Today I am doing some tree stand practice on my property. There is a drizzling of rain here which reminded me of something before I got up in the tree. A little rust on the metal working part of my old bow. Mostly on bolts for sights and limbs. I just purchased a new Halon 6 and I want to keep it in tip top shape So I am applying a little WD-40 to the places where I thought could be affected to help displace moisture. Anyone else doing this or have suggestions for this kind of preventative maintenance? Anything on the market specific for archery equipment? I don't plan on allowing a little rain or snow stop me from bowhunting!
http://forums.bowsite.com/tf/bgforums/thread-print.cfm?threadid=207381&forum=2 13 Tips to Care for Your Compound Bow | SkyAboveUs I wouldn't use WD-40 on your bow.
WD-40 is probably one of the worst oils that you can use on any type of a precision tool. There are so many different lubricants that are so much better. I prefer a teflon/silicone based lube or any of the fine sewing machine types. There are also lots of bicycle lubricants that are "dry lubes" that work very well too. As far as water displacement on a bow, even with my less than full head of hair, I love my hair dryer!
Yeah I just wanted the water displacement. The manual calls for no lubes because the bearings are sealed and bushings are self-lubricating but says no more than making sure it is dry before storing. I hope this single application of wd-40 hasn't done any damage. I did attempt to wipe down the bow afterwards and remove any excess.
It shouldn't do any harm but I would assume getting new bolts if they start to rust would be way cheaper than a lengthy repair
Keep WD (and bug spray away) from your bow. When a rusty bolt head bothered me I used a Q-tip and some olive oil to give them a light coat. Now, there are many more important things to do/worry about than a rusty bolt head on my bow. But I know how it is. FWIW: WD is not a lubricant. WD40 = Water Displacement formula - 40th version.
When mounting accessories, I would put a little locktite on them. For parts that may need to be adjusted apply a never seize. That will protect the threads from moisture penetrating them. To protect the exposed metal, put a clear coat on with a small model brush.
If you are worried about it continuing to happen you can always pick up some stainless or titanium bolts and screws to replace what comes stock. Otherwise just apply a light oil to a Q tip and wipe the surface rust off. I believe Firenock makes titanium bolt kits for most bows but they ain't cheap.
