Ive got a bow stringer that works great for my recurves but my longbow just seems to long to string with the stringer. Is there an easier way? Ive seen some guys do it in a certain way where they put the bottom limb on the ground and it looks like they step on the tip of the limb and slide the string up. I havent tried it yet because im scared of hurting the bow and im not even sure if thats how its done. Can you guys help me out?
Cabela's has two different stringers, one for recurves and other for longbows. The longbow stringer is about 6 inches longer. I have both, one for the wife's recurve and the other for my longbow.
Don't try the step thru method with a laminated bow, because one mistake and it is history. It would be a fair guess the guys you have seen using the step thru method are using self bows.
I've seen a number of bowyers who make longbows use the method 2Blade is probably describing, and I use it myself. An important distinction is that they are not "stepping on the tip of the limb," even though it looks that way. And the method they're using is not the step thru method, which could possibly damage the bow.
What they're doing is holding the bow by the handle with their right hand, pulling the bottom tip of the bow into the instep of their right shoe, while they push against the upper limb with their left hand and slide the string up the upper limb with the fingers of their left hand. The bottom tip either doesn't touch the ground or at least has no downward pressure against the ground.
For safety, keep your eyes lower than the upper bow tip when you're doing this in case something slips. I'm not sure how well this method would work on a longbow that is highly reflexed, but it works well on the straighter longbows I have.
I use a stringer for my longbows and in a pinch string with the push/pull method.
One of the reason's I started taking my longbows hunting more and more is because I didn't have to keep up with a stringer.
Nothing wrong with the 'push pull' method for sure, and all longbow shooters should know how to do it. Its plenty safe if learned to do properly, and the bow isn't in any danger of being damaged either.
Let me see if I can get a clip soon....
Push pull for me too on a longbow. Stringer for sure on a recurve.
I would love to see that Terry...Ive heard about the method, but never tried it. I only use a stringer. Now you have my curiosity up
I've used push/pull for 1000s of longbow stringings without a problem. Don't step on the tip but lever it against in inside of your foot and set the tip on the welt of the sole.
Don't do it with a curve. Always use a stringer.
Mike
Been using the push/pull method to string longbows for more than 40 years and haven't damaged one yet. Doesn't work as well on extremely reflex/deflex hybrids. Longbow stringer should have cups on each end. The recurve stringers that have a cup on one end and a rubber wedge on the other will work on longbows if they're long enough, but not nearly as nicely, easily as a longbow stringer.
I have used both stringer and push/pull. Both work well when done properly. Even a stringer can be dangerous if you don't do thing correctly. The only time I had some difficulty with the push/pull was with my 70" long bow, but now that I'm used to it, no problem.
Just buy a stringer for your longbow. It's cheaper than paying to fix it if you mess it up because if you string it without a stringer the bowyer WILL NOT cover the damage.
I use a stringer! As mentioned earlier two different stringers ( longbow-recurve).
KY :archer:
Push/pull for me all the time, even recurves. I've had too many stringers slip or break for me to trust them any more. Mainly though, I leave all my bows strung until I need to pack them for travelling.
Push/Pull for me. I have done it that way on my 72" self bow and my 54" Shrew. Use a stringer on recurved bows for safety.
When Byron Ferguson was at Whittingham shoot in Jersey. He said He never used a string on a long bow because of safety reasons, but would never string a recurved bow with out one.
Ive used the push pull, but most bowyers recommend a stringer, so I use stringer. It doesnt take up to much room. What ever works for yeah. Where ya run into trouble is not being coached the right way . video wood be great Tarz. :wavey:
I use the push/pull method when stringing my bows. Sometimes with a heavy bow or a longer bow I will use a stringer because it is safer and easier for me. If the stringer is too long, put both feet on the string. If it is still too long the farther apart your feet are the less height you will have to pull to.
For me, if a bow is too difficult to brace with a push/pull method, it is usually too heavy for me to draw.
I have the step-thru stringer given to me when I bought my Fedora recurve 35 years ago. It is a webbing strap with a loop on it. You strap it around your ankle, place the tip of the bow in it and then step-thru and string. it is very easy, safe and does not twist limbs. I plan on using it with a long bow soon.
