As an avid archer, mastering the art of restringing your compound bow is essential for maintaining peak performance and ensuring accuracy with every shot. Embark on this comprehensive guide to uncover the intricate steps involved in restringing your bow like a seasoned pro. Whether you’re a seasoned archer or new to the sport, this detailed exploration will empower you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle this task with precision and ease. Brace yourself for an in-depth journey into the mechanics of compound bow restringing, equipping you with the expertise to keep your bow in pristine condition and unleash your true archery potential.
Transitioning from the basics to the practical aspects, we’ll delve into the crucial steps of preparing your bow for restringing. This meticulous process involves carefully removing the old string and inspecting the bow for any potential issues. We’ll provide a step-by-step walkthrough, highlighting the importance of following the manufacturer’s recommendations and utilizing the proper tools to avoid any damage to your bow. Additionally, we’ll shed light on the intricacies of selecting the right bowstring for your specific bow model, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
As we progress into the core of the restringing process, we’ll unveil the art of installing the new string with precision and finesse. This delicate procedure requires a keen eye and steady hands, and we’ll guide you through each step with detailed instructions. We’ll emphasize the significance of proper string alignment and tension, ensuring your bow is ready to deliver consistent, pinpoint accuracy. Furthermore, we’ll explore the nuances of tying the serving and installing the string silencers, adding those finishing touches that enhance the bow’s overall performance and aesthetics.
Gather the Necessary Tools
Bow Press
A bow press is an indispensable tool for restringing a compound bow. It provides a secure and stable platform to hold the bow while you work on it. Choose a bow press that is specifically designed for your bow model, as different bow designs require different types of presses.
Bow Vise
A bow vise is a smaller tool that is used to hold the bow limbs in place while you work on the string. It helps to prevent the limbs from moving or twisting, ensuring that the string is properly aligned and tensioned.
Bow Stringer
A bow stringer is a tool that is used to install the new string onto the bow. It provides an easy and safe way to stretch the string and hook it onto the bow’s cams. Choose a stringer that is compatible with your bow model and string length.
Allen Wrenches
Allen wrenches are a set of small hex keys that are used to tighten and loosen the screws on the bow. They are typically used to adjust the limb bolts and cam settings.
String Serving Tool
A string serving tool is used to create the serving on the bowstring. Serving is a type of binding that is applied to the string to protect it from wear and tear. It also helps to keep the string in place on the cams.
Bowstring Wax
Bowstring wax is a lubricant that is applied to the bowstring to reduce friction and extend its lifespan. It should be applied to the string after it has been installed and before it is used.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Bow Press | Holds the bow securely for restringing |
| Bow Vise | Holds the bow limbs in place while working |
| Bow Stringer | Installs the new string onto the bow |
| Allen Wrenches | Tightens and loosens screws on the bow |
| String Serving Tool | Creates serving on the bowstring for protection |
| Bowstring Wax | Lubricates the bowstring to reduce friction |
Remove the Old Strings
Restringing a compound bow requires careful disassembly and reassembly. To begin, remove the tension from the bow by carefully loosening or removing the limb bolts, located on the riser. Ensure that the bow is properly secured and won’t release any unexpected energy.
Next, remove the old strings from the bow. Start by unhooking the string from the lower cam and slowly releasing the tension. Be cautious not to allow the string to snap back and cause injury. Carefully guide the string off the idler wheel and along the cam’s groove, ensuring that it doesn’t catch on any structures.
Repeat this process for the upper cam, unwinding the string from the cam’s groove. Once both ends are detached, carefully remove the old strings from the bow. Note any twists or kinks in the old strings to avoid repeating them when installing the new ones.
Determine the Bow’s Draw Length
Determining your bow’s draw length is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and accuracy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you measure it accurately:
Step 1: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart
Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart and your spine straight. Relax your arms at your sides.
Step 2: Bend your drawing arm at a 90-degree angle
Raise your drawing arm (the arm that holds the bow) and bend it at a 90-degree angle at the elbow. Keep your elbow pointed directly at the ground.
Step 3: Measure the distance from your index finger to your anchor point
Place your index finger on the string where you normally grip it to draw the bow. Pull the string straight back until it touches the corner of your mouth or jawline (the anchor point). Note that the anchor point may vary slightly from person to person. Hold the string at this anchor point and measure the distance from your index finger to the deepest part of the nock on the bowstring.
| Measurement | Draw Length |
|---|---|
| 26-27 inches | Small |
| 28-29 inches | Medium |
| 30-31 inches | Large |
Install the New Strings
4. Knotting and Serving the Strings
Securing the new strings is crucial for the safety and functionality of your bow. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a strong and reliable knot:
For the Top String:
- Pass the string through the upper cam’s serving hole, leaving an 8-12 inch tail.
