Maintaining Your Traditional Bow: Seasonal Care, String Selection, and When to Seek Professional Service

Many people try their hand at traditional archery because they want to learn more about a sport their ancestors engaged in. They quickly discover this sport is an art form and one they thoroughly enjoy. However, to participate in the sport fully and ensure their traditional bow is always ready to shoot, they must make maintenance a priority. Doing so ensures the bow will perform as intended, last an extended period, and be safe to use. What steps should an archer take to ensure their equipment is in excellent shape?

Equipment Storage

Inspect the bow and archery equipment before storing it. This inspection should take place after each use and before storing the bow long-term. Always make any repairs and clean the bow before storage to extend its lifespan and ensure optimal performance. There is no need to remove the string when storing the bow if this process is handled correctly.

Keep the bow in a cool, dry place where it will not be exposed to heat or direct sunlight. It is never wise to keep the strung bow in a hot car. Extreme heat and exposure to sunlight lead to degradation of the adhesive and delamination of the bow.

Moisture is also detrimental to the bow, so avoid stowing it in a damp basement. If the bow is exposed to rain or snow during use, disassemble it as quickly as possible. Blot the bow with a towel to remove as much moisture as possible, and allow all parts to dry completely before reassembling. Putting the bow back together too soon can lead to moisture damage.

Examine the bow finish or coating with each use to ensure it has not been compromised. Any areas where the coating has worn thin or deep gouges in the finish can lead to moisture encroachment and harm the bow. If you become concerned about the integrity of the finish, have this work professionally done by a bowyer to reduce the risk of moisture damaging the bow while in storage.

Hang the bow horizontally when storing it to prevent warping. Many owners invest in a bow rack to ensure the tool remains in the correct position. If doing so, confirm there is room between the bow and the wall.

Before hanging the bow, wipe it with a soft, dry cloth to remove any dirt, dust, and moisture. If the bow is extremely dirty, a slightly damp cloth may be used, but don’t soak the bow, and ensure it is completely dry before storing it.

Avoid standing the bow on one limb. Doing so could result in a twisted limb. If there is no place to hang the bow, store it on a flat surface.

Maintaining Recurve Bows and Longbows

Longbows and recurve bows need to have their limb alignment checked regularly. When the bow is strung, the string should evenly divide the limbs. Reach out to a professional to have adjustments made if it doesn’t.

Properly care for the risers. Wooden risers need light coats of bow oil or wax. Bow wax should be used after cleaning the limb pockets for smooth limb movement and to avoid squeaking.

Maintaining the Bowstring

Bowstrings also require regular maintenance. Owners must know when and how to replace their bowstring. For example, they must learn how often to replace the string.

Experienced archers understand that there are no rules when it comes to knowing when the bowstring must be replaced. Several factors determine when this step should be completed. The amount of use, the bow’s design, and the weight of the arrow influence when the string needs replacement.

Archers should monitor the string’s appearance. When it appears frayed, dry and brittle, or extremely fuzzy, it is time to replace the string with a new one. Bow manufacturers often recommend changing the string every two or three years, but a person might find they need to do so more often if they use the bow routinely.

Shooting conditions also play a role in when the string should be changed. People who regularly shoot in humid or dusty conditions find they need to change the string more often. Those who use their bows in dry and dirt-free conditions won’t need to complete this step as frequently.

To extend the lifespan of the bowstring, wax it regularly. Monitor the string. When it appears dry and overly fuzzy, it is time to wax it. Don’t overdo it, however. The goal is to protect the string from dirt and moisture while ensuring it has adequate lubrication.

Begin by removing any dirt and debris so they aren’t worked into the string during the waxing process. Take a liberal amount of wax and rub it along the string. Use a back-and-forth motion and continue this movement until the wax takes on a liquid-like consistency. The wax will then seep into the string and permeate every strand. Many people use an old finger tab, a chamois cloth, or a soft piece of leather to increase the warming effect when waxing the string.

