How to Make the Strongest Bow String

The continuous loop bowstring is often considered one of the strongest bowstrings. They are fashioned by looping a single large stand of string upon itself multiple times to sufficiently create a bowstring that can withstand the stresses placed on it by the bow. Constructing the strongest string for your bow requires striking a balance between the string material, manufacturer's recommendations and your bows draw-weight. If you exceed the strand count recommendations for your bow's draw-weight, you could create a string that requires too much strength to cock it into place. If you use too few strands, the string could break and cause damage or injury.

Things You'll Need

  • Bowstring material
  • String jig
  • Serving material
  • Glue
  • Scissors
  • Bow square
  • Bowstring wax
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Instructions

    • 1

      Consult the string material manufacturer's recommendation on the side of the string material spool for the required number of strands needed for the bow weight and material being used.

    • 2

      Determine the length of the bowstring. Check the bow manufacturer owner's manual.

    • 3

      Set the string jig so that all four winding posts form a straight line. Adjust the jig to the length of the string being constructed and lock it in place.

    • 4

      Tie the string material to post A. Loop the string material down around post D and back to post A. Wrap the string material around the posts until you have the required number of strands recommended by the material manufacturer. Add up the strands on both sides of the jig. If a total of 24 total strands is needed, you need 12 strands on either side of the string jig.

    • 5

      Untie the string tied to post A. Be careful to keep the string wrapped tightly, cut the string from the spool and tie the ends together.

    • 6

      Position the string jig so posts B and C below posts A and D and lock them into place. The string jig should now form a rectangle with a post in each corner.

    • 7

      Measure an old bowstring's end loops. Typical end loops are between 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches in circumference. Find and mark the center of the strands between posts A and B, and mark the loop position. For a loop that is 3 inches around, the end marks should be placed at 1 1/2 inches on either side of center mark.

    • 8

      Mark the end loops. Tie the serving thread to the strands at one-fourth of an inch past the end of the loop area and wrap it around until you are one-fourth of an inch past the other end.

    • 9

      Adjust post B so it lines up with the center of the string jig. Rotate the string around post A until the serving is on either side of post A.

    • 10

      Build the end loops. Wrap serving string about 4 inches past the bottom of the loop area, binding both sides of the string together around post A to form the loop. Cut the serving thread off of the spool, leaving about 2 inches of excess serving string. Tie the loose end of the serving string to the strands and secure it with a drop of glue and allow it to dry. Remove any excess serving string. Duplicate steps 7 through 10 at the opposite end of the string to form the second end loop.

    • 11

      Pull the string off the jig and string it on your bow.

    • 12

      Determine the nock point. Attach the bow square to the string and set the other end on the arrow shelf. Mark the nock.

    • 13

      Set the nock area. Mark the top and bottom ends of the nock area. The top mark should be 2 inches above the nock point and the bottom mark should be 3 inches below the nock point.

    • 14

      Serve the nock area. Tie serving thread at the bottom of the nock area on the bowstring and wrap serving thread up to the top of the nock area. Tie the serving thread at the top of the nock area. Cut the serving thread from the spool and secure the serving thread to the bowstring with a dot of glue and allow it to dry.

    • 15

      Wax any area of the string that is not wrapped with serving thread.