How to String a Bow and Arrow

Stringing a bow and arrow is an act that has been performed by warriors, athletes and recreational archers for thousands of years. In order to make the process of stringing a bow more simple, bow stringers were developed to aid in attaching the string to the bow. While there are many different styles of bow stringers on the market, the most common and widely used type is a saddle bow stringer. The saddle bow stringer features a small pouch at one end and a large loop at the other end.

Things You'll Need

  • Saddle bow stringer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Identify the top and bottom limbs of the bow by looking for where the bow length and weight are written on the bow. The location of the writing indicates the bottom of the bow.

    • 2

      Remove the limb bolts on the top and bottom limbs of the bow. Slide the bottom limb into the bottom limb pocket. Insert the bottom limb bolt back into the bow and tighten it back. Slide the top limb into the top limb pocket. Insert the top limb bolt back into the bow and tighten. The bolt should be tightened to a snug fit.

    • 3

      Loop one end of the bow string around the top limb. The loop should be about a quarter of the way down the limb.

    • 4

      Twist the bow string 10 times or until the bottom loop can find snuggly around the bottom limb tip. Fit the bottom loop onto the bottom limb tip.

    • 5

      Place the pouch of the saddle-style bow stringer onto the bottom tip of the limb, which will trap the bow string into the proper place on the limb tip.

    • 6

      Loop the other end of the bow stringer over the top limb top and slide the bow string as close to the top limb as you can.

    • 7

      Hold the center of the bow with one hand and pinch the saddle with the other. Draw the saddle up to the top limb, sliding it as close to the string loop as possible.

    • 8

      Place your foot on the cord of the bow stringer with your hand still pinching the saddle. Raise the bow handle up, which will bend the limbs of the bow.

    • 9

      Release the saddle once the limbs are bent enough so that the string can reach the top limb tip. Slide the top loop of the string up to fit it around the top limb tip.

    • 10

      Slowly remove the bow stringer. Check both string loops to make sure they are fastened securely around the limb tips.