Maintaining your crossbow properly keeps it safe, accurate, and in great shape season after season. A little care goes a long way: from wiping down your bow after a hunt to waxing the strings and oiling the rails. In this friendly guide, we’ll show you how to maintain your crossbow for longevity, including easy DIY fixes for common problems. We’ll also highlight top maintenance products (with affiliate links) to keep your gear in top form. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll enjoy smoother shots and a bow that lasts for years.
Why Crossbow Maintenance Matters
Crossbows have many moving parts that can wear out or rust if ignored. Regular maintenance improves safety and keeps your shots on target. Inspect your bow before and after each use: check the limbs, trigger, and tightness of screws. Simple catches can cause misfires or even accidents.
- Inspect the limbs: Look for any cracks or splinters. Damaged limbs can fail under tension.
- Check strings and cables: Run your fingers along them. Frayed or broken strands mean it’s time for replacement or waxing.
- Tighten screws: Vibration from firing can loosen bolts and accessories. Make sure scopes, sights, and rail bolts are snug before shooting.
Good maintenance also saves money. Catching a small issue early (like a loose bolt or worn-out string) is much easier and cheaper than dealing with a major repair later. In short, keeping a clean, well-oiled, and properly stored crossbow means better performance and a longer lifespan for your crossbow.
Cleaning Your Crossbow After Use
After every hunt or target session, cleaning your crossbow prevents dirt buildup and corrosion. Follow these easy steps:
- Wipe down the frame: Use a soft, damp cloth to remove dirt and debris from the body and limbs. A cotton or microfiber towel with a little water works great. Dry every part thoroughly to stop rust.
- Clean the rail (flight track): Dust and residue on the rail increase friction. Use a Q-tip or small brush with a bit of alcohol or specialized rail-cleaning fluid. Wipe it clean, then apply a thin bead of rail lube along the track. The lube both protects and ensures smooth arrow travel.
- Clean the trigger box: Blow out dust and grime from the trigger assembly using compressed air or a soft brush. A tiny drop of light machine oil on moving parts can help, but don’t over-lubricate – excess oil can attract dirt.
- Scope covers: If your bow has a scope, keep it covered when not shooting. Wipe lenses gently with a soft lens cloth to prevent scratches.
For quick cleaning on the field, always carry a microfiber cloth or a set of lens swabs. Pro tip: After wiping, give everything a quick air-dry or gentle wipe with a dry cloth to prevent moisture. A clean crossbow is a happy crossbow!
Lubrication and Wax: Best Practices
Proper lubrication is key to smooth shooting and long string life. Think of rail lube like oil for a chain: it reduces friction and wear. Likewise, string wax keeps the fibers together under tension. Follow these best practices:
- Rail lube: Apply a thin bead of crossbow-specific rail lube to the flight rail every 50–100 shots. Scorpion Venom’s rail lube is a good example – it “reduces friction and increases string life” with a mess-free applicator. Avoid household oils (they can gum up parts). Apply just a little – one or two swipes along the barrel is usually enough.
- String wax: Rub wax along the non-serving parts of the string and cables to reduce fiber friction. TenPoint’s String Wax (HCA-11007) comes in a handy chapstick-style tube and “lubricates and rejuvenates bow strings and cables”, tenpointcrossbows.com. Apply every 75–100 shots or anytime the string looks dry, divebombindustries.com. Work it in with your fingers or a leather cloth for maximum protection, scorpionvenom-archery.com.
- Trigger and cams: A tiny drop of light oil on the trigger mechanism can help with smooth release. For cams and idler wheels on compound bows, use a dedicated cam lube. Scorpion Venom makes a Cam & Serving Lube that “reduces friction without tack” on the cams, fdmoutfitters.com.
One mistake to avoid: never put lubricants or wax on the wrong surfaces. Keep lube off the string servings (the wrapped parts) and wax off the rail. This prevents slippage or build-up. Overall, using the right products – odourless, waterproof lubes like Scorpion Venom or Barnett’s Slickshot kit – will keep your crossbow running smoothly in any weather, scorpionvenom-archery.combarnettcrossbows.com.