I have used the push-pull for over 40 years also, but have been hit in the head on a couple slips. (maybe 2 out of 5000 stringings but still remember the pain!) You can't beat a proper length bow stringer, and with a really long bow, especially a shorter person, you have to get closer to the top limb on your 'pull' as was said earlier.
Push pull is great on a longbow. If I see a customer doing that with a recurve I will threaten to void his warranty. Not so much for damage to the bow, which it can do, but damage to the operator. Several years ago I saw a guy doing that with a 45 lb recurve, lost his grip with his left hand and litteraly popped his left eyeball out of his head. It was hanging on his cheek by the optic nerve and he was screamin his head off. They were able to save his eye but that vision stays with me to this day.
I use whichever method is handy at the moment for longbows. I just got an Owl selfbow, and Mr. Scott recommends the push-pull and includes instructions. Always use the stringer for recurves. It's better for the bow.
Incidently, if you do have a slip up using push-pull with a longbow, the bow will probably be fine, but you're going to have to explain your face for a few days.
Bob, Goog God man. :scared:
I like the sound of the push pull method seems like it would be alot easier if I was out hunting. Looking foreword to Terrys video I may still buy a stringer just cause.
This is all I have to say about that.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0603/reddogge/Cartoons/unseen.jpg)
I push pull every bow I have. Recurves over about 50 to 55 pounds get a little tricky butunder 50 pounds are a piece of cake.
I will add that from personal experience, the most dangerous aspect of this method is the possibility of not getting the string loop securely set in BOTH sides of BOTH limb nocks. Longbows it's not too bad but recurves will twist and unstring rather violently at times. I've had one do exactly that. It was a 46#, 1957 bear Kodiak Special just like the Little Delta bow. I got the string securely in the upper limb nocks but evidently while bending the bow during the stringing process the string came partly out of BOTTOM limb nocks. I strung the bow and had just lifted it away from my foot when BAM! It felt like someone punched me. Took me a second to figure out what had happened and by that time there was some blood dripping off my chin. The upper limb tip had hit me square in the chin. I swear I could have given Curt Douglas a run for his money when it comes to a dimple in the chin. Of course, a couple minutes later it was no longer an "inny" but had swelled into an impressive "outy". Also, it happens SOOOO fast. There is absolutely no way to see it coming. Just BAM and it's all over.
Probably some of you are thinking "And you still string a bow that way? Are you crazy or stupid?" Neither atually. Just matter of fact enough about life in general to have learned a lesson on HOW to do something without being scared into NOT doing it ever again. I always check the lower loop first and I turn my head away during the stringing process. Then, before I release control of the bow limb I turn the bow sideways to get out of the line of fire if it were to "go off". It can be done safely but you have to do it right and think about what you are doing or you could be looking at a perforated face.
We carry sharp pointy sticks over rough ground with nothing between them and us but some leather (they are disigned to cut through hide to so what does that tell ya?) We climb up and down trees in the dark and do all manner of risky acts during a season. Stringing a bow isnt' gonna be something to scare me. I'm honestly more scared of relying of a bow stringer as I've had one of them slip off twice. I've also had great difficulty being able to slide the rubber block up the limb during the stringing process. If it comes down to trusting my bare hands or trusting a little bitty pocket tip holder and a piece of string, I'll trust my hands and experience.
By the way, for longbows there is a much safer way to hand string than the push pull but I seldom use it.
Stand with your back to a wall (or tree) and hold the bow leaning away from you. Place the lower limb tip on the floor (or ground) near the wall on your right side. Hold the upper limb near the top with one hand and put the toes of your right foot at mid limb of the lower limb and your right knee above the handle. Put equal pressure on the bow with your foot and knee while pulling the top limb towards you. Kinda slide your back down the wall to increase pressure and you can easily flex the bow and slide the string up the upper limb and into the nocks.
The nice thing about this method is that in the event of a slip, all energy is directed away from you. With a little practice, you can do it very quickly and it feels very safe.
