How to Tie the Center Serving for a Bowstring

The center serving is a protective layer of thread wrapped around the bowstring. The serving minimizes nicks and wear to the string at common contact points. Serving thread is also used to attach aftermarket products to the bowstring. Peep sights and nock loops are common items that require splitting the string and serving the item in place. The serving also contains each end of the split section of string. Serving a bowstring is a simple process, but the wraps require practice to form a perfect line on the string.

Things You'll Need

  • String spreader
  • Serving thread
  • Serving jig
  • Lighter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the nocking point on the bowstring. The nocking point is level with the arrow rest and is the point where the arrow attaches to the string. Make a mark with a red pen at 2 inches below the bottom of the nocking point.

    • 2

      Place a string spreader between the primary and secondary string sections. This simply provides space to maneuver the serving thread.

    • 3

      Attach the serving thread to a serving jig. Pull 1 foot of serving thread from the spool. Lay the thread against the string, beginning at the red mark. Rotate the spool around the flat section of thread to tie it in place. Make each wrap tight against the last until you have 15 wraps. Pull the free end of the thread upright and make an additional 30 wraps with the serving jig.

    • 4

      Cut the thread from the serving jig with scissors. Leave 1 foot of extra thread to complete the serving wraps. Make a wrap with the extra thread and catch the inside of the wrap with your index finger. This creates a loop in the thread.

    • 5

      Continue wrapping the thread but change the direction. Make 10 wraps up the bowstring to fill the inside of the loop. Pull the end of the thread to tighten the loop and the wraps. Push the wraps up the string to ensure that they are uniform with the original serving wraps.

    • 6

      Cut the free ends of the string, leaving a small tag on each. Carefully burn the tag ends with a lighter. The burning makes the tags flush with the bowstring.