How to Check Crossbow Bolt for Straightness

Crossbows are simple in design; they're comprised of a stock and lateral bow. The projectiles used for a crossbow are called bolts and are similar to arrows in design. Fletchings, three feathers at the end of the bolt, are used to maintain the straight, even flight of the bolt. In order to maintain an even and level flight, the bolt should be straight. The test for straightness is as basic as the crossbow design itself. If you're having accuracy issues with bolts, check them using this straightness test.

Things You'll Need

  • Carpenter's level
  • Sheet of white paper
  • Crossbow bolts
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Instructions

    • 1

      Look straight down the length of a bolt, from the fletchings in the back to the tip. Hold the bolt in front of a mirror and use the inverse reflection to check the straightness. Make sure the bolt is even, level and straight. Use the fletchings as the visual reference point.

    • 2

      Set the bolt on a flat and level surface, such as a tabletop or work bench. Use a carpenters level to ensure the surface you're using is flat and even.

    • 3

      Roll the bolt back and forth with the fletchings hanging off the edge of the level surface, so that the fletchings don't affect the roll.

    • 4

      Look for any rises in the bolt as you roll it back and forth. Slide a piece of paper under the bolt. If any part of the bolt is raised above any section of the piece of paper, the bolt isn't straight.