Stringing a Bow

The safe and easy way to string a recurve bow or longbow is to use a bowstringer. The push-pull or step-through method can be hazardous to yourself or your bow.

A bowstringer is simply a strong cord with a loop or pocket at each end that fits over the limb tip of recurve bows and some longbows. By standing on the loose middle of the cord after it’s attached to the tips, the limbs can be flexed as the handle is pulled. This allows the bowstring to be slipped safely into place.

To replace compound bow strings, you must use a bow press or have double tears at the end of each cable. Double tears allow you to change strings by stepping on the string being replaced first and on the new string second. A bow press is used to place and hold tension on the limbs, allowing the strings to be changed. Inexperienced bowhunters should have a qualified dealer or individual replace the string on a compound bow.

Accessories

• To protect the three fingers that draw the bowstring, archers wear three-fingered gloves or finger tabs, or use mechanical releases.
• A mechanical release snaps onto the string and is pulled back with the shooting hand. The archer pulls a trigger to release the string.
• An armguard protects the inner part of the bow arm during release as the string snaps back. The armguard prevents the bowstring from hitting loose clothing and also helps protect the arm if an arrow breaks during release.