String Care

[Westy]

What type of maintenance do you guys do for your strings/cables? I have been waxing (melting it in to the string with a hairdryer) it about every other time I shoot. Also, do you wax the strings/cables that are on the wheels or the string loop? I have seen string cleaners and a few other various treatments, but don't know what their application should be.

[Rod Jenkins]

You may want to reconsider using the blowdryer to melt in the was on your string. Both Brownell and BCY highly recommed against any heat applied to the string. All the modern lowstretch materials are basically plastic, which have a low melting point. I'd recommend simply rubbing the wax in by hand.

The area of the string thats on the wheels should be served, in which case waxing isnt needed..in fact wax will pickup and hold grit, which when under the friction of going around the cames or idlers, actually causes the serving to wear.

[Westy]

I am glad I asked. Thanks Rod. I'll start rubbing in the wax by hand. Good to know about the serving too.

[Westy]

Any thoughts about the string cleaning solutions or any other type of string care besides waxing periodically? Are they necessary?

[rogbo69]

I don't use anything but some light wax on my strings. On my compounds I change strngs every two years (I don't shoot as much as some do though) or if a strand breaks or other signs of wear appear. On my recurves, I only change the strings upon them beginning to show serious wear.

[Westy]

Thanks rogbo. Are you saying that on your compounds you change strings every two years whether they are showing wear or not?

[rogbo69]

that's correct, there is a lot of stress on the compound string and things like, dust, dirt, sun heat, cold, salt water, all have the effect of breaking it down. I have had strings let go at full draw and when that happens you have to buy at least two new things. A string and underwear. So, I buy the sting every couple of years and save on the hanes.

[elmbow]

It is not uncommon to see trad archers with strings that are dry and whiskery. such a situation is a recipe for disaster. OTOH, a string kept loaded with wax will last a long long long time. I have always used plain old beeswax for my dacron strings and I use the synthetic stuff (Bowtex, I believe) for my aramid strings. I wax the string while under tension and use my fingers, rubbing until the friction heat generated melts the wax into the string. Your fingers make a good thermometer for judging the friction heat you're generating. A properly waxed string should look almost like a solid strand. A tube of wax should always be in your archery "possibles" pouch along with a few extra nocks, some glue and a t-wrench for pulling arrowheads out of stumps /images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

[Westy]

rogbo - LOL, at least you're saving $'s on your briefs. Thanks for the insight. I can imagine that would be QUITE the surprise to have a string let go at full draw.

elmbow - Thanks for the response. Are aramid strings what is commonly used on compounds? Do you rub the wax onto the string first, then rub it in with your fingers? What's the glue in the archery possibles pouch used for?

[elmbow]

Westy, I shoot aluminum and use fletchtite for feathers and nocks and hot glue for inserts so always have a little of both along with extra nocks and inserts for field repair. A lighter, T-wrench, extra finger tab and if shooting broadheads a broadhead wrench. This stuff and of course wax, always goes with me when I'm stump shooting or hunting. Aramid, i.e. fast flite type strings. I've never shot a compound, can't answer that question. Yes, I'll scrape the wax off onto the string and then work it in.

[Westy]

Elmbow, thanks so much for the explanation. All good thoughts.

I'm starting to feel more comfortable with my bow after multiple stump shooting days and quite a few days with the practice bag. Tips like yours are really starting to make sense with a little more experience under my belt. I am really enjoying learning fron all of you who are much more experienced...you are steepening my learning curve drastically.

[Tanana]

A small piece of full-grain leather works well for rubbing the wax in.

[PAboy]

Tanana-I use the same approach. You can really work the wax in with leather. I always carry a 1" X 1" piece with me. I am completely anal about keeping my string waxed and for good reason. I had a large buck (150 class) directly under me in the pouring down rain (before I was anal). I shot low on the chest and watched my arrow fly like a rainbow under the buck from about 8 yards. I knocked a small tuff of hair from the brisket. I have to admit it was not the most well placed shot but if my string was not soaking wet-dead big buck. The extreme case of buck fever did not help. I learned a very valuable lesson that day about preparation and how the lack there of a can ruin your chances.