How to Repair a Bow Limb

Minor damage to certain bow limbs can be repaired at home with little effort. Scratches and slight twists in the limbs fall into this category, though more serious problems, such as splits or cracks in the limb, need to be seen to by a professional. More often than not this type of damage will require the limbs, or the entire bow if it is a one piece, to be replaced,.

Things You'll Need

  • Fine sandpaper
  • Water-based varnish
  • Hair dryer
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Sand down any minor scratches and paint over with water-based varnish. This is important to keep moisture from entering your bow. This is only recommended for wooden limbs.

    • 2

      Repair minor twists in wooden bow limbs by "bumping." Unstring the bow, grip the handle in one hand and the bent limb in the other. Twist the limb gently against the direction of the twist and release. Repeat several times until the problem is corrected. Most twists in limbs occur due to incorrect stringing of the bow; avoid this by using a bow stringer when stringing the bow.

    • 3

      Augment the "bumping" process by heating the bent section with a hair dryer. Heat for about five minutes, then twist and hold for a few seconds. Repeat until the bend is corrected.

    • 4

      Check for cracks on your bow limbs by rubbing a cotton bud across them. The fibers from the cotton bud will catch in the cracks and make them visible. If you have any cracks, take the bow to a professional for inspection. Using a bow with cracked limbs could be incredibly dangerous.