Crossbows need to be re-stringed from time to time. There are several reasons where-stringing is necessary.
The first and the most crucial key that determines the need for restringing a bowstring is when the string becomes too weak or old. For a matter of fact, even if the string doesn’t look weak but has been in use for over a year, there is need to restring.
How To String A Crossbow
Changing a crossbow string requires different tools. Some strings can be changed using your hands, others require a bow press or string changing cable for crossbow string replacement.
In any item that is on frequent use, wear and tear are never avoidable. Though lubricating the rail of a crossbow or waxing the string can help reduce the wearing process, the need to restring crossbow after prolonged use is very vital.
In the real sense, we have three types of crossbows namely Compound, Reverse compound and the Recurve Crossbow.
To restring Recurve crossbow, you can use your bare hands, and a special type of cable called the stringer but for the Compound, and the Reverse Compound, you will undoubtedly need to have a bow press. Bow press acts to compress the limbs so that the string can get relaxed to ease removal and replacement of string.
Restringing Crossbows using Bow Press
As we have said, a Bow press is only used to restring Reverse compound and the compound crossbows. Ensure you are using a bow press certified by crossbow manufactures. The procedure is quite simple.
1). to start, you will need to have your bow press-ready, new bowstring that is certified, bowstring wax and perhaps eye protection devices.
2). Examine the old string and be quite careful because, in case of any breakages, the string may snap in the middle of the process and cause injuries. Also, there is a need to examine the string for any fault from the manufacturer. Do not trust the manufacturer too much.
3). Once done inspecting, place your crossbow and the bow press on a flat surface. Hook your crossbow on either side with the bow press and adjust the bow press button that sees the bow becoming tight while at the same time pulling the limbs together. When you press the limbs, the string becomes loose so you can remove them and replace.
4). Once you replace, wax your string at both ends to increase tightness and have a test if your crossbow and the string is well tight.
Restring using a cable stringer
This process is simpler than using the bow press. A stringer works as a lightweight string. To be started, attach the string onto the nock and later attach all ends of the cable stringer on both nocks of the crossbow. Many crossbow models from big brands like Ten Point, Horton, Mission and Barnett ship with cable stringers.
Once done, cock the bow and attach the other free end of the string on the remaining nock. Release the tension by firing the crossbow, and one end of the stringer will fall leaving the string holding the tension.
Unhook the other end of the stringer, and there you have your crossbow ready. Do not forget to wax the end of the bowstring to increase grid.
Restring using a DIY
DIY works on the same principle with a stringer cable in that it comes with prey that helps you in adjusting and tightening the limbs to remove and replace the bowstring. This method is however less popular since few crossbows come with prey.
Crossbow String Replacement Can Be Dangerous
Crossbow strings are under a tremendous amount of force and pressure during regular every day use. As one of the most important parts of an xbow, the string needs to be especially well maintained and cared for.
The last thing you want is to have string issues while out hunting!
Xbow strings will last a lot longer when waxed frequently and the weapon is stored properly and out of the sun. U.V. rays will damage the fibers in the string quickly if not coated in U.V. proof wax.
Another common mistake people do is to use oil-based lubricants on the rail which soak into the string and cause it to decay and weaken over time.
If you see the string on your xbow showing signs of fraying or becoming fuzzy around the outer edges do not hesitate to get the string replaced.
Treat the string on your crossbow like tires on your vehicle. Driving around on bare tires with poor quality treads is dumb and dangerous. The same holds true with xbows. If you are shooting an xbow with a frayed string or an old string that has not been changed for quite some time you are asking for trouble.
Snapping an xbow string is not a fun experience. It’s loud, scary, and can be extremely dangerous, often times shattering the limbs and sending pieces everywhere.
Always examine the string for wear and tear!
The easiest way to change out an old xbow string is to take the weapon to an authorized dealer. If you want to do it yourself and need to know hot to string a crossbow yourself, it can be done but care must be taken to do it safely.