Longbow stringers make me grumpy. Push pull all the way. :-D
I found this video on bow stringers. I also use the push pull method on longbows.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQva0lgRb6E
I have been using the step through method for near on 25 years and have never damaged a bow. IMO it is safer than other methods and if done correctly will not damge your bow. I have only used it on longbows by the way.
Jeff
If I don't have a stringer[they pull your limbs even'ly].I have built selfbows for 20 years and I've used the push,pull a hole lot.But I do it a little different,I put the back of the bow to me at 45 degress put the bottom limb in the crease of my left foot.My right hand pulls the bow handle towards me while puting my left hand index finger under the string loop.While pushing up.
My bows are only 60"s to 66"s so a long bow may be a little harder.If so get a stringer.But the push,pull has never hurt any of my bows.And like I said I've beeb doing it for 20 years with my selfbows.
I hope this works.
file:///C:/temp/bow%20stringing.htm
Does it matter if the longbow is R/D or not for push/pull to be safe?
I'd like to see a video on that.
How do you unstring it? Step through?
Wow...lot of stories of folks getting hit with the bow limbs. The way I do the push pull my head is not in the way.
I use the black widow stringers.I can string the bow without one if I ever need to but generally remember to carry a stringer.I do think if you hunt with a longbow you should know how to do it without a stringer, just in case.
Maybe someone can explain?
Pull the string like you're drawing it and the string snaps in place?
Boom Stick, No no No!!!!! Is anyone/ everyone able to view the document that I linked to?
file:///C:/temp/bow%20stringing.htm
Tree Man, the link doesn't work.
I use push pull, the key is to turn your head away while stringing it. Do it by feel and it won't hit you in the face. I push/pull to string and unstring it between each shooting session. My fiberglass and wood laminate bows never stay strung.
Jason
Well crud.
they walk you through push pull in dec. primitive archer
What is the difference between a curve and LB stringer? I always did step through on my old curves, but now that I got back into it I got a BW stringer that has a large limb cup and a small one. I use it on my curve. I assume it works on a LB also, but now I am not sure if it will or if I have the correct curve stringer. I checked that link a page back and it shows the type for a curve that has a pad on the face of the limb.
The stringer you have will work a longbow just great.The little pocket works well on small tipped bows because it does not cover up the string groove as bad as a lot of stingers.
TreeMan,
You're link is to your hard drive and we won't be able to see that. You'll have to put it up on some server or host site.
Jason
QuoteOriginally posted by James Wrenn:
The stringer you have will work a longbow just great.The little pocket works well on small tipped bows because it does not cover up the string groove as bad as a lot of stingers.
:D I guess there is no excuse not to get a long bow if my stringer will work for both. I can save some money and not poke my eye out.
For straight or semi-recurve bows, use the push-pull method:
(Right Handed)Place lower tip off ground against inside of right foot. Simultaneously, pull bow handle back with right hand and push limb forward with left hand, sliding string loop into upper nock. "Turn your head to the right away from upper tip".
The above method has been taught for as long as we are old:) It works great on normal weight bows under good conditions. On bows over 65pounds when your boots are covered in mud, it is cold, and you are tired....it can be very dicey. Get yourself a pocketsize bowstringer called the "Bow Pal Stringer" made by Golden Archery in Cheyenne WY. These little things are one of the best longbow stringers ever made and are ideal for hunting. They fit a Hill type longbow perfectly.
Thanks DB,
Is the bow at a 45° angle more or less?
This is the ONE thing that's NOT on Youtube! :banghead:
I'm not in a rush to learn this but I'm sure not going to miss taking my stringer everywhere my bow goes.
My observations after 45 years of bowhunting: Push-pull or step-through is fine for lower-poundage longbows, but if you value your skull and eyes, use a stringer on everything else. It only takes one mistake to cost you an eye. I like mine better than that, and I've had as much experience as anyone here. Be safe or maybe regret it forever.
From some of the stories above, some people are slow learners. :)
could someone post some pics or a video of the push/pull method?
Push pull for me too. Stringer seems scary to me with longbows. I also always use a stringer on my recurves.
