How to String a Compound Bow?
The compound bow is a modern and updated bow. It uses pulleys and stiff limbs that produces an extra force to shoot an arrow. One can make a more accurate shot with a compound bow than the traditional bows.
The compound bow is constructed with more complicated instruments and needs some skill to be maintained. Changing the strings at the right time is also needed for a compound bow. You may find it quite difficult to change the strings. In this post, I will show you some steps string a compound bow.
The process to String a Compound Bow
There are different ways to string a compound bow. Here, I will show you two of the popular ways to string a compound bow:
- Using a bow press and
- Re-stringing a teardrop bow by hand.
Below, you will find the details of these processes in some steps:
Using a Bow Press
A bow press is an advanced mechanism for re-stringing a compound bow. Let’s take a look at the process by using this mechanism:
Check the Old Bow String
At first, you have to check your old bow strings for any kind of damage or irregularities. If the old string has some serious faults or damage, it can break while you remove it and cause you serious injury. If the string is very badly damaged or worn, don’t take any risk and take it to a professional for restringing.
Select and Wax a New Bow String
You can consult with an expert or the manufacturer about which string is safe and perfect for your compound bow. When you have the answer, you can choose from a variety of synthetic materials with different attributes.
Discard strings that have any bumps, cracks or other problems. Even a simple glitch can make the whole process dangerous and unsuccessful. You can rub bow wax over the string before you attach them to make it easier to attach and use. Make sure you are buying a bowstring and not a bow cable. Bow cables are for operating pulleys and they apply extra pressure to the bow limbs. They are not meant to shoot arrows.
Use a Double Pull Compound Bow Press
There are many compound bows that you cannot restring safely without a specialized bow press. It holds the bow in place and can bend the limbs inappropriate position. Bow press comes in many different forms and sizes. So, it is better to know what size and type of bow press are suitable for your bow.
Place the Bow into the Bow Press
Before doing this, there is a precaution, if you are not familiar with the particular bow press, don’t try to do it alone and consult with an expert. It is important to avoid any injury.
Most of the bow presses will require you to loosen the weight adjustment bolts on each limb. It may have restraining arms that can lock over the bow. There are also some bolts that tighten the bow’s limbs in right place. You will also find a series of locks over the limbs and handgrips. Loosen your bow always by alternating limbs with each turn. Do this with both limbs otherwise, there is a risk of breaking the bow and cause an accident.
Remove the Old String First
If your bow has a teardrop attachment point, string it while the old string is still in the place. On the other hand, if your bow doesn’t have this kind of attachment, you should remove the old string before attaching the new one.
Thread the New String Starting with a Cam
If your bow has no teardrop system, then you can follow this step. Just loop the string under the cam and back over, slot it into the groove. For two cams, do the same in reverse on the other cam too. Loop the string around the idler wheel if it is a bow with single cam.
Re-tighten the Bow and Slowly Remove it From the Bow Press
Now, make the bolts tighten to their original settings position. Do it one after one by alternating. Release the bow from the bow press slowly. Make sure the strings are properly seated in the correct grooves. If you see any little problem, immediately stop, fasten the machine again and adjust the string again to the right place.
Re-string a Teardrop Bow by Hand
Another process of stringing a bow is by hand. It is possible only when you have a teardrop type bow. Let’s see the process in some steps:
Identify Your Bow for Eligibility
At first, you have to identify your bow whether it is eligible for this process or not.The only compound bow that is eligible for this task is the bows that are older in the model and has a teardrop-shaped attachment for the string. It has two grooves to hold two strings at the same time. It allows you to use the old string to keep the bow in the right position while attaching the new string. You cannot re-string any compound bow by hand unless it has an old string present.
Loosen the Limb Bolts Slightly
To loosen the bolts, turn the top bolt counterclockwise one turn. It will loosen the limb. Repeat the same with the other bolts to slightly loosen the bolt.
Step on the Old String and Lift the Bow
Hold the bow with your one hand and step on the old string. Lift the bow which will make the limbs flexible. Don’t pull back the bow in full draw length because you will only need to flex the limbs and take it close enough together to attach the new string.
Slip on the New String
A teardrop bow has two grooves on each limb. One groove with the old string and one is empty. Slip the end of the new string over the empty grooves carefully. Make sure they are attached firmly and strongly.
Remove the Old String
Now it’s time for removing the old string. To do this, lower the bow gently to normal position. Now, step on the new string and draw the bow slightly towards you as you did before. Now, slowly unhook the old string from each teardrop.
Conclusion
A string is the most sensitive part of a compound. It goes through very intense pressure and force. Due to these actions, compound bow strings should be changed after a certain period of time. You can do this task by yourself by following the techniques I have described above. Make sure you follow the basic safety measures to avoid an accident and from any damage. If you are not so sure about doing this, it is better to consult with a professional.