String and Cable Care
Crossbow strings and cables do the heavy lifting, so they deserve special care. Frayed cables or dry, split strings can snap during use – a serious hazard. Here’s how to keep them strong:
- Wax regularly: As above, use a good string wax every few dozen shots, divebombindustries.com. This keeps the fibers together and prevents fraying. A high-quality wax like Bohning Seal-Tite (silicone-based) or TenPoint String Wax will stay soft in cold weather and repel moisture, scorpionvenom-archery.comtenpointcrossbows.com.
- Inspect often: Each time you shoot, look over the string and cables for broken strands or excessive wear, divebombindustries.com. If the string feels rough or you see fuzzy sections, replace it at once. Many hunters replace strings and cables every 1–2 years of regular use, preppersshop.co.uk, or sooner under heavy use.
- Proper tension: Don’t leave your crossbow cocked for long periods. If you won’t be shooting for months, decock the bow according to the manual to relieve tension on the string, divebombindustries.com. This greatly extends string’s life.
For replacement, you’ll need a bow press – it’s the tool that compresses the limbs so you can take off the old string and fit the new one. Unless you have a press and experience, let a pro handle string replacement. It’s a tricky job, and doing it wrong can damage the bow or cause injury.
Storing Your Crossbow Properly
How you store a crossbow between hunts matters. Storing it right keeps moisture out and prevents warping, divebombindustries.com. Follow these tips:
- Use a case: Store your bow in a hard or padded crossbow case when not in use. This protects it from dust, bumps, and humidity, preppersshop.co.uk. Many cases even have pockets for lube and accessories.
- Climate control: Keep the bow in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or extreme heat/cold, divebombindustries.com. Attics and car trunks can get too hot, which may weaken strings and delaminating limbs.
- Relax the limbs: If storing long-term, use a bow press to slightly loosen the limb bolts. This “relaxes” the limbs and reduces stress on strings, divebombindustries.com. Check your owner’s manual – some bows have specific storage recommendations.
- Untension the string: If you’ll be away from bowhunting for the winter or longer, decock the bow. This relieves tension. Never store a crossbow cocked for safety and preservation of parts.
In sum, a dry, cool spot plus a protective case is ideal. Think of it like parking your car in a garage instead of on the street – your crossbow will thank you for the extra protection!
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even eager DIYers can make avoidable mistakes. Be sure to avoid these common errors:
- Over-greasing: Too much lubricant or using the wrong kind (like grease meant for guns) can gum up your rail and string. Use only crossbow lubes and waxes. Excess oil also attracts dirt, causing more friction, divebombindustries.com.
- Petroleum products: Don’t use WD-40, grease, or household oils on your bow. They can degrade strings and corrode metal parts.
- Skipping the bow press: Do not try to remove or install a new string without a bow press. The limbs store huge energy – without a press, you risk injury or damaging the bow.
- Ignoring wear signs: Don’t put off replacing a frayed string or a worn cable. Snapped cables can ruin limbs or injure you. If in doubt, replace it or consult a pro.
- Poor storage: Leaving your bow on a damp floor or in a hot car can warp the limbs or rust the metal. Always clean and dry before storing.
By avoiding these pitfalls and following the steps above, you’ll keep your crossbow in safe, working order. When in doubt, consult the manufacturer or a qualified archery service center.
DIY Repairs and Adjustments
Many common issues can be fixed at home with basic tools. Here are a few DIY fixes:
- Reset a loose scope: If your scope shifts, re-tighten its screws and re-zero it. Use lens covers to keep it clean during transport, divebombindustries.com.
- Fix cocking aid issues: Uneven cocking can throw off aim. Make sure your rope cocking device has both hooks aligned on the string, crossbownation.com. If it’s too loose, adjust the stopper knot so the string locks in evenly.
- Replace cables with like-for-like: If you’re handy and have a press, you can replace cables yourself by ordering OEM replacements from the manufacturer. Follow the manual exactly.
- Silence rattles: Loose limb pockets or cables can squeak. Gently tighten screws and use rubber silencers on cables if provided.
