Ways to String a Bow

Any archer should have basic knowledge of how to string a bow--from old-school long bows and recurves to compound bows. Some basic bow types are relatively easy to string, but be careful; using a wrong or risky technique can break noses, limbs and leave scars. And the more complicated the bow, the better it is to leave the stringing to a professional.

  1. Bow Stringer

    • This method works for long bows and recurves. It incorporates a strong nylon cord topped with a small leather pocket and affixed at the bottom with a larger leather pocket. Make sure the bowstring is loosely strung on the bow with the larger loop at the top and the smaller loop near the bottom. Ensure the loop at the bottom part of the string is threaded through the string grooves so that the rounded part of the loop faces off the front of the bow. Now slide the larger stringer pocket over the bottom tip of the bow, covering the string loop area and grooves. Attach the smaller leather pocket to the top tip of the bow.

      Holding the bow face up, use the balls of both feet to step on the the center of the stringer. Don't use heels or arches of feet to perform this function because the whole apparatus can slip and cause injury. Grip the center bow handle firmly with your dominant hand and begin to pull up. The stringer under your feet will flex the bow limbs. As the limbs flex, slide the top string loop up the bow and into the grooves with your available hand. Remove the stringer, and ensure the top and bottom string loops are in the grooves before firing the bow.

    Step-Through Method

    • Though not as safe as the stringer method, the step-through process also can be effective. Ensure the string is looped onto the bow limbs at top and bottom, and slide the lower loop into the grooves on the lower limb. If right-handed, stand the bow up on its lower tip and ensure the front of the bow is facing to the right. Hook the lower tip of the bow onto the left side of your left foot, and then with your right foot, step through the bow between the string and the body of the bow. Your legs will secure the bow in a sort of scissors formation. Now bend the upper limb of the bow back with your right hand while sliding the upper string loop up with your left until the loop snaps into the upper grooves.

      Never bend the upper limb into a position in which it is past your nose. If it slips for some reason, the bow limb with snap down and either break your nose or gash your face.

    Compound Bows

    • Stringing of this type of bow is better left to professionals with special bow benches because of the complicated cams and pulley systems involved. To watch this process, view the Web video in the Resources section.