- Tie an overhand knot in the string, 1/2 inch from the serving hole.
- Slide the knot back into the serving hole and tighten it firmly.
- Repeat the overhand knot 5-8 times, creating a snug bundle against the serving.
- Wrap the tail around the bundle and secure it with a square knot.
For the Bottom String:
- Pass the string through the lower cam’s serving hole, leaving an 8-12 inch tail.
- Tie a figure-eight knot in the string, 1/2 inch from the serving hole.
- Pass the tail through the upper loop of the figure-eight and pull it tight.
- Repeat the figure-eight and tail-through process 5-8 times.
- Trim the excess tail and secure it with a square knot.
| Step | Top String | Bottom String |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Serve through hole, 8-12″ tail | Serve through hole, 8-12″ tail |
| 2 | Overhand knot, 1/2″ from hole | Figure-eight knot, 1/2″ from hole |
| 3 | Slide knot back, tighten | Pass tail through upper loop, pull |
| 4 | Repeat knot 5-8 times | Repeat knot 5-8 times |
| 5 | Wrap tail, square knot | Trim excess, square knot |
Adjust the Cam Alignment
Cam alignment is crucial for proper bow performance and arrow flight. Follow these steps to align the cams correctly:
1. **Check the Timing Marks:** Locate the timing marks on the cams. These marks should align perfectly when the bow is at full draw.
2. **Loosen the Cam Bolts:** Use an Allen wrench to loosen the cam bolts, which connect the cams to the axles.
3. **Adjust the Cams:** Rotate one cam clockwise and the other counterclockwise until the timing marks align. Ensure the cams rotate smoothly without binding.
4. **Tension the String:** Bring the string to full draw tension and check the cam alignment again. If necessary, make fine adjustments until the marks are perfectly aligned.
5. **Tighten the Cam Bolts:** While holding the string at full draw, tighten the cam bolts gradually and evenly. Refer to the table below for recommended torque values:
| Cam Bolt Type | Torque Range (in-lbs) |
|---|---|
| Small (e.g., for sight mounting) | 20-25 |
| Medium (e.g., for draw stop adjustment) | 30-40 |
| Large (e.g., for axle alignment) | 50-60 |
6. **Verify the Alignment:** Release the string and check if the cam timing marks remain aligned at brace height. If not, repeat steps 2-5 until the alignment is correct.
Calibrate the Peep Sight
After stringing and aligning your bow, it’s crucial to calibrate the peep sight. This device helps you aim by providing a reference point in your sight window. Here’s a detailed guide on how to calibrate your peep sight:
1. Set Your Bow Sighting Position
Stand at your shooting distance, draw your bow, and anchor it at the same spot every time.
2. Adjust Peep Height
While looking through the peep, move it up or down until the bottom edge of the peep’s housing is level with the bottom edge of your bow’s sight ring.
3. Adjust Peep Rotation
Rotate the peep until the vertical line inside it aligns perfectly with the arrow shaft. This ensures that the peep and arrow shafts are parallel.
4. Center the Peep Sight
While aiming through the peep, move the bow left or right until the arrow shaft is perfectly centered in the peep’s housing.
5. Check Peep Alignment
Tilt your bow slightly up and down and side to side. The peep should remain centered and aligned throughout these motions.
6. Lock the Peep Sight
After confirming proper calibration, use the set screws or other locking mechanisms to securely fasten the peep in place. This prevents any movement or misalignment during shooting.
Additional Tips:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a plumb bob | To ensure your bow is perfectly vertical when adjusting the peep height. |
| Mark the peep housing | To easily return to your calibrated position if it gets knocked out of place. |
| Re-calibrate regularly | Especially after shooting for extended periods or making any adjustments to your bow. |
Fine-Tune the String Tension
Once you have installed the new string, it’s time to adjust the string tension to your desired specifications. The string tension will affect the performance of your bow, so it’s important to get it right.
To fine-tune the string tension, you will need to use a bow press. A bow press is a tool that allows you to safely adjust the string tension of your compound bow.
Once you have a bow press, follow these steps to fine-tune the string tension:
- Place your bow in the bow press and secure it.
- Adjust the tension screws on the bow press until the string tension reaches your desired specifications.
- Remove your bow from the bow press and check the string tension using a bow scale.
- Make any necessary adjustments to the string tension until it is perfect.
Here are some tips for fine-tuning the string tension:
- Start with a string tension that is slightly lower than your desired specifications.
