Bows and Stringers

[Marc St Louis]

I've seen a few threads here where people recommend a bow stringer for bracing their bows.  Some of these stringers are fine but others can seriously damage a bow.  Personally there's only 2 methods listed above that I approve with any of my bows and that is the push/pull and the 2 cup stringer.  The step though method is alright also if done properly but not one I recommend.

Comments are welcome

[ohma]

i use push pull on straight limbs, 2 cup stringer on recurve.i also have the 2 post levers fastened in on a post in my basement i use alot at home. i feel it is the safest.dont see them much.

[Hrothgar]

Marc, I'm currently using a cup stringer because I gave away my rubber pad stringer with the last bow. I'm curious why you wouldn't approve of the pad stringer; for me the pad stringer seems less hassle and maybe more reliable on a bow with short or small tips, whereas a cup might completely cover the nock grooves when fully inserted. Just wondering...

[HoBow]

The rubber pad stringer puts uneven bend pressure on the limbs - at least that's how it looks to me

[M-P]

Hi Marc,    I use the push-pull method for all my straight bows, but the step through for my recurves.   I've got a couple of different stringers, but rarely use them.  Still when I teach beginners, I always push the use of stringers as the safest way to string recurves, for both the bow and the archer.
Ron

[Marc St Louis]

Marc, I'm currently using a cup stringer because I gave away my rubber pad stringer with the last bow. I'm curious why you wouldn't approve of the pad stringer; for me the pad stringer seems less hassle and maybe more reliable on a bow with short or small tips, whereas a cup might completely cover the nock grooves when fully inserted. Just wondering...

See Jeff's reply

[bobnewboy]

I always use push-pull for ELBs and flatbows, and step-thru for my wooden recurve "curly bow".  Seems to work the best for me.  I did use a pocket and saddle stringer for a <cough>FG recurve when I first started shooting, but never since.  I didnt like how it loaded the limbs unevenly....If I were to step up to a heavy bow, I would probably use a two-loop ELB stringer.

[youngbowyer33]

i can't do the push/pull method because i'm too weak 

[medicinewheel]

2 cup stringer. Sometimes push/pull on straight bows, but not often because I leave the stringer on to protect the tips, so the stringer is on the bow already when it comes out of the bow sock.
Also, when selling a bow, I give no warranty if the customer doesn't use a 2 cup stringer.

[Del the cat]

I've been known to put one end on the ground, press my knee or even foot (On my f/glass & rock maple Asiatic recurve ) onto the grip and pull back an the other end to slip the string on.
If people tell me "That's not how to string a bow" I give them one of Mrs Cat's 'hard stares' and tell 'em I made it so I know how to string it.
Do whatever works for you I say, I daresay if I had a bow with V thin flat limbs and a ton of recurve I might use a stringer.
Del

[Ryano]

Almost never use a stringer. Push pull if I can if not I step through.

[Marc St Louis]

I never use a stringer.  I will step through on bows over 80#.

Del.  You can do whatever you want with your own bows.  How would you feel though if you made a bow for someone and they broke it because of improper stringing?  Would you feel inclined to replace it?

[Postman]

youngbower - hang in there, the more you shoot, the easier it gets. I'm 39 and a burly 210 lbs,  and it took me awhile to do my mid 50's bows push-pull when I started out. 

[adb]

I never use a stringer.  I will step through on bows over 80#.

Del.  You can do whatever you want with your own bows.  How would you feel though if you made a bow for someone and they broke it because of improper stringing?  Would you feel inclined to replace it?

Absolutely not! When I deliver bows, a very specific and explicit set of instructions goes with it. Among those is how to string it with push/pull.

[Shoeman]

OK, I'll bite..   what's bad about using a stringer?     Be merciful, I'm new to this.