how do you string a bow?
i think its a long bow and i know you string it like one, also, is it true that you can twist 8 lb. fishing line a couple times and use it as a bow string? good answers are appreciated.
also, can you use pictures too?
The best way to string a bow is to get a bow stringer, it’s safe for the bow and safe for you.
Without a bow stringer, there are 3 ways to string a bow, one way is safe for the bow but unsafe for you, the other is safe for you but not the bow and the third is safe for both provided you do in on soft ground. Let’s go through it one by one
1. Push Pull method, this one is safe for the bow when done properly but might cause injuries that can end your archery career. Hold the bow between the top of the handle and the bottom of the top limb with your strong hand. Make sure the bottom string loop is in the bottom string groove and the top string loop is around the top limb. Place the bottom limb tip on the side of your shoes, some people step on the limb, that’s a no no, for this method to be safe, wear boots of hiking shoes, sandals are bad footwear for this method. With the bottom limb tip on the side of your shoe, put your weak hand on the top limb, right under the top string loop. Pull with your strong hand and push with your weak hand, as you do this, look away from the top limb and lean your body down such that the top of the limb is above your head. If anything goes wrong at least the top of the limb won’t end up in your dominant eye. Slowly work the top loop into the top limb groove. Once done, turn the bow around and inspect both limb tips.
2. Step Through method. This one is safe for you, but if done improperly can twist the bow. Start with the bottom string loop in the bottom groove and top loop in your weak hand. Place the bottom limb in front of your weak shin. Hold the string with your weak hand, place your strong hand on the top limb. The back of the bow is facing you, back of the bow is the side of the bow that is facing the target when you shoot. Now take your strong leg and step in between the bow and the string. Place the handle of the bow on the back of your strong thigh. Here’s the key, bend your weak knee and lean towards your weak leg, make sure your legs are shoulder width apart. Twist at the hip and bend the bow with your strong hand until you can secure the top loop around the groove with your weak hand.
3. Strap method. This method need to be done on soft ground. Take a lugage strap, make a loop and secure it around the handle. Start with the bottom string loop in the bottom string groove, and top string loop around the top limb. Place the bow back side to the ground, put one foot in that strap and step on it. Grab the top limb with your strong hand and pull it towards you as the bottom limb is pushed against the ground, this is why it’s important to do on soft ground, concrete will eventually damage the bottom limb. Secure the top loop with your weak hand.
Fishing line, are usually made of nylon, there are some made with spectra. Nylon is not good for bows, they’re too stretchy. You want dacron for longbows. Spectra is too light for most longbows.
How To….Make a Bow String