How to String a Bow With a Bow Stringer

A bow stringer is used to string recurve bows and longbows. It consists of a rope longer than the bowstring with a leather pouch on one end and either another pouch or a pressure pad at the other. Using a bow stringer ensures even pressure on both limbs when stringing and unstringing your bow, which eliminates torque and limb twist. It also greatly reduces the chances of a dry fire.

Things You'll Need

  • Recurve or longbow
  • Bowstring
  • Bow stringer
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Instructions

  1. Using a Bow Stringer

    • 1

      Get the proper stringer for your bow. Some are intended for only recurves or longbows, while others are universal. Make sure the stringer meets your bow’s draw weight. Most stringers are intended for bows with draw weights of up to 80 pounds, which covers nearly all bows. Check for exceptions.

    • 2

      Make sure your bowstring is installed correctly. The bowstring loop on the lower limb should be smaller than the bowstring loop on the upper limb. If not, reverse them.

    • 3

      Slide the lower bowstring loop into the notch on the bow’s lower limb.

    • 4

      Slide the upper bowstring loop along the upper limb so the bowstring is fairly tight. The upper limb should be threaded through the upper bowstring loop.

    • 5

      Put the leather bow stringer pouch over the tip of the lower limb. It should partially cover the bowstring in the notch and serve to hold it in place.

    • 6

      Examine your bow stringer. Some have a leather pouch on each end. Others have a leather pouch on the lower end and a pressure pad on the upper end.

    • 7

      Place the leather pouch over the upper limb tip for a two-pouch bow stringer. If your bow stringer has a pressure pad, slide the loop over the bow limb. Slide the pressure pad down the limb just below the bowstring loop. The pressure pad loop is wide enough to allow you to slide the upper bowstring loop through when stringing.

    • 8

      Stand on the bow stringer rope with both feet.

    • 9

      Pull upward on the center of the bow at the riser. This flexes the bow, just as if you were drawing the bowstring.

    • 10

      Slide the upper bowstring loop into the groove in the upper limb.

    • 11

      Let down the riser slowly when the upper bowstring loop is in place. The bowstring loops will catch in their grooves and the bow is now strung.

    • 12

      Slide the bow stringer off the bow at each end.