I almost always use a stringer but not always! I am one of the rare ones that step thru with both longbows and recurves. I have never had a problem or a close call using this method. I agree though, that if ya have a stringer available use it. Shawn
Okay. I couldn't do it as a document but I transfered pics and text to another site that graciously lets me steal bandwidth to provide links.
The proper stringing/unstringing of a bow involves bending the limbs by stressing them in the same way they are stressed when the bow is drawn. The so-called "Push/Pull" method remains the classic and effective toolless way to properly string a bow.
(http://www.gypoclimber.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15506&d=1236046777)
The back of the lower limb tip is placed against the instep. The limb tip does NOT touch the ground.
(http://www.gypoclimber.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15507&d=1236046906)
The heel of the hand presses down on the upper limb leaving the fingers free to manipulate the string into or out of the upper limb nock string grooves.
(http://www.gypoclimber.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15508&d=1236046985)
The hand on the bow's handle section pulls up/in toward the body while the hand on the outer upper limb pushes down/away from the body. As the limbs bend the heel of the hand is slid outward along the upper limb and the fingers slide the string loop into the nock. When unstringing,,the upper limb hand fingers pull the string out of the gooves and the hand slides down the limb slightly as pressure is relaxed.
(http://www.gypoclimber.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15510&d=1236047112)
You're awsome Tree Man!
You could start a thread on that by itself. I'm sure that there's more than 2 guys that didn't know that. Myself included!
Thank You!
Boom Stick,
Enough said, Tree man that is perfect illustration. I wish all my questions could be answered so clearly. Thanks for sharing.
BOB
Push-Pull on my selfbow/longbow and my reflex-deflex longbows. Stringer always with my recurve.
I'll be picky:) Normally you should not bend over that far, straighten up to better use your large muscle groups. Also, you should not be looking at the upper tip, look to the right. You'll feel the string loop slide into the nock groove. This can save your eye if the bow gets away from you.
It is okay to be picky DB.....but once you establish a "be careful" attitude there is some room to get comfortable. That bow is short and light and the guy stringing it strings and unstrings bows several times each day as he crafts them. Personally, i find bending over to be the best way to get the large muscle groups into play on a short bow
Place your bow between a building and your car and have the wife back up real slow........... :biglaugh:
Ive never been able to get the hang of the push/pull method for some reason and hence use a stringer for everything.
You can do many things without tools that are just smarter and/or easier to do with tools. Stringers do not take up a lot of room or weigh much. With my bows in the 60# plus range, I just find it easier to use a stringer. Always useful to know another method however.
I use the push/pull method! There times when I have a stringer sitting 5 feet away from me and I still do the push/pull method! :smileystooges:
Push pull always on longbows.
i have one stringer that works for both longbows and recurves...no clue on brand though bought it on .... 8.99
Thanks to Tree Man, I tried out this fancy push/pull I kept hearing about.
It works great!
I always felt it was such a production to use a stinger.
It's only going to be used for my recurve if I ever start shooting it again.
I would no sooner go up a treestand without a safety harness, drive my car without wearing a seatbelt than string my bow without a stringer...ANY bow. Just commonsense.
I had to administer first aid to someone who used the push/pull method after it hit them in the eye, and I saw an ILF limb go sailing down the range when somebody used the step through method. Never seen an accident caused by a stringer.
A couple little tips for push-pull: Grip the sight window instead of the handle and you will get a much easier pull. Use a bow tip protector on the bottom limb to make sure the bottom loop stays put. And always turn your head.
The only time I had a mishap stringing a bow was with a bow stringer. My 65# Brackenbury somehow ripped from my hand after I was sure the string loops were set. It whacked the top of my foot and brought blood, even through a tennis shoe and sock.
Do you guys ever worry about breaking the tips off your bow! I have one bow that I've never used a stringer on and another that I've always use a string on because of the tips!
I'm spraying out 4 bows right now. This weekend I'll build 5 strings for them, complete with silencers. One guy wants 2 for his bow, hence 5 strings. By the time I get the strings tuned to the bows, I'd hate to even guess how many times I'll string them by the push/pull method. 40-50 would be my guess. I only do it with the longbows, not the recurves and I'm looking at my belt when I do it, just by feel, keeping my face out of the way.
