Does waxing bow strings prevent wear?

[kernman]

Do you need to wax the entire string, or just the strands?

Also, I bought a 16-strand, Dacron string from Stone Mountain, and it only lasted less than six months on my 40-pound recurve. I shot about 3 times a week, if that. I heard strings can last a year or more.

What is something I did wrong that made the string wear out so fast?

 The archery shop guy said the string is fine (he did not see it) but I heard that when the strands become frayed (white material is showing through the strands on this particular string) it is dangerous and you should throw it away.

Opinions, anyone?

[dukkillr]

Throw a picture up and let us see... just because it looks a little fuzzy does not mean it's worn out.

Waxing does make your string last longer.

I don't shoot recurves by my compounds last a few years of regular shooting if you take care of them.

[Bigeasy]

Waxing provides a form of lubrication between the string strands, and increases useful life.  Do you wear an arm guard to prevent string slap?  I do, as I tend to shoot with a straight arm.  I have found that fleece models work well, nylon models less so, as they tend to abraid / fray the bow string from repetative rubbing / contact.

Larry

[crash87]

I've had strings go for years, not months, I'm wondering if your string is actually O.K? Just, maybe looks a little worn. You didn't say how often or if you waxed your string? There are correct ways and not so correct ways to wax a string also. I take a piece of leather about 3 or 4" square and fold it over the strands. Then I rub it vigourously until I feel heat, what I'm doing is heating up the string with friction so the lube will actually melt into and between the strands, which it does.                                                                                                                                                  I have a buddy who lives in Missouri, When he moved there he wanted to get into archery, so He found a little Mom & Pop archery shop who outfitted him quite well, NON traditional I must add. But, the gentleman behind the counter made a comment that I will always remeber about string care. When my buddy asked him why do you wax a string? He replied "Because it's the life of the string", I agree.
               CRASH87

[kernman]

Crash87,

I am new to archery, I started about a year ago. Until recently I never knew you had to wax the string at all.

I did for the first time last week. I left the wax inside the car in the sun, to heat it up. Then I applied rubbed it into the string. It balled up a bit, and I doubt it penetrated into the strands. Just the surface. So maybe I need to melt it like bee's wax?

Dukkillr,

I'm not great with technology, so a photo would take some doing. But I will try. So many people here post so many helpful photos. I feel guilty for not contributing.

Bigeasy,

I don't wear an armguard, I always shoot with a shirt or jacket. Would it make a difference in this case to add an arm guard?
 

[wormbobskey]

I inspect my strings on my bows everytime I use them. If they need waxing I apply it right than. One of the best and easiest ways to apply the wax is to rub it on the string than run your fingers over the entire string until you feel the heat on your fingers. I put 2 or 3 coats on this way and my strings have lasted for years. I also make my some of my own strings with 50 pound stealth spider wire and waxed cotton string for the serving. I have strings that I made several years ago and they are still in excellent shape. Keep waxing those strings and they will last for a long time.

[streak]

Crash87,

I am new to archery, I started about a year ago. Until recently I never knew you had to wax the string at all.

I did for the first time last week. I left the wax inside the car in the sun, to heat it up. Then I applied rubbed it into the string. It balled up a bit, and I doubt it penetrated into the strands. Just the surface. So maybe I need to melt it like bee's wax?

Dukkillr,

I'm not great with technology, so a photo would take some doing. But I will try. So many people here post so many helpful photos. I feel guilty for not contributing.

Bigeasy,

I don't wear an armguard, I always shoot with a shirt or jacket. Would it make a difference in this case to add an arm guard?
 

kernman,
What type of bow string wax are you using?
If you wax your string with a good bow string wax and the string is of pretty good quality, the string should last a very long time. Be sure string nocks on the bow are nice and smooth! If not they can fray your string in short order!

[kernman]

How often should I wax? I shoot about 75 arrows every other day.

[streak]

Depends on climate and use!
Here in Colorado if I am shooting almost everday I tend to wax mine two or three times a month!