If you are new to using the compound bow, this post will help you to know how exactly to restring your compound bow. Compared to traditional bows, compound bows are a bit more complicated. This is because they have a cam/pulley system that traditional bows do not have. Therefore, they are a bit harder to restring compared to classic bows. Nevertheless, when you have the right information, you should not find it difficult to restring your compound bow. This article will provide you with that information.
You should restring your compound bow once a year or the moment you notice any signs of wear on the string (whichever comes faster). The reason is that a compound bow is a powerful and dangerous weapon. It needs to have a properly working bowstring for it to continue working as intended. An overused string or a string that is well-worn is dangerous to have on your bow because it can cause a safety incident. It also negatively affects the accuracy of your bow.
How to restring a compound bow using a bow press
Follow the steps below to safely and effectively restring your compound bow using a bow press.
1. Check the old string for signs of serious wear and damage
The most important thing you need to do before you start restringing your compound bow is to check its old string for signs of serious wear and damage. If the old string is severely worn, it is important to take it to a professional at a bow hunting shop for restringing. This is because a severely damaged string can easily break and cause injury when being replaced by an inexperienced individual.
2. Pick a compatible bow string replacement
To restring your bowstring, you need to have a replacement ready. The replacement for your bowstring should be compatible with your compound bow. A non-compatible string won’t function properly on your compound bow. Moreover, it may also violate your compound bow warranty. This is something you do not want especially if your bow is new and/or expensive.
Once you get a compatible bow, make sure you wax it before installation. It is important to do this to ensure it lasts long. This is because waxing bowstrings makes them waterproof and prevents fraying. It also helps to maintain string twist integrity.
3. Get a double pull compound bow press
You can use either a single-pull bow press or a double-pull bow press to restring your compound bow. We recommend you use a double-pull bow press because it makes the restringing process easier and safer.
It makes restringing easier because it holds the bow in two places at the same time. In contrast, the single-pull bow press pulls the bow in one place only. Therefore, it is harder to use than a double-pull compound bow press.
It is safer to use than a single-pull bow press because it exacts equal force to two different locations reducing the risk of breakage.
Perhaps the best double-pull bow press to use is the Last Chance Archery EZ Green Press. This bow press is designed for two things that require plenty of strength – adjusting cam timing and restringing bows. It works like magic and it is pretty safe and durable.
4. Fix the bow in the bow press
The next thing you need to do after getting the bow press is to fix your bow into it. It is not an easy thing to do so you may need to watch how it is done on a YouTube tutorial like this one. Alternatively, you can follow the instructions on the bow press manual for how to do this.
It is not difficult to put the bow into the press especially if you are a DIY kind of guy. All you need to do is to put the bow next to the press and take a step back. It is very easy to do. However, to be very sure of what you are doing, it is best to watch a professional do it first before doing it.
After putting your compound bow in the bow press, the next thing you need to do is to take several pictures of the bow setup. Additionally, use a tape measure to record the length of the D-loops, the distance between the peep and the nocking point, plus axle-to-axle length. The pictures and measurements you take will help you to quickly notice in case you make a mistake when putting back your bow.
5. Press the bow and install the new string
After the step above, you need to press your bow to safely remove the old string. The removal process usually involves unscrewing sets of screws holding the string in place. After removing the string, you need to put the new one and make sure it is positioned exactly the way the old one was. Simply look at the photos you took to make sure you do this correctly.
After installing the new string and ensuring it goes through all the right grooves, all you need to do is to remove the bow press carefully and the restringing process will be done.
