Let’s face it, whether you’re using a compound, recurve, or crossbow bow, one of the most important components of all of them is the string. The bowstring has many functions, however the main function of the bowstring is to draw back the limbs of the bow so that an arrow can be fired.

One of the most important things to remember is that the bowstring is constantly under enormous pressure, whether you’re sitting there or pulling the bow. It goes without saying then that the rope after a while will eventually need to be replaced.

So how do you know when you need to replace your chain? Here are some signs to look out for that will let you know when it’s time to change your chain:

sign 1: String Fray – Now I’m not talking about a few small frayed threads here and there along the string, this is normal and can be fixed by rubbing some bow wax on the string, no, I’m talking about strings that look like a bird has tried to build a nest in it. This is a definite sign that the threads will start to break soon.

sign 2: Broken Thread – This sign is self explanatory however I will say if you have 1 or 2 threads that are broken however the rest of the thread is in good condition you will still be able to shoot normally however it is important keep an eye out for any other thread breaks. (Use your best judgment here)

sign 3: Strand Separation: This can occur as the string ages, if the bow sits unused for a long period of time, or is not regularly waxed and maintained. What can happen is that the strands start to look separate and loose and actually rot and become brittle, this can cause some major problems as the string could break causing injury to you as well as damage to your bow.

Here are 3 of the most common signs to look for when determining whether or not to replace your chain. Now a word of caution to you, if your bow is dry fired (fired without an arrow), most of the time you will need to replace the string, however this should be determined by a licensed bow technician.

By taking care of your bowstring and maintaining its durability and integrity with proper bow wax, storage and maintenance, your string can last a long time and give you hundreds of shots.