How to Put a String on a Flat Bow

Flat bows were named so because they lay flat when not strung. The advantage a flat bow has over a long bow is a product of the rectangular cross-section design. The design of a flat bow is such that the structural integrity of the bow does not fail as quickly over time because the design distributes the stress of flexing evenly over the bow's limbs.

Instructions

    • 1

      Identify the top and bottom of the bow and the front and back. Manufactured bows have the weight and length of the bow stamped on the bottom in back. Identify the top and bottom of a homemade bow by looking at the handle. The arrow rest on the handle is seated under the top limb. The back of the limbs have a slight outward curve, meaning the front limbs have a slight inward dip.

    • 2

      Slide one of the eyelets of the bow string over the top stave, down past the nock, to the center of the top limb. Slide the other eyelet over the bottom stave and seat it around the bow's bottom nock. The string must be on the back side of the bow. If it is not, rotate the string eyelet around the nock to the correct position.

    • 3

      Stand up and hold the bow upright, perpendicular to the ground. With the back of the bow facing left, position the bow at a 45-degree angle in relation to your body. Step in between the bow and the string with your right foot. By doing this, you place the bow between your legs. The back of the top limb will be pressed against your right hamstring with the back of the bow facing up. The side of the bottom limb rests against your shin. Put the stave of the bottom limb -- the one with the strung nock -- over the top of your left foot. The stave of the bottom limb should be resting against the left side of your left foot.

    • 4

      Force the top stave to the left of your body with your right hand. When you do so, you will feel the bow flex under tension and this will put pressure on the left side of your left foot and against your right hamstring. As you flex the bow with your right hand, slide the string eyelet hanging loosely on the top limb up and into the nock. Relax your right arm to release the pressure on the top limb. The bow is strung.