Stringing or unstringing a bow is a basic skill. Take note the process requires the use of a specialized tool known as a bow stringer. It is a device that helps archers string or unstrings their recurve bow easily.
You can string or unstring a bow without a bow stringer. However, using it is the safest easiest way to string or unstring a recurve bow. Not using a bow stringer can cause your bow limbs to break and make it completely unrepairable. Don’t forget there is a threat of the bow slipping out of hand and hitting you for a bad injury.
Do you want to know more? Getting this information will help you answer questions like:
- What Is a Bow Stringer?
- Is a Bow Stringer Necessary?
- How to String a Recurve Bow Using a Stringer?
- How to String or Unstring a Recurve Bow Without a Stringer?
Answers to the above questions are provided below. We have done thorough research to come up with the best explanations for the above questions. Read on to learn everything you need to know about bow stringers and how to use them.
What Is a Bow Stringer?
It is a simple tool designed to install a bowstring on a recurve bow. New recurve bows are usually delivered in parts. The limbs are not connected to the riser to ensure they can be shipped safely.
As a beginner in archery, assembling these parts is a challenge. A bow stringer is a tool designed to eliminate complications associated with stringing a recurve bow.
The stringer is fitted with a great stopper at its end. You trap on the back through the lower limb, have the loop over the top, then place your thumb on the side of the loop on your bow. As long as you have tension, the stringer will remain on its own.
What Does A Bow Stringer Do?
A stringer makes it easy to string a recurve bow. It holds the string in the right places. Anyone can install a string on a bow easily if they use the tool.
Is A Bow Stringer Necessary?
It is necessary if you string a bow for the first time. If you don’t use it, there are some risks you need to understand.
If you string a bow using your hand, you can twist the limbs of your bow. This may damage it temporarily or permanently. Uneven pressure is caused when you string with your hands if you are doing it for the first time.
Even if you succeed in stringing the bow the first time with your hands, do not keep doing it. The damage may accumulate over time if you keep stringing a bow by hand. Sometimes this damage is irreversible and severe.
It is why we recommend you use a bow stringer. Compound bows are not cheap. They set you back several hundred dollars, with some going for thousands of dollars. You don’t want to damage such an investment, right?
Another reason why we recommend using it is for your safety. There are two common methods used to string recurve bows by hand:
- Push-pull
- Step-through
Each method does not give you control of the bow. It can slip and spring up due to the potential energy you put into it and the bend.
The bow may stab you in the eye or hit you in the head. Since bows are designed to be powerful, the force may be high enough to cause grievous bodily harm.
How to String a Recurve Bow Using a Stringer?
If you are using a bow stringer tool for the first time, you need a guideline to ensure you are on the right path. To help you out, we have compiled a step-by-step guide. Ensure you use all the steps provided to ensure you string your recurve bow properly.
Make sure the bow’s bottom limb is connected to the bottom loop. Also, ensure the top string loop is over the bow’s limb. This is the first thing you should do.
A stringer tool has two pockets with one being larger than the other. Take the larger pocket and place the small pocket over the upper limb tip. The smaller pocket of the stringer goes over the tip of the bow limb. This move completes the stringer installation.
Once you have completed the above step, hold your bow using its grip. This is the safest area to hold your bow when stringing it. Put your strong foot at the center of the stringer’s cord. Ensure you hold the bow in a way that the bow is parallel to the floor.
Now you can pull the bow towards you or upwards from the floor. There is a groove in the top limb’s tip. Slide the bowstring’s top towards this groove.
Secure the loop into the grooves. You can now replace the tension from the stringer cord. This transfers the tension to the limbs of the bow.
When you follow these steps, you will successfully string your bow. You can now detach the stringer from the bow’s limb tips.
How to String or Unstring a Recurve Bow Without a Stringer?
There are some traditional methods you can use to string and unstring if you don’t have a stringer. The two best methods are the push-pull and step-through methods. They are explained below.
Push-Pull Method
Take the following steps if you want to use the push-pull method to string your recurve or compound bow:
- Place your right foot over the end of the lower limb of your bow
- Use your right hand to hold the handle of the bow
- Pull the bow across your body
- Pull back the top limb using your left hand
- Use your left hand to slide the string upwards and into place
Step-Through Method
To string a recurve or longbow using the step-through method, take the following steps:
- Take one end of your string and tie it a little way down from the bow’s top
- Place your left foot through the gap between the string and your bow
- The string should be above your leg and the bow underneath your leg
- Brace the bow’s handle against your rear and the bow’s lower limb against your right foot
- Pull the bow’s top limb towards your body until you can slide the string into position
Unstringing a recurve bow without a stringer is just like stringing a bow without a stringer. You will use the exact reverse of the push-pull and step-through methods above.
Final Thoughts: What Is a Bow Stringer? Why and How to Use a Bow Stringer?
Stringing or unstringing a recurve bow with or without a bow stringer is not a challenge as long as you have the right guide. Take note there are some factors you should consider.
If you are using a stringer, the process is easier. It is designed to ensure the string or unstringing process is simplified. If you don’t have a stringer, you can use your hands. Keep in mind you need to be careful because you can damage the bow or hurt yourself.
More Related Articles:
- Best Lighted Nocks
- Best Broadhead for Hogs
- Best Fletching Jig
- Can I Use a Rifle Scope on Crossbow
- Vertical Pin Bow Sight Vs Horizontal Pin Bow Sight
- What Do the Pins Mean on a Bow Sight
