How to Change Bowstrings on a Crossbow

Consisting of a bow mounted horizontally to a stock that is shot from a shoulder-mounted position similar to a rife, crossbows often produce twice the power of standard bows. With increased tension on crossbow strings, the shooter's safety is at risk if the string snaps while the crossbow is cocked. To reduce risk of injury, change the bowstring on a crossbow at the first sign of wear. Avoiding the draw, or stretch, of your bowstring also maintains the crossbow's accuracy, so it's best to go with a replacement.

Things You'll Need

  • Bowstring changer
  • New bowstring
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Instructions

    • 1

      Leave the crossbow uncocked. Attach the loops on a bowstring changer to the free grooves on the teardrop fittings at the ends of the crossbow cables.

    • 2

      Work the ratchet or turnbuckle of the bowstring changer, depending on the design of the bowstring changer, until there is enough slack in the bowstring to slip the ends of the string off the teardrop fittings.

    • 3

      Place the loops of the new bowstring over the grooves in the teardrop fittings from which the old bowstring was removed.

    • 4

      Release tension on the bowstring changer until the loops on the new bowstring are fully engaged in the grooves on the teardrop fittings. Remove the bowstring changer from the cables.