- Apply touch-up finish: Minor scratches on wood or stock? Some archers use fine steel wool or wood polish to smooth out scratches and protect the finish.
However, know your limits. If your bow has a serious issue—like a cracked limb or trigger malfunction—stop using it and get professional help. Crossbows store a lot of power, and some repairs (like trigger work or limb replacement) are best left to the experts.
Top Crossbow Maintenance Kits (Buying Guide)
For convenience, many hunters use an all-in-one maintenance kit. These kits bundle waxes, lubes, and cleaners into one package. Below are some top picks (prices and affiliate links as of mid-2025):
| Kit | Includes | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excalibur Utility Pack Buy Now | Ex-Wax (string wax), X-Slick (rail lube), Ex-Oil (component oil) | All three essential products, a well-known brand, compact canisters, sportinggoodsdepot.com | All three essential products, a well-known brand, compact canisters, sportinggoodsdepot.com |
| Scorpion Venom Crossbow Care Kit Buy Now | 3-piece: Anti-venom string cleaner, Polymeric string fluid, Cam & serving lube, fdmoutfitters.com | Odor-free, works in any climate, covers string and cams | Only for Excalibur? (works on any bow, though); $$$ |
| Bear X Rail Lube & Wax Combo Buy Now | Rail lubricant + String wax (2-in-1) | Waterproof; scent-free; very affordable, beararchery.com | Small tubes (replenish often); no trigger oil |
| TenPoint String Wax (HCA-11007) Buy Now | Wax stick only | All-natural wax in chapstick tube, tenpointcrossbows.com; very portable; built for crossbows | No rail lube or cleaner; wax only |
| Barnett Slickshot Lubrication Kit (no Amazon) | Rail lube + Lubewax, barnettcrossbows.com | Budget-friendly; recommended every 5–10 shotsbarnettcrossbows.com | Sold on Barnett site only; very basic kit |
Each kit has strengths: the Excalibur Utility Pack gets high marks for completeness and ease of use sportinggoodsdepot.com, while the Scorpion Kit is great for serious hunters who want everything. The Bear X Combo is perfect for beginners – it’s simple and covers the basics at a low price, beararchery.com.
Pro tip: When choosing a kit, consider your bow type and climate. If you hunt in wet conditions, pick waterproof lubes. If your bow is older, an all-in-one kit (like Excalibur or Scorpion) can simplify care. Always read customer reviews on Amazon to see how others like the product (most above have ~4.7/5★ ratings).
How to Use Each Product (Quick Guide)
- String Wax: Apply to dry string with gentle rubbing. Work it in and wipe off excess.
- Rail Lube: Apply a thin line along the barrel’s flight rail. Wipe off any drips.
- Trigger Oil (Excalibur’s Ex-Oil): Put a drop on the sear or trigger internals.
- String Cleaner (Scorpion’s Anti-Venom): Spray or wipe on dirty string, then re-wax.
- Cam Lube (Scorpion’s Cam & Serving Lube): Apply to cam tracks and idler wheels if needed.
Remember to always clean before you lube or wax. You don’t want to trap dirt under a layer of oil.
Safety and Final Pro Tips
- Work safely: Always point the crossbow in a safe direction when making adjustments. Treat it as a loaded weapon even when dry.
- Check local regs: Some states require periodic professional inspection or prohibit certain DIY.
- Stay consistent: Develop a routine (e.g., wipe and wax after every hunting trip) to build good habits.
- Keep notes: Write down when you waxed or lubed last. That helps you track maintenance.
By following these tips and using quality products, even a novice can keep a crossbow shooting great. Proper care not only preserves your gear but also your safety and success in the field. Now get out there, keep that bow clean, and happy hunting!
Sources: Advice and product details above are based on expert archery guides and manufacturer instructions divebombindustries.comstoreus.excaliburcrossbow.comfdmoutfitters.com, plus hands-on tips from customer reviews of top brands sportinggoodsdepot.combeararchery.com. Each recommendation cites official or retailer info for accuracy.