- Gradually increase the string tension until it reaches your desired specifications.
- Check the string tension frequently as you make adjustments.
- Don’t overtighten the string tension.
The following table provides some general guidelines for string tension:
| Bow Type | String Tension |
|---|---|
| Recurve Bow | 50-60 lbs |
| Compound Bow | 60-80 lbs |
| Crossbow | 150-200 lbs |
Test the Restrung Bow
Once you have finished restringing your compound bow, it is important to test it to make sure that it is functioning properly. Here are some steps you can follow to test your bow:
1. Inspect the bow for any damage.
Look for any cracks, splits, or other damage to the bow. If you find any damage, do not use the bow and take it to a qualified bow technician for repair.
2. Check the string tension.
The string tension should be set to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications. You can use a bow scale to measure the string tension. If the string tension is too low, the bow will not shoot accurately. If the string tension is too high, the bow could be damaged.
3. Check the cam timing.
The cam timing is the synchronization of the cams on the bow. If the cam timing is not correct, the bow will not shoot accurately. You can check the cam timing by looking at the marks on the cams. The marks should be aligned with each other.
4. Shoot the bow at a target.
The best way to test the bow is to shoot it at a target. Start by shooting at a short distance, such as 10 yards. Once you are confident that the bow is shooting accurately, you can increase the distance.
5. Make any necessary adjustments.
If the bow is not shooting accurately, you may need to make some adjustments. You can adjust the string tension, cam timing, or arrow rest to improve the accuracy of the bow.
6. Repeat steps 1-5 until the bow is shooting accurately.
Once you have made the necessary adjustments, repeat steps 1-5 until the bow is shooting accurately.
7. Store the bow properly.
When you are not using the bow, store it in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the bow from warping or being damaged.
8. Inspect the bow regularly.
Inspect the bow regularly for any damage. If you find any damage, do not use the bow and take it to a qualified bow technician for repair.
9. Have the bow serviced regularly.
It is important to have the bow serviced regularly by a qualified bow technician. The technician can inspect the bow for any damage, make any necessary adjustments, and clean the bow. Regular servicing will help to keep the bow in good condition and shooting accurately.
Maintain Your Compound Bow
1. Inspect Your Bow Regularly
Take the time to inspect your bow regularly for any signs of damage or wear. Check the string for fraying, the limbs for cracks, and the cables for kinking. If you find any issues, address them promptly to prevent further damage.
2. Clean and Lubricate Your Bow
Keep your bow clean by wiping it down with a soft cloth after each use. Lubricate the moving parts periodically to ensure smooth operation and prevent rust. Use a light lubricant designed specifically for bows.
3. Store Your Bow Properly
Store your bow in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or sunlight, as this can weaken the materials. Hang the bow vertically to prevent bending.
4. Change Your String Regularly
The string is a critical component of your bow, so it’s important to replace it regularly. The frequency depends on how often you use your bow and the conditions you shoot in. A good rule of thumb is to change the string every 1-2 years.
5. Adjust Your Draw Length and Weight
As you progress in archery, you may need to adjust your draw length and weight to optimize your shooting. Consult with a qualified archery coach or bow technician to determine the right settings for your individual needs.
6. Practice Proper Shooting Technique
Proper shooting technique can significantly extend the life of your bow. Focus on maintaining a consistent grip, anchor point, and follow-through. Avoid straining or over-drawing the bow.
7. Use the Correct Arrows
Using the wrong arrows can damage your bow or cause injury. Ensure that the arrows you are using are the correct length, weight, and spine for your bow.
8. Maintain Your Sights
Regularly check your sights for alignment and make adjustments as needed. Misaligned sights can lead to inaccurate shooting and potential frustration.
9. Check Your Trigger
The trigger is a crucial part of your bow that needs to be maintained for optimal performance. Regularly inspect the trigger for any signs of wear or damage, and adjust the trigger tension as necessary.
10. Restring Your Bow
Properly restringing your bow is essential for maintaining its performance and safety. Here are detailed steps to follow:
Materials:
Steps:
- Set up the bow press: Secure your bow in the bow press and adjust the pressure to remove the tension from the old string.
- Remove the old string: Carefully untie the old string from the cams and limbs.
- Attach the new string to the cams: Place the new string over the cams and tie it securely using the serving thread.
- Attach the string to the limbs: Thread the string through the limb pockets and tie it securely.
- Adjust the string length: Use an Allen wrench to adjust the cam modules to the desired draw length.
- Tie in the peep sight: Thread the peep sight onto the string and tie it in securely.
- Serve the string: Apply serving thread to the string at the contact points to protect it from wear.
