Three ways to string a longbow, recurve, or selfbow without a bow stringer
There are many methods for stringing traditional bows. In this video I show three of them, two without a bow stringer and one with. The first method is a step through which works well for longbows or other straight limbed bows. I don't like this method for recurves because it's uncomfortable and there is a chance of twisting the tips and damaging the bow.
The second method is called a push pull stringing method which also works well for longbows. With a slight modification it also works well for recurves.
Lastly I show you how to use a bow stringer which is a popular and easy method for stringing longbows, recurves and all manor of primitive wood bows. They're also easy to make with a short piece of paracord.
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Пікірлер: 98
Just picked up a Ben pearson mustang & just watched you win Alone. Congratulations, I was pulling for you.
I have just taken up archery and I was SO confused as to how to string a bow. I watched dozens of tutorials but I just wasn't getting it, I didn't understand how I was supposed to wrap it around my right leg when the curve of the bow didn't go that way, and nobody seemed to elaborate on anything. I finally found this video and it finally hit me.... I HAD THE STRING ON THE WRONG SIDE. Thank you for saving me from my novice frustration by giving really clear instructions with no assumption of the knowledge level of the person watching. 😅
I was showing a customer of mine once the second method for his new bow and his pushing hand slipped off . The bow came up and bloodied his nose. Luckily he had a good sense of humor and we had a good laugh about it. Needless to say I sent him home with a stringer. Looking forward to tuning videos
@clayhayeshunter
6 жыл бұрын
Yep, the stringer is surely safer, for the bow and the archer! I've just never got used to using one.
@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors
6 жыл бұрын
Clay Hayes me either
@basketballbros4646
4 жыл бұрын
Riverbend Longbows Outdoors Happy Birthday
@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors
4 жыл бұрын
@@basketballbros4646 thank you
@navigator1383
4 жыл бұрын
People have been blinded by this. Wouldnt use this method unless one is pretty strong and experienced
used your step through method with zero experience and got it in one! perfectly explained, thank you so much!!!
@clayhayeshunter
2 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped!
I use a bow stringer I made from paracord! Thank you.
Great informative video. I’ve been making and shooting self bows for 20 years. The first method of step through is imo the best method but only if it’s done right. Most people have a tendency to pull the upper limb sideways which can end a self bow. After the step through I prefer a stringer. The push pull method is physically easy but can be really dangerous if you over string and the string comes off. I’ve seen it happen and the guy lost a tooth.
@grimreapybones2875
4 ай бұрын
The step through method sure as hell isnt the best method for the bow im making I can easily pull it past brace height on the tiller But just TRY and put a string on it short enough to get it to brace height Its fucking impossible I hate this method and there's nothing else that works I will never be able to finish or shoot my bow
Nice video Clay. I prefer second method for my longbow, since both limbs bend rather than stressing one limb more than the other. For my ILF recurve or a high poundage bow, I prefer a bow stringer for safety. Most will learn to use a Bow stringer the first time their favorite bow snaps a limb. Best of luck.
For step through, to minimize potential for limb twist and because it requires less strength, I recommend placing the bow behind a bent knee, then straightening the knee. That bends the bow equally in each limb and even people with low upper body strength can do it easily. Personally, I use push-pull method but with bow turned 180 degrees and bow tip resting on top of shoe. That way force of the push is away from the body and slips don't result in bloody noses.
@caseysmith544
2 жыл бұрын
Yes this is how I Do the step though up to 35--40 pound bows.
Very cool video Clay. Thank you for sharing it.
Great video as always Clay. Only one thing I would add from my experience. When using the "Push Pull" method, especially when stringing heavier poundage longbows, placing your pulling hand just above the handle helps a lot. Not sure about self bows and any negative impact and I would not recommend for recurves but for laminated bows I sometimes place the hand I am pulling with near the fades. The additional leverage is substantial and also raises your center of gravity. This really makes a difference. I can easily string longbows in excess of 100@28 draw simply by raising my pulling hand 6".
@clayhayeshunter
6 жыл бұрын
good point. it also reduces stress on the bottom limb which can be important with selfbows.
thanks for the help with this, man. just picked up a bow because just picked up the hobby as another covid staying distant solution. will be teaching young daughter to shoot, also, at the range.
