encountering shooting incidents.
However, the maintenance of a crossbow is not cookie-cutter; you have to follow certain steps. For this reason, I have made 3 points which could be useful to you. This step not only allows your crossbow to maintain good precision and good shooting performance but also to prevent any shooting incidents.
1. Maintaining Your Crossbow Requires a Good Check of the Shooting Rope
The most important check on a crossbow should be on the shooting rope. Indeed, it is one of the most fragile parts of the crossbow. If not maintained properly, this consumable will unravel over the fire and eventually break. First of all, a visual check is recommended to judge the level of wear. The rope must not show signs of fraying. If this is the case, change the firing rope altogether.
The risks of shooting with a rope in a degraded state are significant. The rope can break at any time and cause material damage or even bodily harm. To guard against this situation, the solution is to lubricate the string using a special wax for the bow and crossbow. This will leave a light protective film on the rope.
For comparison, the same physical process is used in mechanics for vehicle engines. The oil lubricates the piston to reduce the coefficient of friction with the cylinder as much as possible and to avoid any premature mechanical wear.
Top Crossbow advice:
Take wax and apply it to the center of the string of your crossbow. With your fingers, rub the wax on the rope to make it penetrate into the fibers. If you do the right thing, you should normally feel the heat. Be careful, the heat should not be too great, otherwise, it could damage the strands making up the rope. This maintenance usually takes a few seconds, but greatly increases the life of your rope.
2. Check the Condition of Your Crossbow Pulleys
The pulley on your crossbow is also one of the important items that you should check at all costs. Indeed, it is a question here of permanently controlling the pulleys of a compound crossbow.
If you practice shooting with a crossbow outdoors or it comes in contact with moisture, the metal parts are very likely to oxidize. To avoid this corrosion, I recommend lubricating them every two to three months with an oil can or a pressurized aerosol which has the particularity of making the oil penetrate better in inaccessible places.
Note that by practicing your shots indoors, the risks of oxidation of the metal parts are high.
3. The Body of the Crossbow is an Essential Point to Check to Maintain Your Crossbow
Even if the body of the crossbow requires less maintenance compared to the shooting rope, this one still requires some checking points. Given the power developed by certain crossbows, over the long term, the screws can take a little play. It is therefore recommended to check the tightness of the latter regularly.
Another habit for properly maintaining your crossbow is to apply a light film of oil to the entire rail that guides the bolt every two or three shots. This practice facilitates the smooth sliding of the string on the rail, consequently prolonging the lifespan of these components.
Another Top Crossbow tip:
- When choosing a crossbow, it is important to take into account with your crossbow supplier the ease of restocking spare strings.
Expert Tips – At a Glance
- You know each shot transmits vibrations to the weapon. So before each season, tighten all the bolts properly. Application of Blue Loctite may be required. The bolts and nuts, the trigger system, and some mechanical parts are made of steel.
- Applying oil can help prevent rusting. Applying wax to the rope will prolong its life and properties. A lubricant, applied to the deck after each shooting session, will help reduce friction with the string and prevent premature wear.
- The wire cutter, which protects the center of the rope, is called upon to wear with the friction on the bridge. When it shows signs of wear, it can be replaced for a fraction of the cost of the rope. Repeated contact with the rope can damage absorbers. I suggest turning them in after every shooting session. Maintain a minimum distance of 1/8 to 1/4 inch between the absorbers and the rope. To modify the distance, all you have to do is remove the rope and give it a few turns, before replacing it.
- The hunting conditions are difficult. A good carrying case is a good way to prevent breakage. Make sure the crossbow and its case are dry before you put it all back together. Each crossbow has its own specifications. I invite you to read your instruction manual for more details. “
Thanks for reading.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use any type of lubricant on my crossbow?
No, it’s crucial to use the recommended lubricants for crossbows. Bowstring wax for the strings and a rail lube specifically designed for crossbow rails are essential. Using improper lubricants can cause damage to the strings or affect the crossbow’s performance.
How should I store my crossbow when not in use?
Store your crossbow in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Ensure the bowstring is relaxed, and the limbs are not under tension. If possible, remove the string when storing for extended periods. Store arrows in a quiver to prevent warping or damage.
Can I leave my crossbow cocked for an extended period?
It is not recommended to leave your crossbow cocked for an extended period. Doing so can lead to accelerated wear on the string and cables, and affect the crossbow’s performance. Always de-cock your crossbow when not in use.
