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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/ clayhayes
Website: www.twistedstave.com/
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Пікірлер: 98

  • @cal1776
    @cal17762 жыл бұрын

    Just picked up a Ben pearson mustang & just watched you win Alone. Congratulations, I was pulling for you.

  • @crispychrissy
    @crispychrissy Жыл бұрын

    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. 😅

  • @RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors
    @RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors6 жыл бұрын

    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

    @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

    @RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors

    6 жыл бұрын

    Clay Hayes me either

  • @basketballbros4646

    @basketballbros4646

    4 жыл бұрын

    Riverbend Longbows Outdoors Happy Birthday

  • @RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors

    @RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@basketballbros4646 thank you

  • @navigator1383

    @navigator1383

    4 жыл бұрын

    People have been blinded by this. Wouldnt use this method unless one is pretty strong and experienced

  • @shawnaeatscats
    @shawnaeatscats2 жыл бұрын

    used your step through method with zero experience and got it in one! perfectly explained, thank you so much!!!

  • @clayhayeshunter

    @clayhayeshunter

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad it helped!

  • @robertbrunston5406
    @robertbrunston54066 жыл бұрын

    I use a bow stringer I made from paracord! Thank you.

  • @graydon78
    @graydon782 жыл бұрын

    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

    @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

  • @dennism6668
    @dennism66683 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @Tombitesdog
    @Tombitesdog5 жыл бұрын

    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

    @caseysmith544

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes this is how I Do the step though up to 35--40 pound bows.

  • @danielklee2933
    @danielklee29332 жыл бұрын

    Very cool video Clay. Thank you for sharing it.

  • @SimplyTraditionalTV
    @SimplyTraditionalTV6 жыл бұрын

    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

    @clayhayeshunter

    6 жыл бұрын

    good point. it also reduces stress on the bottom limb which can be important with selfbows.

  • @quattobeast
    @quattobeast3 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @jolox.
    @jolox.3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the very informative video!

  • @FernandoGarcia-ne8wf
    @FernandoGarcia-ne8wf2 жыл бұрын

    The best video

  • @gammawave1739
    @gammawave17394 жыл бұрын

    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 👍

  • @corneliushughes8797
    @corneliushughes8797Ай бұрын

    Dope!! Thank you bro 🤜🤛🙏👍👍

  • @celynen2631
    @celynen2631 Жыл бұрын

    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

  • @semco72057
    @semco720575 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @donwaldroopoutdoors3665
    @donwaldroopoutdoors3665 Жыл бұрын

    Thx for the advice ,

  • @iamthegreenarrow762
    @iamthegreenarrow762 Жыл бұрын

    I just finished watching you win alone, then find this video lol

  • @vonmilash823
    @vonmilash8235 жыл бұрын

    I was taught to use the Smith-Pelly method. Been doing it that way for almost 40 years.

  • @devonharrold8613
    @devonharrold86133 жыл бұрын

    I’m happy this video exist thanks a lot

  • @mikebutler163
    @mikebutler1636 жыл бұрын

    I have learned a lot watching your videos thanks for all the great info.

  • @razzle1337
    @razzle13373 жыл бұрын

    Having absolute nightmare with mine. Took the first try first method to get it done. Thanks loads

  • @OleSmokey
    @OleSmokey9 ай бұрын

    Thank you

  • @donaldmccann6388
    @donaldmccann63886 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @frankie1956
    @frankie19566 жыл бұрын

    Great tips Clay , especially for beginners like myself. Look forward to seeing more videos from you thanks for sharing 👍👍👍

  • @DiazPoopInThere
    @DiazPoopInThere3 жыл бұрын

    Good video. Thank you sir!

  • @clayhayeshunter

    @clayhayeshunter

    3 жыл бұрын

    Very welcome

  • @PhatFrankiiie
    @PhatFrankiiie2 жыл бұрын

    Thank F$ck for this video. I was like a tired drunk ape trying to string my new sage samick 50lbs.

  • @ttacx
    @ttacx3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks buddy. Push pull for sure

  • @caseysmith544
    @caseysmith5442 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @FaZekiller-qe3uf
    @FaZekiller-qe3uf Жыл бұрын

    Helpful

  • @Paintppa1
    @Paintppa13 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @jonoedwards4195
    @jonoedwards41956 жыл бұрын

    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

    @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.

  • @michaelbrock6222
    @michaelbrock62223 ай бұрын

    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

  • @ANXIETOR
    @ANXIETOR6 жыл бұрын

    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

    @clayhayeshunter

    6 жыл бұрын

    I've done it that way before but find the under foot placement push pull easier.

  • @geoffhenson9913
    @geoffhenson99132 жыл бұрын

    I use an empty shoe and a modified push pull... No damage to the tip... Super easy.

