How Often Should You Wax Ravin Crossbow Strings?

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Quick Answer

Ravin’s maintenance guidance says to wax the exposed strings and cables every 75 to 100 shots. If you shoot only occasionally, Ravin says to wax them at the beginning of each shooting session.

The most important exception is the center serving. Ravin says not to wax the center serving because wax can build up in the trigger mechanism and create a possible malfunction.

Why Waxing Ravin Strings and Cables Matters

Crossbow strings and cables are made from high-strength fibers, but those fibers still face friction, tension, weather, and repeated movement.

Wax helps reduce dryness and surface wear. It also helps protect the fibers from dirt and moisture. Ravin specifically explains that regular waxing can extend the life of the strings and cables.

This does not mean wax can repair damage. Wax is preventive maintenance. If you see broken strands, deep cuts, heavy fuzz, or serving separation, stop shooting and replace the worn components.

What Parts of a Ravin Crossbow Should Be Waxed?

Apply wax to the exposed bowstring and cables. These are the visible fiber sections outside the center serving.

Ravin’s video instructs owners to apply a liberal amount of wax and rub it into the strings and cables. The goal is to coat the fibers without leaving thick clumps sitting on the surface.

What Should Never Be Waxed?

The Center Serving

The center serving is the wrapped section where the Ravin Clip-on Nock engages the string. Ravin says not to wax this area.

Wax on the center serving can be pulled into the trigger mechanism. Over time, that buildup may affect the trigger or anti-dry fire system.

The Trigger Assembly

Do not apply wax, oil, or random lubricant inside the trigger mechanism. If wax has already entered the trigger assembly, contact Ravin service rather than trying to flush it out yourself.

Damaged String Areas

Do not use wax to hide broken fibers, cuts, serving separation, or other damage. Wax cannot restore the strength of a damaged string.

Step-by-Step: How to Wax Ravin Crossbow Strings

Step 1: Make the Crossbow Safe

Put on safety glasses. Make sure the crossbow is unloaded and uncocked. Place it on a stable surface with the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

Step 2: Inspect Before Applying Wax

Check the exposed string, cables, and center serving. Look for fraying, cuts, loose fibers, flattened areas, or serving separation.

Step 3: Identify the Center Serving

Find the thicker wrapped section where the nock attaches. Do not apply wax to this area.

Step 4: Apply Wax to the Exposed Fibers

Rub the wax along the exposed bowstring and cables. Follow Ravin’s guidance to use enough wax to coat the fibers.

Step 5: Work the Wax Into the Fibers

Use clean fingers to rub the wax into the string and cables. Friction from your fingers helps soften and spread the wax.

Step 6: Remove Heavy Buildup

The fibers should look coated, not buried under thick lumps. Wipe away obvious excess before shooting.

Step 7: Reinspect the Center Serving

Make sure no wax was pushed onto the center serving or toward the trigger area.

Simple Ravin Waxing Schedule

Inspect Before You Wax

Ravin’s maintenance guidance puts inspection before waxing. Waxing a worn string can hide early warning signs and may encourage a beginner to keep shooting when replacement is needed.

• Check for fuzzy or broken string fibers.
• Look for cuts, flattened areas, or discoloration.
• Inspect the cables near the cams.
• Check the center serving for gaps or separation.
• Replace worn strings and cables immediately.
• Use only Ravin-approved components.

The transcript also states that the strings and cables should be changed about every two years or 200 shots for the models covered by that video. Because Ravin models may use different intervals, confirm the correct schedule in your exact manual.

Common Beginner Waxing Mistakes

Troubleshooting

The String Still Looks Dry After Waxing

Work a small additional amount into the exposed fibers. Do not keep adding large layers. If the fibers remain rough, fuzzy, or damaged, stop and get a professional inspection.

I Accidentally Waxed the Center Serving

Stop adding wax. Carefully remove visible surface excess without pushing wax toward the trigger. If wax may have entered the trigger assembly, contact Ravin service.

The Center Serving Looks Worn

Do not wax it. Center-serving wear requires inspection. If it is worn, damaged, or separated, replace the strings and cables as Ravin directs.

I Do Not Know When the Strings Were Last Waxed

Inspect them first. If they are healthy, wax the exposed strings and cables before your next shooting session and begin a simple maintenance log.

Recommended Gear

Related Ravin Maintenance Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The beginner answer is simple: wax the exposed Ravin strings and cables every 75 to 100 shots, or before each shooting session if you shoot only occasionally.

Keep wax away from the center serving and trigger assembly. Inspect the crossbow before applying anything, and never use wax to cover damage.

A few minutes of careful maintenance can help protect the string system, but your exact Ravin owner’s manual should always control the final schedule and product choice.