Thanks for the very informative video!
The best video
Thank you i knew there was a way without a bow stringer. You just saved me money and time i appreciate it. Im definetly leavin a thumbs up. And you all should subscribe 👍
Dope!! Thank you bro 🤜🤛🙏👍👍
The funny thing is I have a 45lb recurve bow. I tried to do the first method to get the string off and it worked just fine. thanks for the help mate. just toke me 2 tries
Those are nice tips on putting on the string and I have a curved bow and have the stringer, but it don't seem to be that easy to me so I will try the second method you mentioned.
Thx for the advice ,
I just finished watching you win alone, then find this video lol
I was taught to use the Smith-Pelly method. Been doing it that way for almost 40 years.
I’m happy this video exist thanks a lot
I have learned a lot watching your videos thanks for all the great info.
Having absolute nightmare with mine. Took the first try first method to get it done. Thanks loads
Thank you
Will your next video be "how to straighten a twisted limb"? 😀. Actually, I have used the step through method to string a few of my recurves , and ruined a couple. But the "warm water and twisting back to straight" actually works. All in all , a stringer works best for me. I do enjoy your posts. I watch them all.
Great tips Clay , especially for beginners like myself. Look forward to seeing more videos from you thanks for sharing 👍👍👍
Good video. Thank you sir!
@clayhayeshunter
3 жыл бұрын
Very welcome
Thank F$ck for this video. I was like a tired drunk ape trying to string my new sage samick 50lbs.
Thanks buddy. Push pull for sure
My Brother uses the step through method for all bow stringing up to 55--60 pound bows and higher he needs a stringer or a longbow/longbow type recurve for this at higher poundage's. I can do this step though style with bows up to 35 to sometimes up to 40 pounds but find it hurts my shin to keep doing this for higher pounds especially standard recurve or some reflex deflex that are more like a recurve bend and deeper so I use a Stringer for higher pound bows. I never use the push pull as I pinch my fingers doing that method in the string tip grove or in the loop, of the hand doing the stringing and have yet to not get the fingers stuck or skin pinched. I also can use both the major styles of stringer including the all string version provide the ends have something on the string to keep the open ends from moving or are smaller loops to fit on the bow that do not go more then 1/2 down each limb side. I do the leg style to do a destring since I do not know another method that works best for me in destringing the bow up to 50--55 pounds that is as safe for the bow. When using a destring tool I tend to have the string restring all or partially more then unstring when in the middle of letting the string down so using a stringer is not as safe for me.
Helpful
Turn your head away from the bow if using the push-pull method. You don't want that bow tip in your eye if your hand slips. Don't be that guy.
Now for a Post on how to Untwist the Butchered Twisted Limb from not using the recommended string that was supplied by the manufacturer voiding the warranty ,,AAHAHAAAA! Great Stuff, Keys, Wallet, Phone and Stringer!
@clayhayeshunter
6 жыл бұрын
I’ve never twisted a limb stringing a bow this way and I’ve strung them thousands of times. If you’ll notice, the tip of the recurve isn’t on my foot.
hi i have a long bow i just got it is a old long bow 64in it has a grip in the middle but no arrow rest it came with a string but it is off the bow i notced one end is a little bit longer than the other wich end goes toward the top longer or shorter
I've always used step-through, but I rest the inside curve on the front of my ankle. Also, I'm right handed so I step through with my right leg, allowing me to use my stronger arm to bend the bow.
@clayhayeshunter
6 жыл бұрын
I've done it that way before but find the under foot placement push pull easier.
I use an empty shoe and a modified push pull... No damage to the tip... Super easy.
I use the third method
Need some advice if anyone can help me. I recently ordered a bow string for a recurve bow I recently acquired. Seems I improperly measured the bow and I thought it was 61 inches So I ordered a 57 inch string. Just found out this bow is actually a 62 inch which normally would use a 58 inch string. The 57inch string I ordered should arrive any day now.... Is it possible to use the 57 inch string? And if so what exactly would be the difference compared to using a 58 inch? I'm guessing the draw length and base height would both be affected. And probably the speed as well. Any advice would be appreciated
Wish I would of watched this before I twisted my limbs lol rookie move.
