When you’re in the heat of a hunt, the last thing you want to worry about is your bow malfunctioning. That’s why it’s crucial to keep your compound bow properly strung and maintained. Restringing a bow may seem like a daunting task, but with the right know-how and a little patience, you can do it yourself. Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be shooting arrows with precision in no time.
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials. You’ll need a new bowstring, a bow press, a stringer, a bow square, a pair of needle-nose pliers, and a pair of scissors. Make sure you have a clean, well-lit workspace where you can spread out all your tools and materials. Once you have everything you need, you’re ready to get started.
First, you’ll need to unstring your current bow. To do this, place the bow in the bow press and slowly compress the limbs until the string is loose enough to remove. Once the string is removed, you can inspect it for any damage or wear. If the string is damaged, it’s important to replace it immediately to avoid any further damage to your bow.
Selecting the Right Bowstring
Choosing the appropriate bowstring is paramount in maintaining the optimal performance of your compound bow. Several factors must be taken into consideration when making this selection, namely the material, construction, and size of the bowstring. Each parameter plays a crucial role in determining the string’s durability, accuracy, and efficiency.
Material:
Bowstrings are typically crafted from synthetic materials such as Dacron, Dyneema, and Vectran. Dacron, a polyester fiber, offers a balance of durability and stability, making it a popular choice for beginners. Dyneema, a high-performance polyethylene, boasts exceptional strength and low stretch, resulting in increased accuracy and arrow speed. Vectran, a liquid crystal polymer, exhibits the highest strength-to-weight ratio, delivering unmatched durability and resistance to creep deformation.
Construction:
The construction of the bowstring also impacts its performance. Strands, twists, and serving are key elements to consider. Strands refer to the number of individual fibers twisted together to form the string, affecting its overall strength and feel. Twists, the number of revolutions per inch, influence the string’s stability and resistance to twisting. Serving, a wrapping applied to the center of the string, protects it from premature wear and tear.
Size:
The correct size of the bowstring is essential for proper bow function. It should match the length of the bow’s limbs and be adjusted to the desired brace height. The brace height, the distance between the string and the deepest part of the bow’s grip, affects the bow’s performance characteristics such as draw weight, arrow speed, and stability.
| Material | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Dacron | Durable, stable, good for beginners |
| Dyneema | Strong, low stretch, increased accuracy |
| Vectran | Highest strength-to-weight ratio, unmatched durability |
Tying the Peep Sight
The peep sight is a small ring that you look through when aiming your bow. It is important to tie the peep sight in the correct position so that you can see clearly through it. To tie the peep sight, you will need the following materials:
- Peep sight
- Serving thread
- Bowstring serving tool
Steps:
- Pass the serving thread through the peep sight and tie a small knot at the end.
- Place the peep sight on the bowstring at the desired location.
- Wrap the serving thread around the bowstring and the peep sight, making sure to keep the wraps tight.
- Tie a few overhand knots to secure the serving thread.
- Trim the excess serving thread.
Detailed Instructions for Step 5:
| Wrap Direction | Purpose | Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Start wrapping the bowstring away from the peep sight. | Secures the peep sight to the bowstring. | Use a consistent wrapping motion to avoid gaps or unevenness. |
| Continue wrapping around the peep sight and bowstring. | Builds the foundation for the serving. | Cross the wraps over each other to create a stable base. |
| Wrap the thread over the first wrap made away from the peep sight. | Forms the initial lock. | Tighten the wrap securely to prevent the thread from slipping. |
| Continue wrapping back towards the peep sight. | Creates a secure base and reinforces the lock. | Keep the wraps parallel and close together to avoid gaps. |
| Stop wrapping approximately 1/2 inch past the peep sight. | Provides a sufficient amount of serving for stability. | Leave enough room for the overhand knots to be tied. |
Attaching the D-loop
The D-loop is an essential part of a compound bow, as it provides a consistent and comfortable anchor point for your release. To attach a D-loop, you will need the following materials:
- D-loop material (such as serving thread or bowstring material)
- D-loop tool or serving jig
- Scissors
- Lighter
To attach the D-loop, follow these steps:
- Prepare the bowstring. Cut a piece of serving thread or bowstring material approximately 12 inches long.
- Make a loop. Thread the material onto the D-loop tool or serving jig, and form a loop approximately 2 inches in diameter.
- Attach the loop to the bowstring. Position the loop on the bowstring approximately 1.5 inches above the nocking point.
- Secure the loop. Wrap the ends of the D-loop material around the bowstring several times, using a serving jig or by hand.
- Trim the excess material. Cut off any excess material from the ends of the D-loop.
- Melt the D-loop. Use a lighter to melt the ends of the D-loop material together. This will help to prevent the loop from unraveling.
- Check the D-loop. Ensure that the D-loop is secure and does not slip on the bowstring.
Detailed Guide to Melting the D-loop
Melting the D-loop is a critical step to ensure its durability and prevent it from unraveling. Follow these steps to melt the D-loop properly:
- Hold the end of the D-loop material with a pair of pliers or hemostats.
- Carefully apply the flame of a lighter to the material for a few seconds, until it begins to melt and become sticky.
- Quickly press the melted ends together with your fingers or a pair of pliers.
- Hold the melted ends together for a few seconds until they cool and solidify.
Adjusting the Bowstring Length
The length of your bowstring is critical for accuracy and consistency. To adjust the bowstring length, follow these steps:
- Measure the distance from the nocking point to the string stop on the cam.
- Adjust the cam module to the desired draw length.
