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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: jeffg on June 23, 2015, 10:25:00 AM

Title: Stringing a longbow
Post by: jeffg on June 23, 2015, 10:25:00 AM
I always used a bow stringer to string my bows. I always saw and heard of using the push pull method of stringing a longbow. Howard Hill used this method. What are the dangers and pit falls of using this method?
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: LBR on June 23, 2015, 10:28:00 AM
Main concern is you can get hurt, especially if your hand slips.

With some of the more radical designs, you might twist a limb.  Never saw that happen, but I guess it could.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: kevsuperg on June 23, 2015, 10:41:00 AM
i push/pull string my longbows. just look the other way and guide the string into the nock.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: pockets on June 23, 2015, 11:41:00 AM
I do the same as kevsuperg with longbows.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: on June 23, 2015, 11:44:00 AM
QuoteOriginally posted by kevsuperg:
i push/pull string my longbows. just look the other way and guide the string into the nock.
Same here! Stringer for recurves, push/pull for longbows.

Bisch
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: Burnsie on June 23, 2015, 11:59:00 AM
For those using the push-pull method on longbows, do you also use it with the more modern RD longbows that also usually have rather small tips?  My new Toelke Whip has very tiny tips.  Dan sent a stringer with it?
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: kevsuperg on June 23, 2015, 12:05:00 PM
If they supplied a stringer, I'd probably use it
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: huskyarcher on June 23, 2015, 12:06:00 PM
I push/pull on all my longbows. Real quick and easy, and never had any problems. I always put the bottom limb on something soft like carpet, or my shoe, or whatever is available.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: GreyGoose on June 23, 2015, 12:07:00 PM
I use a stringer.  Prefer Selway's.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: ChuckC on June 23, 2015, 12:21:00 PM
On longbows I use push pull almost always.  

Note. .  I have had stringers slip off the tip too and THAT is an eye opener as well.  There are some inherent dangers in life.  Know what they are and be careful.
ChuckC
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: kat on June 23, 2015, 12:45:00 PM
Not nocking anyone for not using a stringer, but....
You may never have a problem, but it only takes one slip, and you can easily lose the sight or even an eye.
Unfortunately, I am speaking from experience.
Nothing is fool proof, but It only takes a minute to use a stringer, and its a whole lot safer.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: frankwright on June 23, 2015, 12:51:00 PM
I use the Webster Stringer for everything.

Quick and easy, no strain and why take a chance.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: on June 23, 2015, 03:28:00 PM
I needed to use a stringer on my Jerry Hill bows and my heavy 70" longbows.  I had a Super K slip off my hand once when changing the bowstring in the field.  Cold hands and cold drizzle, my hand slipped and the recurve tip smacked me just below my right on the orbital bone.  It hurt for weeks, but that was better than losing my eye.  I have used a stringer on recurves ever since.  When loading your Hill bows with the push pull, be very careful where you place the bottom tip.  Hard boot soles and the dirt are no place for that tip to be.  I like to make sure that my bottom loops are small enough so they can never come off the string grooves. Besides that trying and failing by only getting one half of the top loop on the bow is one failure to watch out for, or on the outside chance,  with very heavy bows it is possible to strain the low back.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: Sixby on June 23, 2015, 03:59:00 PM
Straight longbows, String follows and light backsets I use push and pull except on extreme poundage , over 60lb. All others I use an appropriate stringer. I like to hunt with a bow I can change a string or string and unstring without a stringer. I am extremely careful when string any bow in any way. We only have two eyes. I want to keep it that way. So keep a hand over the upper limb and eyes away from the point of impact in case something slips.