Hi clay, are your bows for sale
This works
Thanks. I bought it that way.Custom built wooden recurve.
Neat
Still prefer a good stringer, but let's face it, some manufacturers produce crap. If you have one that breaks, these methods work well. But still, a good stringer is best. Clay, is there a place or a dealer you would recommend? Chain stores like Bass Pro seem to be leaving traditional archers in the wind. I normally shop 3Rivers. Do you have other favorites that you'd recommend?
@clayhayeshunter
2 жыл бұрын
3Rivers usually has everything
Thanks, I hate it when I get to the field or range without my stringer, I still don't like doing it without, but in an emergency or one of those O.S. moments......
@Kameron-The-Crafter
3 жыл бұрын
That's for sure.
I’m a little embarrassed to admit this, but I have not fired my bow in nearly a year (shortly after I got it) because I cannot string it. It’s not a matter of strength, it’s a matter of pain. Having that bow dig through my hand and shin is more painful than it is worth. A shame though, it’s a nice bow and it seemed like such a fun and useful thing to get in to. Any tips to reduce that pain?
Looking to get a longbow. Better to have recurve or no ? I'm 6'1 250lb physical man. Can tell me what I need to purchase? Right handed
@clayhayeshunter
10 ай бұрын
It doesn’t really matter. Just get whatever you like. Make sure it’s not too heavy to draw comfortably.
Can you tell me a little about your bow for a newbie? Is it custom, professional made or diy? The snake skin caught my eye is that just a painted pattern on there?
@clayhayeshunter
4 жыл бұрын
I'm a bow builder. this is made from osage orange. I've got vids showing the process.
You should have seen me trying to string my Bear 55# recurve without a stringer. 🤣
Can anything be done to correct a twisted bow?
@clayhayeshunter
5 жыл бұрын
Yes. You can heat the limbs and twist them back. How you heat them would depend on the type of bow. If you’re referring to wood bows, this is covered at www.patreon.com/clayhayes
I always recommend using a stringer. I twisted a couple of bows back in my youth using other methods, so I carry a stringer in a pouch on my quiver nowadays. It's just not worth the risk of messing up a nice bow. Just like anything else, some people seem to have a knack for stringing without a stringer, but I'm not one of them. 😕
@clayhayeshunter
4 жыл бұрын
Sure thing, if it gives you trouble, use a stringer.
My good ol paw paw taught me how to use the step through method it's quite hard with a recurve
One question I've never got a satisfactory answer to: Why does a bow need to be unstrung? Would you leave it strung for a day or two ever?
@clayhayeshunter
Жыл бұрын
Self bows will develop “set” if left strung. Laminated bows can be left strung.
I've used a stringer since I bought my black widow. It cost to much to screw it up.
gl doing this with 70+ pound bows
@NorthForkFisherman
2 жыл бұрын
Maybe now you understand why this was part of the story of Odysseus.
There is a Mongolian technique w/two persons.
What bow is the first one you showed? And where did you get it?
Where is the longbow?
Why are you pushing on the tips? Put the flat of the back of the bow across the front of your ankle. Push the other end of the bow with the palm of your hand.
@Lycantis
3 жыл бұрын
That's what I don't understand, and what I see "twists" the recurves. Putting the curve "flat" on the ankle and using my palm gave me the most uniform stringing. It just made sense to me.
still cannot string my longbow .
How do you install sights on a PSE re-cruved bow... Please 🥺
@NorthForkFisherman
2 жыл бұрын
You don't. This is traditional archery. You practice till you know where you're going to hit every time.
Are using a wooden bow
@clayhayeshunter
5 жыл бұрын
Yes
Three methods to string a bow without a stringer .....1. Step through 2. Push pull 3. Stringer wtf ?
mug water
Three ways to string a longbow, recurve, or selfbow without a bow
Yeah the step through method is useless with the bow I'm making, can easily pull it down past brace height on the tiller But just TRY and put a string short enough to get it to brace height Fucking impossible
You dont need to step between the string and bow... just hold the string in your hand lol
No. No No! Step through is bad bad . Twist limbs. Not recommend ! Don't teach this, please. Long time archer
Thank you