- Tie a serving knot in the center of the bowstring.
- Loop the serving knot over the nocking point.
- Stretch the bowstring to the desired length.
- Tie a serving knot at the string stop.
- Cut off the excess bowstring.
Use the following table to determine the correct serving knot size for your bowstring diameter:
| Bowstring Diameter | Serving Knot Size |
|---|---|
| 0.010″ | #16 |
| 0.012″ | #14 |
| 0.014″ | #12 |
| 0.016″ | #10 |
Once you have adjusted the bowstring length, retune your bow.
Serving the Bowstring
Preparation
Before serving the bowstring, ensure the bowstring is properly seated on the bow’s limbs. Set the bow in a bow vise or on a flat surface for stability.
Materials Required
You will need the following materials:
- Serving thread (0.014″ or 0.018″ diameter bonded nylon)
- Serving jig
- Alcohol wipes or rubbing alcohol
Cleaning
Clean the serving area of the bowstring where the serving will be applied. Use alcohol wipes or rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt or oil.
Setting Up the Serving Jig
Insert the bowstring into the serving jig’s slot. Adjust the jig to the desired serving length, typically around 3-4 inches for compound bows.
Serving the Bowstring
Start serving the bowstring at one end. Hold the serving thread taut and use the jig’s handle to rotate the bowstring evenly. Continue serving until the desired length is achieved, keeping the wraps tight and overlapping by about 50%.
Varying Serving Tensions
Apply varying serving tensions along the serving length. Increase the tension slightly at the center of the serving to create a “bump” that helps retain the Peep sight. Reduce tension slightly at the ends to allow easy removal of the serving if needed.
Number of Loops
Aim for 200-250 loops per serving, depending on the diameter of the serving thread. Use the following guide:
| Serving Thread Diameter | Recommended Number of Loops |
|---|---|
| 0.014″ | 200-250 |
| 0.018″ | 150-200 |
Checking for Consistency
Periodically check the serving tension and ensure the wraps are even and consistent. Adjust the jig’s handle speed or tension as needed.
Finishing Touches
When the serving is complete, trim any excess thread and apply a drop of cyanoacrylate glue to secure the ends.
Finalizing the Restringing Process
After the new string is completely installed on the compound bow, there are a few final steps to complete the restringing process:
- Fine-tune the String Length: With the help of a bow square or nocking point indicator, verify the string length and make minor adjustments as needed to ensure the nocking point is aligned straight with the arrow rest.
- Tie a Serving Knot: Just above the nocking point, make several wraps of serving thread around the string and tie a secure knot to create a thicker section for attaching the nock.
- Install the Nocks: Carefully insert the arrow nocks onto the serving knot, ensuring a snug fit but allowing for smooth movement when shooting.
- Tighten the Limb Bolts: Gradually tighten the limb bolts on both limbs in equal increments, referring to the manufacturer’s specifications for torque settings to ensure proper string tension.
- Check Alignment: Using a bow press or laser level, check the alignment of the cams and limbs to ensure they are operating smoothly and without any binding or misalignment.
- Lubricate the String: Apply a small amount of bowstring wax or lubricant to the new string, working it in gently to reduce friction and extend its lifespan.
- Break-in the String: Before shooting arrows, let the new string settle in by dry-firing the bow several times, allowing it to stretch and adjust to its optimal length.
- Sight in the Bow: With the new string in place, fine-tune the bow sight to match the distance and trajectory you intend to shoot at.
- Store the Bow Properly: When not in use, store the compound bow in a dry and climate-controlled environment with the string relaxed to prevent overstretching or warping.
- Regular Maintenance: Inspect the bow and string regularly for any signs of wear or damage, and perform necessary repairs or replacements as needed.
How to Restring a Compound Bow
Restringing a compound bow requires some specific tools and techniques to ensure the bow is properly set up and safe to use. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to restring a compound bow:
Materials you’ll need:
- New bowstring
- Bowstringer
- Allen wrenches or hex keys
- Bow square
- String wax
- Paper towels or a rag
Steps:
- Remove the old string: Loosen the limb bolts using the Allen wrenches, and remove the old string by carefully pulling it off the cams and cable guides.
- Install the new string: Use a bowstringer to install the new string. Place the string on the bottom cam first, then feed it through the cable guides and onto the top cam.
- Set the brace height: Measure the brace height (distance between the string and the grip) and adjust the limb bolts to achieve the manufacturer’s recommended brace height.
- Center the string: Use a bow square to ensure the string is centered on the bow. Adjust the cam bolts as necessary to center the string.
- Tune the bow: Use a bow press or paper tuning method to tune the bow. This involves adjusting the cams and string tension to optimize arrow flight.
- Wax and stretch the string: Apply string wax to the entire length of the string and stretch it by pulling on the limbs. This helps to reduce string stretch and extend its life.
- Inspect and recheck: Inspect the string and all components for any damage or wear. Recheck the brace height, center shot, and tune to ensure the bow is properly set up.
People Also Ask About How to Restring Compound Bow
What is the best way to cut a compound bow string?
Use dedicated bowstring cutters or a sharp knife. Place the string over a solid surface and carefully cut it at a 45-degree angle.
How often should I restring my compound bow?
It depends on the frequency of use and storage conditions. Generally, it’s recommended to restring a bow every 2-3 years or after 1,000-2,000 shots.
Can I restring my compound bow without a bow press?
Yes, it’s possible using the “step-through” method or with the help of a buddy. However, using a bow press is safer and easier for proper alignment and tension.
