How to Serve Bow Strings

A bow string is made of individual strands that are easily damaged. Serving is used to protect areas of the string that are subject to excessive wear, especially where the arrows and release aids touch the string. Like the bow string, the serving will show wear, but is less expensive to replace than the entire bow string. The string can be served without a bow press, so you can do it at home instead of going to a pro shop.

Things You'll Need

  • String spreader
  • Serving material
  • Serving jig
  • Cable spreader
  • Cigarette lighter
  • Pen
  • Notepad
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the distance from the peep sight, the piece with the hole you look through that is installed in the bow string, to the nock point. This is where you align the arrow for a shot and write it down. Having the measurement handy when you’re finished will make sure the bow shoots the same after you’re done.

    • 2

      Push the cables away from the bow string using the cable spreader. This will allow plenty of room for wrapping the serving.

    • 3

      Open the bow string a couple inches above the old nock point with the string spreader and insert the serving string. Leave about 4 inches along the bow string.

    • 4

      Make 15 to 20 wraps with the serving jig around the bowstring and excess string. After 15 wraps, pull the extra serving string tight and cut so there is a half-inch left.

    • 5

      Continue wrapping around the bow string until the serving is 4 inches below the arrow rest.

    • 6

      Make a large loop below the serving and make 15 wraps inside the loop toward the serving you’ve already done. These wraps need to be made in the opposite direction of the rest of the serving.

    • 7

      Position the serving jig over the top serving and use your hands to serve the loop down and around the bow string and string that is still attached to the jig. The bottom serving will come undone and create the knot.

    • 8

      Pull the serving string tight and cut, leaving about a half-inch.

    • 9

      Melt the tag ends with a lighter and replace the nocking point.