Cracked limbs

[Rodney Zielke]

#134982

Does anyone have an opinion about using limbs on a three piece re-curve that have had the bolts over-tightened so that the glass on the back of the limb cracks down the center of the limb near the bolt hole?

[Stephen Graf]

#134983

That’s a tough one…

Generally, a crack that runs axially down the limb will not cause any problems.  But if the crack was caused by crushing the glass and core wood of the limb, then the cracks you see may not be the only failure.

If the glue and/or core wood have been compromised, then the limb will eventually fail.

If you want zero risk of bow failure and injury, its time to get a new limb, or set of limbs.  If you are willing to tolerate some risk of failure, you could add a big washer under the limb bolt to spread the load out a bit, and keep shooting.

There is no need to tighten the limb bold down all the way, as you have now learned.  Affixing a bow limb to a riser does not require the same bolt torque as sealing the head gasket in a car.

Good luck!

[Raymond Coffman]

#134985

What Stephen said — and I know he knows more about it than I do — if you know the manufacturer, they would probably be willing to repair or replace the limb. Most likely for a fee of course.

If it was mine, I would get a new limb /s or retire it. I go the zero risk route  most of the time anymore. Getting old I guess —

Scout

[Ralph]

#135001

Is the wise old owl old because he is wise or wise because he is old?–R2

Some of my thinking :-))

The fact is he’s still around and like Steve and  Scout, I’d replace or retire.

[Rodney Zielke]

#135050

Thanks for the help Guys, I know better than to over-tighten but the guy who did it didn’t….live and learn…

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