The most recommended number of shots to take before restringing a crossbow is between00-500 shots. Stringing a crossbow is not just an ordinary task especially if you have little information about them. The process requires some bit of training mostly on a practical basis.
Stringing a crossbow can be done in different ways. The process, however, requires one to follow a detailed procedure to achieve perfect work. In this article, we have gathered tutorials on how to string a crossbow in the most convenient manner that will ensure you do not harm yourself in the process.
Ideally, you can string or re-string your crossbow by following two distinct methods. These methods are:
1. Using free hands with a special string changing cable
This method requires you to use your arm strength to string your crossbow. It is only an option for low draw weight recurve style xbows. Compound crossbows cannot be restrung by hand because there is too much force on the limbs. Even the Incredible Hulk caouldn’t do it!
1). To string your crossbow using free hands, you first need to hook the string onto one side of the limb. Make sure the other end is loose while its nock is empty. Further, you need to ensure the loop of the bowstring is well fixed in the inner part of the first notch on the limb.
2). The next thing you need to do is place the crossbow at a standing angle on a hard surface. Then place the side of the bow that is nocked on the floor or at the same surface the bow is placed. Then slant the crossbow to the point that the empty nock inclines upward and face your domain hand. After that, film the back of the barrel using your non-domain hand at the same time tilting the bow. Using your dominant hand, hold the end of the loose nock and position the bow rightly.
If you are working indoor, a hard floor helps to do the work more efficiently. On the other hand, if you are outdoor, you need to prop the crossbow against a wooden block. You can also drill a hole at the center of the wood block, which acts to prevent the bow from sliding as you keep working.
3). As your crossbow remains in that standing position, carefully place your foot on the prod and position your foot next to the barrel just at the side of the bow opposite the nocked end. Reinforce the pressure by leaning into the bow while keeping the foot more close to the centre as this helps the bow to bend more easily.
4). Bend down a little and using your domain hand, grab and pull the barrel of the bow up towards your torso. Continue applying pressure with your foot to ensure the crossbow stay firm on the ground. Make sure to use your non-domain hand to pull the empty nock of the prod so that it can also bend together with the barrel towards you.
5). In that bent position, slide the end of the loose string nock onto the empty bow nock. If you’re not strong enough, release the barrel and use the domain hand to hook up the string on the second nock making your crossbow string ready for use.
2. String Or Re-string a Crossbow Using A Xbow Stringer
Use of stringer is another method of stringing crossbow that works well for almost all kind of crossbow regardless of weight draw and the amount of body mass you have. The general rule of using a stringer is to increase safety and convenience to any user though it’s known to take long.
Procedure
1). Insert a single end of the crossbow string inside the limb of the crossbow. Check that it is well put and firmly fixed.
2). Attach both sides of your stringer ends onto both sides of the crossbow limbs. The stringer acts as a standard string though it helps to pull the barrels together to aid fixing of the string.
3). Lock your crossbow by stepping on the stirrup and drawing the stringer until it gets locked. Make sure that the loose end of the crossbow remains hanging freely under the limb.
4). Grab the end of the loose string, pull it through the loop of the entire stringer, and slide it onto the tip of the limb. This ensures that the string at the stringer remains attached firmly on both sides of the limbs.
5). Your crossbow is now ready for use. You can unlock it by either firing an arrow or doing the reverse process.
For many compound crossbows, a bow press is going to be your best option. Using anything else is just too dangerous and unpredictable. We’ve seen people use bungee cords and ratchet straps and all sorts of wild and crazy attempts at restringing compound xbows. Most of these attempts end in near injury and frustration with some broken parts thrown into the mix.
Conclusion
As you can see, learning how to restring a crossbow does not need a lot of skills or time. To make recreation and sporting exercise fun and more enjoyable, make it a habit of restringing your bowstring once you detect chances of wear such as a frayed string or obvious indentations from the crossbow rail where it contacts the string.
