Routine maintenance prevents small problems becoming missed shots or safety issues. A useful maintenance schedule separates quick pre-shoot checks from deeper periodic inspection.
Before every session
- Inspect the string and serving for broken strands or severe wear.
- Check limb surfaces and edges for cracks or delamination.
- Confirm limb bolts and stabiliser connections are secure.
- Check the arrow rest, pressure button and sight for looseness.
- Inspect every arrow and nock.
Weekly
- Wipe dirt and moisture from the riser and limbs.
- Check brace height and nocking-point position.
- Check string twist and centre serving condition.
- Tighten accessory screws to sensible manufacturer limits.
- Record anything that has moved.
Monthly
- Inspect limb pockets and alignment.
- Check tiller and centre shot.
- Clean pressure-button moving parts if the manufacturer permits it.
- Inspect stabiliser dampers and weights.
- Check the case for moisture and protect equipment during transport.
Seasonal or before an important competition
Replace a string before it becomes unreliable, then allow time to shoot it in and recheck brace height. Check all arrows for matching components and weigh them if close matching matters. Reconfirm sight marks after any major equipment change.
What not to do
Do not dry-fire the bow. Do not use household oils or solvents on parts unless the manufacturer approves them. Do not sand or modify carbon limbs or arrows to hide damage.
Further reading and official guidance
Club note: This guide supports coaching rather than replacing it. If a coach, judge or field captain gives an instruction for safety or competition procedure, follow that instruction.