God bless, Steve
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: Goshawkin on June 23, 2015, 05:27:00 PM
I push pull my Hill style bows. I used to push pull or use a stringer on my RD longbows depending on how radical the limbs were. I bend way over when I do the push pull to keep the limb tip way away from my eyes. I'd post a vid but can't figure out how to do it from my phone???
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: Possum Head on June 23, 2015, 05:28:00 PM
Regardless ifin ya knock ye eyeball out make sure it's not your dominant one!
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: bulldog18 on June 23, 2015, 05:39:00 PM
Webster stringer on all my bows.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: TxAg on June 23, 2015, 06:05:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by Burnsie:
For those using the push-pull method on longbows, do you also use it with the more modern RD longbows that also usually have rather small tips?  My new Toelke Whip has very tiny tips.  Dan sent a stringer with it?
I always use the step-through method on my whips
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: killinstuff on June 23, 2015, 07:10:00 PM
Geez, do you guys wear helmets when you drive a car to work in the morning too?  You're more likely to get an eye poked out walking in the woods when stringing a bow. I've been step through stringing a bow for 45 years, recurves, hybrids, and longbows without a single problem.  I'm sure there's a few guys out there who were being a goof and had something happen to them but someone has to get struck by lightening now and again so we all can talk about the guy that got struck by lightening once.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: WESTBROOK on June 23, 2015, 07:25:00 PM
My stringer went down the road with my last recurve...no need for it on a longbow.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: Jon Stewart on June 23, 2015, 07:30:00 PM
been using the step thru method for about 50 years and haven't twisted a limb yet.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: KyStickbow on June 23, 2015, 08:21:00 PM
I dont string my longbows this way but would love to start! Anybody care to post a video up showing the easiest and safest way?
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: Brock on June 23, 2015, 08:26:00 PM
Push pull for all my longbows and selfbows except those with extreme or more than moderate ReflexDeflex.

Never been told of any injury potential with longbow...with recurve if it slips some have lost an eye I am told so only string with bow stringer on recurves.

Longbows...not so much.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: jeffg on June 23, 2015, 08:44:00 PM
I just don"t want to twist a limb or something.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: Possum Head on June 23, 2015, 08:52:00 PM
you are good pal just don't employ the old step through method as it could over time twistem.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: The Whittler on June 23, 2015, 08:56:00 PM
I doubt the step through will poke you in the eye/face but the push pull sure could.

Quite a few years ago I seen a method of push/pull but reversed, you put your knee against the riser and pull down on the top limb. Has anyone tried this method and is it easy.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: Red Beastmaster on June 23, 2015, 09:44:00 PM
I've had several mishaps with stringers and zero with push-pull. Just keep your head out of the way and all should go well.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: JamesV on June 23, 2015, 10:36:00 PM
I use the push/pull for anything under 50#. Could this danger be the reason some guys never un-string their bows?

James
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: Thumper Dunker on June 24, 2015, 02:30:00 AM
Step through for recurves and push bull for all others. Had a stringer fail and got a hole in my ear. If you do the step through right its about the safest way . To me any way.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: Jakeemt on June 24, 2015, 06:03:00 AM
I use the push pull even with hybrid long bows. No problems I turn my head away and do it by feel.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: David Mitchell on June 24, 2015, 11:25:00 AM
Push-pull here for all of my longbows.  I use a stringer (usually) for my recurves, but I have seen bows damaged when guys use the stringers with cups on both ends.  If you happen to twist the bow a bit as you pull up on it you are pulling the tips side ways and I saw a guy bust a brand new recurve that way.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on June 24, 2015, 12:05:00 PM
This might be helpful....

https://youtu.be/0kEqO6Lq6bo
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: TxAg on June 24, 2015, 01:30:00 PM
Why don't more guys use the step through for longbows? It's easy and safer.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: LBR on June 24, 2015, 01:32:00 PM
Some bowyers will void the warranty if you don't use a bow stringer.
Title: Re: Stringing a longbow
Post by: BWallace10327 on June 24, 2015, 09:49:00 PM
I like the push/pull method for any longbow I've owned.  It is easy and safe.  I have tip protectors on the lower tip of all my bows to; 1. protect the tip and 2. keep the bottom loop in place.  I know it would hurt my bow if my hand slipped, but I don't know how you'd get an eye with a longbow.