How to Change the Cable on a Compound Bow

A compound bow creates mechanical advantage, using a system of pulleys and cables. This mechanical advantage allows the archer to use less force to draw and hold the string back than a re-curve or long bow, while still creating significant arrow speed. Compound bows use very stiff bow limbs to store the energy created by the pulley and cable system. These stiff limbs require the use of a bow press to compress the limbs in order to safely remove the bow cable.

Things You'll Need

  • Bow press
  • New bow cable
  • Bowstring wax
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Instructions

    • 1

      Insert the bow into the bow press and compress the bow limbs to loosen the cable. Only use a bow press that is approved by your bow's manufacturer, so you do not void your warranty.

    • 2

      Wax the new cable using the bowstring wax; this will make it easier to install and will lengthen the life of the cable.

    • 3

      Install the new cable. Detach one end of the old cable and loop the new cable to the pulley. Remove the old cable while pulling the new cable into place following the stringing pattern of the old cable.

    • 4

      Inspect the bow while it is still in the bow press. Check that all parts of the bow are in proper working order, with no visual signs of damage or excessive wear. Decompress the bow limbs and remove the bow from the press. Inspect the bow to make sure it was not bent out of shape in the bow press.

    • 5

      Test your new cable at an archery range. Make sure that the bow fires straight and functions properly; the string should not bind and the cams should rotate freely.