Lock it socket creaking

[DCANAPP]

My long bow is creaking and some of epoxy is deteriorating. Wax helps some but the noise is not still there. It’s only 40 lbs and 3 years old or so out of warranty I’m sure.
 So what if I glued it up with epoxy to make permanent one piece? What epoxy would work for a lifetime?  I like the bow but disappointed with lock it socket. So I’m willing to take the loss to save the bow.
 Advice would be appreciated.

[MCS]

I would look at JB Weld.

[Pine]

JB weld is good.
But I have found that beeswax can silence these problems.
Might be worth a try.

[Tim Finley]

Where is the epoxy deteriorating ?

[DCANAPP]

Epoxy is chipped away at bottom and small amount around edge at top. I have another lock it socket from different bower, big Jim that is better designed and no problems at all. I’m thinking I can still use it and just keep waxing. It’s my lightest bow and really like it.

[GCook]

I have a Primal Tech and it started to make a little noise.  Randy had sent some fairly soft brown wax with it that fixed it right up.  No issues since but I rewax about twice a year.

[Horsey]

There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with that socket.  The epoxy is not deteriorating.  The small void at the bottom was probably present when the bow was built and is just a pocket formed when the fiberglass tape was wrapped to construct the socket.  If that void bothers you, just mix up some 5 minute epoxy and carefully fill it.  Don't get any epoxy in the socket.
As far as the wax, I recommend that you don't use bee's wax or string wax.  It is too stiff.  I use paraffin wax from a toilet seating ring available at any hardware store.  I have built close to 100 of these takedowns and this soft wax has always taken care of any noise.

--Mike

[Crooked Stic]

X2 on the toilet ring wax.
How about the very top of the tenon most flatten the point which to me takes away any hint of rubbing etc.

[Steelhead]

You might try some saran wrap around the male part to snug it up and see how that works.

When they had bevel lock T.Ds that were sliding apart years ago I remember some guys were epoxying them together to make a permanant 1 piece.That would be a last resort for you if you cant solve the issue.

[TSP]

I agree with not using string or bees wax, the consistency of that kind of wax when it cools down is generally too thick/stiff and unless constantly re-renewed it can dry out and become brittle in static applications. 

It would be a shame to epoxy your bow into a 1-piece...the takedown feature is a key part of the handiness and resale value of the bow...but thats you're call. 

If it were mine I'd do what worked on my last two sleeved takedowns when they squeaked a bit...make sure there are no splinters/ bumps/ high spots in the socket or on the male end (a light sanding with fine steel wool or fine sandpaper can help) then use a tiny amount of Vaseline applied sparingly on both pieces with a fingertip.  VERY little is needed, just a thin film on the male end/edge (too much can collect dirt and may create a 'vacuum' in the socket, making the pieces harder to remove).  Then work the pieces back and forth together until the noise stops and they slide easily.  Once quiet you probably won't need to redo the socket treatment for awhile as the Vaseline not only lubes but discourages moisture and dryness, and cold doesn't seem to affect it much either.  But take note, if you put Vaseline on you won't be able to epoxy the pieces together without THOROUGHLY cleaning off the Vaseline.  Even a light film of it is pretty persistent.   

[Bucksnort101]

Chad Holm of Holm Made Bows used wax toilet bowl rings/gaskets to fill in voids and get rid of unwanted noises (no pun meant).