Often times I don't even bother standing up to do it, just as easy to do it sitting down and then the tips are no where near your face. Chad
When you are tillering a new bow or setting a brace height on a new string you have to brace-unbrace a whole bunch. I use the push-pull on every bow I make RC or LB unless its a real heavy recurve. I hunt with a RC most of the time and I have never used a stringer on it. I think a stringer is more dangerous to use personally.
I prefer push-pull anyway, but I'll confirm what everyone says that if you don't do it right it is just as dangerous as they say.
I've got lots of practice; I'm teaching a friend to make Flemish strings and the guy forgets something at least once a month, so when I go over I actually have to remind myself not to treat his bow like I do mine out of courtesy. It works fine if you know what you're doing.
This is the guide help you string recurve bow without stringer:
http://hunthacks.com/string-recurve-bow-without-stringer/
Thanks all.
Selway longbow stringer
Something to consider...some bowyers will void the warranty if you don't use a stringer, even on a longbow.
Happened to a friend of mine...he got a longbow, it had a twisted limb when he got it (first time I'd ever seen a longbow with a twisted limb). First thing he was accused of was not using a bow stringer (which he did, religiously).
I don't know how you could prove someone wasn't using a stringer, but long story short my friend wound up being out about $1,000 and never got a shootable bow.
So...if you have a bow that's under warranty, unless you get it in writing otherwise...use a bow stringer. It could cost you, even if you don't do anything wrong.
All I use for longbows is push-pull. For recurves, I use a dandy leg strap stringer I got from Ben Graham at Hummingbird. No way to hurt you or the bow and more secure than any limb tip stringer I have seen. There is a video of its use on Ben's web site.
I always us push-pull for longbows.
Push pull on all my Straight-end longbows. Part of the simplistic beauty of the Hill style bow.
Push pull for longbow and stringer for recurve like many others have said.
Step through on my longbows is so easy and safe. I don't know why more people don't do it.
Push pull on all my longbows. Careful to make sure the tip is firmly against the instep of my foot and not on the ground. The only longbows I've ever owned where I used a stringer were the A&H ACX CS bows with their strong R/D limb design.
Ever since I learned the push/pull method, that is my way to string longbows.
Push Pull for all my longbows....period.
Selway Limbsaver Stringer for all recurves.
I have a selway limbsaver for my longbows but rarely use it if at all...it hangs on rack.
I use a stringer on recurves and push-pull on most of my longbows. I do use step through on a couple of heavy longbows that I lack the strength to do with push-pull. No splats so far.
Used the "push/pull" method for about 6 years on longbows without incident until about 5 weeks ago...!!!! After the Baltimore bowmen shoot, I came back and was practicing, and decided to take down my hummingbird longbow. My friend Brian was standing behind me and said to me "hey look at this..!". This was right as I just pushed the top limb away from me and got the string out of its string notches. Like an IDIOT I Instinctively turned my head back around as lowering the limb and my hand slipped off the upper Limb allowing it to recoil straight back and have the limb back strike me Directly above the left eye....perhaps four or five inches below the limb tip. Effectively bludgeoning me and the blood rushed out of my head.....! After inventing 17 New swear words and clearing the cobwebs......I learned a lesson I already knew! 5 weeks later I have a dandy scar. So keep your head low and out of the way when you do the push-pull and never turn at a distraction.........A wise man learns from his mistakes! A truly wise man learns from others....embarrassed....Jackdaw
MvDave stated............
"I'm not sure how well this method would work on a longbow that is highly reflexed, but it works well on the straighter longbows I have."
I use push pull method also. I do have one longbow that's got a lot of reflex and it is harder to string, was kinda scary for awhile but I got it figured out and it works fine. Just seems harder somewhat.
I use the Webster stringer on all my longbows. Available at Braveheart Archery.
Push Pull
Push pull for longbow.
Stringer for recurve
Push/pull for longbows, too!
Have used step thru, for both but use stringer for curves!
Watched Bob Lee string and unstring curves with push/pull at Clovdrdale, years ago!
He made it look easy!