How to Tie Servings on a Bow

The serving is a layer of thread wrapped around a bowstring. Serving the string adds a protective layer to high contact areas and allows you to add aftermarket items like a peep sight and nock loop. Serving the string is a skill often overlooked by archers because the archery pro shops typically add servings that last for several years of hard use. Adding new servings or replacing old servings is a simple task that may be completed in the archer's home.

Things You'll Need

  • Serving jig
  • Serving thread
  • Scissors
  • Lighter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a spool of serving thread on the rod of a serving jig. Turn the wing nut in a clockwise motion to secure the spool on the jig. Feed the loose end of the thread through the opening on the jig.

    • 2

      Pull 1 foot of serving thread from the jig. Hold the jig against the top of designated serving area. Allow the free thread to fall against the bow string. Pinch the thread against the string at the jig and begin turning the jig around the string. Make 15 wraps down the string, covering the free piece of thread with each wrap.

    • 3

      Pull and extra 1 foot of thread from the jig and cut the thread away from the jig with scissors. Maintain tension on the thread to hold the wraps on the string.

    • 4

      Make one loose thread wrap to form a loop around the string. Also, create a gap between the initial jig wraps and the loop wrap. Make an additional five thread wraps inside of the loop. Make the wraps up the string while maintaining tension on the loop.

    • 5

      Feed the end of the thread through the loop and pull on the end to tighten the loop. Push the final wraps up the string while pulling on the end of the thread. The wraps will join the original wraps and appear as one consecutive string of wraps.

    • 6

      Cut the excess thread ends against the serving wraps. Leave a small tag when you make the cut. Use a lighter to burn the tag flush to the wraps. Quickly blow out the flame to prevent damage to the serving wraps.