  • @CampfireKodiak
    @CampfireKodiak10 ай бұрын

    I use the third method

  • @terrancepemberton4648
    @terrancepemberton46484 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @Terpedup925
    @Terpedup9252 жыл бұрын

    Wish I would of watched this before I twisted my limbs lol rookie move.

  • @jmoney6652
    @jmoney66525 жыл бұрын

    Hi clay, are your bows for sale

  • @horseman2777
    @horseman2777 Жыл бұрын

    This works

  • @michaelgrusing2242
    @michaelgrusing22425 жыл бұрын

    Thanks. I bought it that way.Custom built wooden recurve.

  • @israelarellano5293
    @israelarellano5293 Жыл бұрын

    Neat

  • @NorthForkFisherman
    @NorthForkFisherman2 жыл бұрын

    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

    @clayhayeshunter

    2 жыл бұрын

    3Rivers usually has everything

  • @bowman321123
    @bowman3211236 жыл бұрын

    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

    @Kameron-The-Crafter

    3 жыл бұрын

    That's for sure.

  • @patriotsandtyrants
    @patriotsandtyrants Жыл бұрын

    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?

  • @slimjohn2090
    @slimjohn209010 ай бұрын

    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

    @clayhayeshunter

    10 ай бұрын

    It doesn’t really matter. Just get whatever you like. Make sure it’s not too heavy to draw comfortably.

  • @myliquidthunder
    @myliquidthunder4 жыл бұрын

    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

    @clayhayeshunter

    4 жыл бұрын

    I'm a bow builder. this is made from osage orange. I've got vids showing the process.

  • @crazylikeafox1000
    @crazylikeafox10002 жыл бұрын

    You should have seen me trying to string my Bear 55# recurve without a stringer. 🤣

  • @michaelgrusing2242
    @michaelgrusing22425 жыл бұрын

    Can anything be done to correct a twisted bow?

  • @clayhayeshunter

    @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

  • @crominion6045
    @crominion60454 жыл бұрын

    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

    @clayhayeshunter

    4 жыл бұрын

    Sure thing, if it gives you trouble, use a stringer.

  • @brennanb9709
    @brennanb97093 жыл бұрын

    My good ol paw paw taught me how to use the step through method it's quite hard with a recurve

  • @johnkolodziey6578
    @johnkolodziey6578 Жыл бұрын

    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

    @clayhayeshunter

    Жыл бұрын

    Self bows will develop “set” if left strung. Laminated bows can be left strung.

  • @ronaldgoodrich5460
    @ronaldgoodrich54603 жыл бұрын

    I've used a stringer since I bought my black widow. It cost to much to screw it up.

  • @John_Lund
    @John_Lund3 жыл бұрын

    gl doing this with 70+ pound bows

  • @NorthForkFisherman

    @NorthForkFisherman

    2 жыл бұрын

    Maybe now you understand why this was part of the story of Odysseus.

  • @Gibbinifuggs
    @Gibbinifuggs2 жыл бұрын

    There is a Mongolian technique w/two persons.

  • @jacobswift5875
    @jacobswift58752 жыл бұрын

    What bow is the first one you showed? And where did you get it?

  • @psychobartus
    @psychobartus5 жыл бұрын

    Where is the longbow?

  • @randyc750
    @randyc7503 жыл бұрын

    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

    @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.

  • @devilsmessanger
    @devilsmessanger3 жыл бұрын

    still cannot string my longbow .

  • @normabarnes9377
    @normabarnes93773 жыл бұрын

    How do you install sights on a PSE re-cruved bow... Please 🥺

  • @NorthForkFisherman

    @NorthForkFisherman

    2 жыл бұрын

    You don't. This is traditional archery. You practice till you know where you're going to hit every time.

  • @nunziopalmieri1352
    @nunziopalmieri13525 жыл бұрын

    Are using a wooden bow

  • @clayhayeshunter

    @clayhayeshunter

    5 жыл бұрын

    Yes

  • @88Nikoli
    @88Nikoli5 жыл бұрын

    Three methods to string a bow without a stringer .....1. Step through 2. Push pull 3. Stringer wtf ?

  • @goller0511
    @goller05112 жыл бұрын

    mug water

  • @jj987987987
    @jj9879879875 жыл бұрын

    Three ways to string a longbow, recurve, or selfbow without a bow

  • @grimreapybones2875
    @grimreapybones28754 ай бұрын

    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

  • @ThatSB
    @ThatSB Жыл бұрын

    You dont need to step between the string and bow... just hold the string in your hand lol

  • @johnwhitlock9705
    @johnwhitlock97052 ай бұрын

    No. No No! Step through is bad bad . Twist limbs. Not recommend ! Don't teach this, please. Long time archer

  • @coryb3673
    @coryb36734 жыл бұрын

    Thank you

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