The key to extending the life of your hunting equipment is taking proper care of them so they will continue working as they should. Keeping your gear and weapons in top shape will help you get the most out of them by maintaining optimal performance capabilities. This guide will go over some helpful tips on crossbow maintenance to ensure long-lasting quality.

String and Cables Maintenance

Many crossbow packages include a tube of wax for your strings, however if it isn’t included you will need to purchase some. Waxing the string regularly is very important as is waxing cables on a compound crossbow.

Keeping the string and cables well waxed will help to keep them from becoming frayed or dried out from wear and weather conditions. Pass the wax onto the length of the string and cables. You want to avoid waxing the area beyond the arrow rail as doing so can result in the trigger box becoming gummed up.

Using your fingertips, rub the wax in really well so that it will adhere better. Crossbow strings and cables generally require more frequent waxing than with a regular bow. The frequency of waxing will vary based on the particular type of crossbow you own. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations in the manual that came with it regarding how often the string and cables should be waxed.

Lubricating Maintenance

Maintaining the lubrication of the rail will aid in better accuracy performance when firing your crossbow as it minimizes the friction of the traction from the bolt. It is as equally important that you don’t over lubricate it.

• Add just two drops of lubricant, preferably one that is oil based, onto the rail and with your finger rub it along the entire length of the rail.
• It is not advised to use petroleum jelly-based lubricants as they can lead to potential problems.
• Also add one to two drops of lubricant on to the trigger box in addition to any mounting bolts that may be visible to protect them against corrosion and exposure to the elements.
• You will need to re-lubricate the rail if your crossbow becomes wet.

Checking Your Equipment

As an important step in crossbow maintenance as well as safety, you should always inspect the crossbow and arrows prior to firing. Check them for any signs of wear or damage such as:

• Bolts that have become loose
• Check limbs for any cracks or twists
• Arrow shafts that is splintering or bent.

Periodically you should retighten all the bolts on your crossbow including anything which you have attached to it yourself. Bolts should be rechecked between fifty to one-hundred fired arrows or any time they become loose.

The Bowstring

You should be sure to check your bow string occasionally to check for any visible signs of wearing or that the serving isn’t becoming separated primarily in the place that the arrow is nocked.

You will need to replace the string at the first sign of breakage or visible serving separation. Failure to keep your string well lubricated on a regular basis will result in a shortened lifespan by approximately twenty percent, thus requiring a replacement sooner.

The average lifespan of the string is between two-hundred to approximately one-thousand fired arrows. It is advised to always keep a spare string on hand any time you take your crossbow shooting.

Maintaining Scope Lens

Just as you would with eye glasses, it is ideal to use wipes specifically for cleaning the lens of your scope to avoid unwanted scratches or smears. You should only have to clean your lens on the occasion where it gets a smudge from your fingertip or the sight becomes obstructed from particles.

Clear Out Any Dirt

You should clean out any possible dirt or dust that has accumulated or become stuck in any part of your crossbow. A can of compressed air works well for this. You should use it in every possible area such as connection points, grooves, as well as any nooks.

Be sure to do this thoroughly taking a few minutes to ensure it has been well cleared. You should do this step after each session or hunting trip which the crossbow was used. It is also important to clear out any visible dirt prior to lubricating any part of the crossbow.

For optimal care of your crossbow you may want to consider buying a case to store it when not in use to protect against accidental damage to it. Remember these crossbow maintenance tips for each time you plan on using it.