How to Use a Potawatomi Bow Square

The Potawatomi bow square, manufactured in Plymouth, Indiana, is used to help set the nocking point on a bowstring. In archery, it is essential for accurate shooting that the arrow be perfectly perpendicular to the bow string. Although this can be done with some accuracy by eye, setting a point on the string that is exactly 90 degrees will make your shooting more consistent. This position can be permanently marked on your bow string by crimping on a brass marker or installing a d-loop.

Instructions

    • 1

      Stand your bow upright in a bow clamp or have a friend hold it for you.

    • 2

      Lay the long rod end of the bow square onto your arrow rest and clip the two clips at the opposite end onto your bowstring.

    • 3

      Square the flat 'T' end of the square against the string with the clips attached and the long end resting on your arrow rest.

    • 4

      Make a small mark on the string where the nock mark is indicated.

    • 5

      Remove the square from the bowstring and crimp on a brass nocking point, or tie on a d-loop on either side of your nocking point.