Stringing a Bow

Always use a bowstringer when stringing and unstringing a bow to avoid damage. A bowstringer is safe and easy to use, and it minimizes the twisting of the bow limbs. This twisting can harm the tool. The bowstringer applies even pressure across the bow as it’s drawn, preventing twisting and enabling the string to be placed in the nocks.

Avoid overtightening the limb bolts, as doing so can cause irreversible damage to the limb and void the bow’s warranty. Hand-tighten the limb bolts until they are slightly snug. Use an Allen wrench to secure the bolts after hand-tightening them, but only turn the wrench a half turn. Taking it further will apply too much torque and lead to cracking of the limb glass.

Caring for Bow Handles

The limbs and riser serve as the backbone of any bow. Caring for the handle or riser is critical to proper operation. Always wipe the limbs and riser after each use using a soft, damp cloth. This process removes all dirt, sweat, and debris that has collected on these components. Never use harsh chemicals or solvents to avoid harming the finish.

Wood risers remain common today because they are affordable and offer a natural look. Refinish wood risers that have gouges to prevent moisture intrusion. Review the owner’s manual to learn whether the manufacturer recommends conditioning the wood.

Brace Height

Check the brace height before shooting the bow. When unstringing the bow, clip the string and end loops so they won’t unwind and possibly alter the brace height. Review the manufacturer’s suggested brace height and ensure the height on the bow is within half an inch of this recommendation. A brace height that is too long can lead to overdrawing of the bow and place added stress on the limbs, leading to possible damage.

Nock Check

Archers must examine the nock on their arrow every time they position it on the string. If the nock is compromised, the arrow should not be used, as this could harm the bow as much as dry-firing does. A structurally sound nock increases the accuracy of the arrow’s release.

The archer should also examine the nock point on the bowstring to ensure an accurate and consistent arrow flight. They must find the right balance between aiming technique and bow configuration. Furthermore, any adjustment to the brace height or arrow shaft stiffness could lead to the need for a change in the nock point to ensure optimal arrow flight. Review the manufacturer’s recommendations for the bow.

Arrow Selection

When choosing an arrow, the archer must ensure it matches the bow’s specifications. If the arrow is too light, the archer is basically dry-firing the bow. Consider draw weight, length, and more when making this selection for increased flight stability and penetration.

String Groove

Many bows have a string groove. Avoid placing any items on the limbs that might interfere with this groove. The groove functions to keep the string properly aligned with each limb. Covering the string groove can lead to twisting of the limbs. Look for solutions other than limb covers and pads to quiet the bow. Often, this problem is the result of the brace height or the string. Addressing those areas will produce the desired result.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

Properly stored bows should require little maintenance when bow season arrives. However, specific steps should be taken before using a bow that has been stored for a period. Inspect the bow to confirm it has not sustained damage in storage. If it is safe to proceed, continue with the process of preparing the bow for use.

Every owner must maintain their bow for optimal performance and longevity. However, there are times when professional assistance is needed. Any cracks or splintering require the aid of a professional. Furthermore, if the accuracy of the bow is off or there is a decrease in performance, this individual can determine the underlying cause and make the necessary corrections. When working with this professional, ask if they have other maintenance tips based on what was found during this inspection. They will happily share this information so the owner can get the most enjoyment from their bow.

About The Author

JONATHAN "JJ" JACKSON

Jonathan “JJ” Jackson represents the third-generation bowyer in a family of archery aficionados. From age 16, JJ was mentored under Bob Lee, an early pioneer in the traditional archery realm and an inductee into the Archery Hall of Fame and Bowhunters Hall of Fame. After Bob’s passing, JJ continued his apprenticeship under his stepdad - and Bob’s son - Rob Lee. For well over two decades, JJ has held a strong presence in the traditional archery arena, cementing his respective positions as an accomplished bowyer and seasoned expert in the sport of instinctive shooting.