How to Replace a Long Bow String

There are three methods commonly used to string a long bow. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. One of the oldest methods is the foot-brace. While effective, it is the most dangerous for the archer. The step-through method is easier on the archer but may cause damage to some bows. Finally, the stringer method is safe for the archer and bow alike but requires special equipment and, in most cases, is more time consuming.

Things You'll Need

  • Bow string
  • Bow stringer
Show More

Instructions

  1. Foot-brace Method

    • 1

      Put the upper string loop over the long bow's upper limb. Slide it down the limb far enough so there is slack to work with at the other end of the string.

    • 2

      Place the lower string loop over the lower limb and settle the string into the lower limb bow notch.

    • 3

      Brace the lower limb of the bow against the inside of your foot.

    • 4

      Hold the bow near the center with hand from the bracing foot's side.

    • 5

      Flex the bow with the other hand and slide the upper limb string loop towards the upper limb bow notch.

    • 6

      Settle the upper string loop into the upper limb bow notch.

    • 7

      Release the pressure on the bow.

    • 8

      Inspect the bow notches on both limbs to make sure the string is properly seated.

    Step-through Method

    • 9

      Place the upper limb string loop over the upper limb. Slide it far enough down the limb to provide slack to work with the lower limb string loop.

    • 10

      Place the lower limb string loop in the lower limb bow notch.

    • 11

      Place the forward face of the bow against your shin.

    • 12

      Place the other leg so that the center of the bow is braced against the back of the leg.

    • 13

      Flex the bow with one hand and slide the upper limb string loop toward the upper limb bow notch.

    • 14

      Settle the upper limb string loop into the upper limb bow notch.

    • 15

      Release the pressure on the bow.

    • 16

      Inspect the bow notches to make sure the string loops are properly seated in the bow notches.

    Stringer Method

    • 17

      Place the upper limb string loop over the upper bow limb. Slide the loop far enough down the limb to provide slack to work with at the other end of the bow.

    • 18

      Place the lower limb string loop over the lower limb of the bow and seat it in the lower limb bow notch.

    • 19

      Attach one end of the stringer to the upper limb of the bow.

    • 20

      Attach the other end of the stringer to the lower bow limb.

    • 21

      Hold the bow so that the stringer is laying on the floor.

    • 22

      Step on the stringer with the ball of one foot. Do not place the stringer under the arch of the foot. This will allow the stringer to slide around during stringing.

    • 23

      Hold the bow by the handle and raise it away from the floor.

    • 24

      Slide the upper limb string loop toward the upper limb bow notch.

    • 25

      Settle the upper limb string loop into the upper limb bow notch.

    • 26

      Lower the bow toward the floor to relieve the tension.

    • 27

      Remove the stringer.

    • 28

      Inspect the bow notches to make sure the string is properly seated.