How To String a Crossbow Using Stringer

The modern crossbow is a high-tech weapon that uses innovative design and the latest technology in construction and sighting. Most of the modern-day crossbows come with the prod already strung, and hunters can start shooting right away. However, the average lifespan of a crossbow string is between 200-600 fires on average.

Although wear and tear are common, lubricating the rail and waxing the string can protect it for a while, string eventually begins to break down and for optimum performance, you need to restring the crossbow. Removing the string after the hunting season is over and restringing it for the next season also helps preserve your crossbow for a longtime.

Stringing a crossbow can be both challenging and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, so in this comprehensive guide, we will discuss all the steps required to string a crossbow.

Following the steps and recommendations provided in this article will ensure the longevity of your crossbow’s functionality and prevent the user from experiencing haphazard accidents caused by a damaged string.

There are two ways to string and restring your crossbow:

String the Crossbow With a Stringer:

A stringer is a cord little longer than the string of the crossbow, with a loop on both of its sides. This is not as durable as a real crossbow string, so if it shows damage you may need to replace it.

Things needed:

• Crossbow
• Crossbow Stringer
• Crossbow Replacement String

Steps:

• Neatly layout your crossbow, stringer, and new string on a clean flat surface. Also, the surface should be wide enough to cock the crossbow safely.
• Take the crossbow stringer out and put its loops at the tip of each limb on the secondary shelf and make sure that the stringer’s loops are in there firmly as you will use the stringer to cock the bow.
• Now, by putting your foot in the stirrup and pulling each side of the stringer to the trigger box, pull the stringer back and cock the crossbow.  Don’t forget to put the trigger safety on the safe side while cocking.
• When restringing the crossbow, detach the loops of the current string carefully from the grooves before proceeding to the next stage.
• Now, take your new string and place its one end on the groove. After successfully doing the first end, move to the other end, and repeat the step. Once you have set both ends in the grooves, you have a new string in place.
• Un-cock the crossbow by either shooting either on the ground with an arrow or on a safe target, or pulling on the stringer and letting it down slowly with your foot still in the stirrup.
• After you have done this, the crossbow is successfully strung or re-strung as all the tension is on the bow.
• Now you can safely remove the stringer from the crossbow

Stringing the Crossbow Without the Stringer:

The capability to string a crossbow without a stringer is dependent on your strength, your size, the bow’s poundage, and the ability to pull and string simultaneously. If this technique doesn’t make you feel safe or relaxed, or you believe your poundage is too high, then don’t do it. The greater the poundage, the more likely it is not possible or safe to do so.

Steps:

• Hold your crossbow and put the string loop across one nock. After that, place that crossbow arm end on the floor as well as on the stirrup edge. The stock angle should look near 45 degrees at this point.
• Now, take one foot and lean it against the extending arm of the crossbow right up against the stock.
•  By maintaining your balance, put one hand on the stock butt and the other on the string to keep it stable.
• Using your hand, push the butt of the stock onto the ground and press down with your foot to bend the crossbow at the same time.
• Position the stringer on the other nock, while the crossbow is still in the same position.
• Hold your crossbow and take a look at both nocks that are securely placed in the string loop.
• Now, position the crossbow towards the ground and apply the same pressure as before.
• Lastly, unhook the string from the nock facing you.

Some Additional Tips:

• Make sure that the string is centered along the rail; else, the shots will be inconsistent.
• Ensure that the string is centered along the rail; otherwise, the shots would be inconsistent.
• Restring and re-measure the bow, after adding 10 to 20 twists, to make sure the height of the string is greater now.
• Do not over twist the string as there is a limit on how often you can modify the string like this.
• Check the newly re-strung crossbow at any practice range by firing on a target.
• To minimize string damage wax the crossbow string regularly. Before each use examine the crossbow and check for any noticeable defect to the string of the crossbow.
• Also, wear eye protection when working with a crossbow.
• If you need any help with the crossbow stringing process, you can always speak with the practice range attendant.

Conclusion:

Stringing a crossbow is not a time-consuming process and does not require much effort. With a little practice and precaution, one can easily attempt to do it themselves.

It is worth mentioning that changing the string as soon as the damage appears, is necessary. While changing the string can be attempted either using a stringer or by hand; it is recommended to not be attempted manually if the user finds the activity cumbersome.

However, it is important to adjust the string as soon as the damage shows up. It’s not worth hurting yourself or losing a competition to save just a few bucks as it can have serious consequences to your wellbeing.

FAQs

How to measure a crossbow string?

Place your bow straight on the ground. Hold one end of tape with the tip of the bow and pull it to the opposite end and hold it tight. Read and record the measurement. Now, subtract 3-inches from the total length to calculate the normal length of your bowstring.

What kind of string is great for crossbows?

Strings were traditionally made from linen, hemp, other vegetable fibers, sinew, silk, and rawhide. The modern materials are stronger than any natural material, and most are unaffected by water. They include:

• Dacron
• Liquid crystal polymers
• Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene

How often do you need to restring a compound bow?

Properly used bowstrings could last up to three years but should be replaced afterward. Additionally, the bowstring should be replaced when it has frays or a split thread.

What do Crossbow Strings break?

The first and most occurring reason for string breaking is age. It is a safe practice to replace your crossbow string after every year to prevent string breaking during hunting.

Another possible explanation for breaking of crossbow string is that the bolt is not firmly positioned against the string. Furthermore, string may also break due to use of incorrect nocks. Therefore, it’s always wise to review the user manual to make sure that you are using the right nocks.

Do I need to wax my bow string for longevity?

Maintenance of crossbow is very important for ensuring a successful hunting venture. It is very important to wax the strings and cables of a crossbow to prevent it from fraying, twisting and breaking. It is a good practice to wax the strings after every two to three weeks and also before going for a competition.