How to String a Recurve

Archery started centuries ago with the invention of the longbow. However, longbows lacked power for the amount of pullback and the nocks on the string were unreliable, often falling off the bow after shots. The recurve bow was invented to compensate for the longbow's deficiencies. Universal stringers are essential when stringing recurve bows.

Things You'll Need

  • Universal stringer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take the upper loop of your string and slide it down the top limb of the recurve bow. Slide it far enough down the upper limb so that the lower loop slides easily in to place in the lower phenolic limb tip.

    • 2

      Slide the lower loop onto the groove of the phenolic limb tip of the lower limb. If it is hard to get the loop on the lower limb, slide the upper loop down the upper limb a bit more.

    • 3

      Slide the loop of the pressure pad end of the universal stringer over the upper limb of the recurve bow. Bring the pressure pad down so that it rests on the face of the bow, a 1/2 inch below the upper loop.

    • 4

      Place the leather pad on the opposite end of the universal stringer over the lower limb tip.

    • 5

      Slide the upper pressure pad towards the upper loop, so that the two are just making light contact.

    • 6

      Lower the recurve bow low enough to the ground so that the string from the universal stringer is on the ground.

    • 7

      Place your feet on the string of the universal stringer. Your feet should be shoulder width apart.

    • 8

      Raise the recurve bow up in the middle, allowing the pressure pad and the leather pad to hold to two ends of the bow.

    • 9

      Slide the upper loop of your bow string into the groove on the top of the bow and take your feet off the universal stringer.