How to Make Your Own Serving String Jig

Serving is a type of thread used primarily for bow strings. Serving is generally used to make nock-points and other applications for bowstrings. A serving jig is a tool that provides constant tension while working with the serving, and makes a serving task much easier than when performing the job by hand. Though serving jigs are available for purchase at archery and sporting goods stores, you can make your own at home with a few basic tools.

Things You'll Need

  • 3/4-by-1/8-inch steel bar stock
  • Hacksaw
  • Vise
  • Drill with 5/16-inch bit and 1/8-inch bit
  • 5/16-inch tap tool
  • Metal file
  • 5/16-inch bolt (3 to 4 inches long)
  • 5/16 Teflon washers
  • 5/16 metal washer
  • Wing nut
  • Spool of serving thread
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a piece of 3/4-by-1/8-inch steel bar stock to a length of 5 inches using a hacksaw. File off any rough edges from cutting using a fine metal file.

    • 2

      Measure 2 inches up from one end of the steel bar stock and make a mark. Clamp the steel in a vise at your mark and bend it to a 90-degree angle using pliers. After bending, you will have one long side and one shorter side.

    • 3

      Mark 3/4 inch from the bottom of the long end in the center of the bar stock. Drill a 5/16-inch hole. Tap/thread the hole using a 5/16-inch tap tool.

    • 4

      Drill a 1/8-inch hole in the bottom center on the short side of the bar stock. Flip the bar stock over and clamp the bar stock in the vise.

    • 5

      File a shallow cross shaped groove into the stock, using the 1/8-inch hole as the center point for the cross. This will be used as a thread track to line up the serving at different points when using the jig.

    • 6

      Slide a 5/16 Teflon washer onto the 5/16-inch bolt. Slide a spool of serving onto the 5/16-inch bolt, then slide on another Teflon washer on top. Screw the bolt through the 5/16-inch hole that you drilled and tapped. Slide on a 5/16 washer. Screw on the wing nut until it tightens the spool up completely.

    • 7

      Pull the serving string down through the 1/8-inch hole and tie in a slipknot. When you're ready to use the jig, untie the knot and go to work.