How to Wax a Bow String: The Quick and Easy Way

What Is Draw Weight in Archery?

The bow string is one of the most important pieces on your bow. It is what transfers your stored energy to the arrow so it can fly downrange. When you fire the arrow, all that stored energy needs to be transferred in a split second or else accuracy will suffer and shots may even go wild.

To keep your bowstring working at its best, it’s crucial for you to wax it regularly with some wax designed specifically for this purpose.

Waxing ensures that there are no kinks or twists in the strings which could cause inconsistencies when shooting arrows; however, many people do not know how often they should be doing this maintenance step! Check out our blog post about how often you should wax your bow string.

Why Should You Wax Your Bow String

Your bow string is an important part of your compound bow. If the string becomes frayed or if it starts to deteriorate, you will need to replace it right away before it has a chance to break during archery season.

By waxing your bow string regularly, you can prevent fraying and extend the life of your bow string. It is easy to do, so there is no reason not to take care of it in a proper manner!

When it is time to wax your bowstring

It’s a question that doesn’t have one short answer. There are many variables involved in determining the right time to recondition your bow string. However, there are some guidelines that can help you decide when it is time to wax your bowstring.

First, I recommend keeping notes on when you waxed last and how often you have to re-wax your bow string. It isn’t necessary, but if you are just starting out, it is very helpful.

Second, waxing your string before or after shooting is not a big deal or an exact science. I would say that the more frequent the shooting, the more often you should wax your bow string.

Third, there are many variables in determining when to wax your string. Things like humidity, temperature, how often you shoot, the frequency of arrow removal are just a couple of examples.

I have found that 45 – 60 days is about an average between these variables for reconditioning the bowstring on my bows. But don’t worry, if you find that it is getting to the point that your strings are not lasting this long, there are many options to fixing this problem.

There are two types of string waxes; water-based and oil. I prefer using a water-based brand due to its longevity (lasting between 8 – 14 weeks under normal conditions) and lack of oily residue.

KESHES Dacron Replacement Recurve Bowstring 1

Water-based waxes

The consistency of these brands are very thick and tacky to the touch, making them ideal for enrobing your bowstring. However, this does not mean you can just take a glob and slap it on your string.

The reason for this is because these waxes are very sticky. If you don’t apply it the right way, you could end up with clumps of wax sticking to your bowstring or worst yet, build up left over from previous applications.

These types of products can be found at most sporting goods stores over the counter. However, they are typically more expensive than the oil-based brands.

Oil-Based Waxes

The other type of string wax is oil based. These waxes come in many forms (drying balls , bars, etc.) but all fall under one category; they may be sticky to the touch but they do not have a consistency that is suitable for enrobing your bowstring.

These types of waxes work very well, but only if you use a drip system to apply it. The reason being is because string wax drips down from the tip of the arrow shaft and collects at the nock end before solidifying. Because of this, you don’t want it to get all over your bowstring; instead of a sleek and smooth finish.

Water-based waxes give you more control when applying the product because it is tackier and sticks better to the string material. This gives you more accuracy when applying the product with your finger tips or an applicator. Also, I have found that these types of waxes seem to be more durable and last longer in the long run.

Once you apply your string wax (if you use a bar or ball), cut it in half and place one half on each side of your bowstring; midway between the stabilizer and cable serving. Once applied, rub the wax in with your fingers and make sure to get between the strands. This, of course, depends on what type of bowstring you have (FastFlight vs BCY)

Following this simple procedure will help prolong the life of your bowstring and keep it from breaking more often than necessary. If you are just starting out, a few extra dollars spent on a good string wax will help prevent unnecessary down time. It won’t take long before you have broken 1 – 2 strings and have to re-wax your bowstring one or two times per year.

How to wax a bow string

To wax your bowstring, you will need:

Bowstring
String wax
Fabric cord, leather or flexible card

Step 1

Apply wax directly along the length of the string (and cables) by rubbing it up and down wax is visible along the length of the strands.

Do not wax the serving. It’ll unravel quicker – and also make it slippery!

Step 2

Use your fingers to massage the wax further into the string. As the string is made up of multiple strands, the wax must be pushed all around them for best results, melting into all the gaps.

Step 3

Take the fabric cord and wrap it in a loop around the string. (Traditional archers often prefer leather – and, in a pinch, even a small loop of card or paper will do.)

Push the loop in the cord up and down the length of the string to even out the spread of wax. As much as possible will be pushed into the strands – and the excess will be pushed away. Remove any left-over lumps with your fingers – and your string is ready to go!

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Related Questions

What string is best for bows?

The string is the most important part of a bow. It must be the right length and tension to produce a good sound. However, it is not always easy to know which string will produce the best sound for your bow. Each string has its own characteristics, and it is impossible to predict which one will produce the most consistent results.

What is a bow string material?

Bow string is a material used to make bows. It is usually made from wood, but can be made from other materials such as metal and plastic. The bow string has a thin metal or plastic coating that creates friction between the bow and the arrow when it is pulled back.

Bow strings are often used in archery games such as archery, target shooting and hunting. Bow strings are also widely used in other sports such as tennis and golf, where they are called club heads or shafts.