Do you need a new bowstring? If so, you may be wondering how to make a bow string with fishing line. It is very easy to do.
This step-by-step guide will show you how to make a bowstring with ease. You will need some basic supplies, including a fishing line, scissors, and pliers. So get ready to learn how to make your bowstring.
What is Bow String?
A bowstring is a cord that stretches from one end of the bow to another. It plays an important role in how accurately you can shoot your arrow.
Without it, how would you be able to cock your weapon? But, of course, if you have never used a compound or recurve bow before, this might not sound very clear.
These bows have a levering system that helps you pull the bowstring back. The string is attached to this system on one end, while the other attaches to the arrow itself.
When you release the lever, it pulls back both the string and the arrow, firing it forward.
How to Make a Bow String with Fishing Line
Now that you know more about bowstrings, it is time to learn to make one yourself. The good news is that you can use a fishing line for this project.
Follow these step by step guides:
Step One: Measure the Bow and Cut the Fishing Line
If you need to replace a bowstring, you probably already know how long it needs to be.
If not, use a measuring tape or ruler to measure how long your old string is from one end of the loop. This will give you an idea of how much line you need to cut.
Once you have measured the fishing line, use scissors to cut it to the desired length.
Make sure that you leave a little extra room on each end if you make a mistake while tying the knots.
Step Two: Tie a Knot at Each End of the Fishing Line
Now it is time to tie a knot at each end of the fishing line. You don’t have to use a specific type of knot, but you do need it to be small and compact.
This will allow easy looping when you are ready to attach it to your bow.
Step Three: Attach the Fishing Line Ends to Your Bow
Once you have successfully tied your knots, it is time to attach the fishing line ends to your bow.
This process will vary depending on how you tie the bowstring in place. For example, some people choose an overhand knot, while others prefer a wrap and tuck method.
Step Four: Test Your Bow String Fishing Line
Now that you have finished making your bowstring, it is time to test how well it works. First, try pulling the rope back and releasing it several times.
Does everything work as you expected? If so, congratulations! You just made your very own DIY bowstring with a fishing line.
How to Make a Bow String Without Fishing Line: What are Your Options?
What if you don’t have any fishing line at home? Don’t worry, because there are other ways to make a bowstring. You can use braided threads, leather strips, or even dental floss. All of these items should be easy to find in your house, and they work just as well as the fishing line does for this project.
What Type of Fishing Line Should I Use?
We’re going to talk about how to make a bowstring with a fishing line. The type of line we will recommend is easy, and it’s very inexpensive.
You can buy this stuff by the spool for less than $20. It will last you for years. This was how I got started making my bowstrings.
The type of fishing line you want to use for a bowstring is a monofilament.
This is a single strand, and it’s basically how it sounds: a single piece of plastic-like material that has been stretched out into a very thin, strong string.
You can find this stuff in any big box sporting goods store in the fishing department. You can find this stuff on Amazon too. It’s very inexpensive, and it is how I started making bowstrings.
The brand we recommend you buy is Spider Wire Braid, but there are other brands of monofilament that work just as well for making a bowstring with a fishing line.
Spider Wire, how I got started and still use it today, comes in many different pound tests from around 80 pounds to 140 pounds.
What Size Should My Fishing Line Be?
For a light draw weight bow, you’ll want to use something like an 18- or 20-pound test line. You can go up as high as 80 pounds for really heavy bows if you have them.
Use common sense on how much your string should be able to hold and how long it needs to be without stretching too much before you make that decision on how long it needs to be.
For recurve bows and most compound bows, the string will usually be about two inches shorter than your bow’s actual length, but for larger and heavier ones, it may need to be a little bit longer.
It would help to consider how much stretch there will be in the line when it’s under tension.
If you use a monofilament fishing line, you will want to lubricate the strands before twisting them together.
This can be done with saliva, chapstick, beeswax, or even light machine oil. This is how to make a bowstring with a fishing line.
What Size Bowstring Should I Use?
The size of the bowstring you’ll need depends on the size of your bow. You can find the dimensions for your bow on its manufacturer’s specifications sheet.
If you don’t have that information, you can measure the bow’s length and width yourself.
To do so, use a ruler to measure the distance from one end of the bow to the other and then measure the width of the bow at its widest point.
Once you have those measurements, use a chart like this one to determine what size string you need:
Bow Length (in inches) String Size (in inches)
24 or less 16 or 18
25-29 17 or 19
30-34 18 or 20
35-39 19 or 21
40-44 20 or 22
45-49 21 or 23
50+ 22, 24, 26, 28 and so on…
Can I Use a Braided Fishing Line to Make a Bowstring?
Yes, you can use a fishing line to make a bowstring. However, braided lines usually have more stretch than monofilament lines and thus are not good for making bowstrings.
Also, the splicing method of braided line is considerably different from how we will be splicing mono-line in this tutorial, so that it won’t be covered here.
If you are using a braided line, we recommend using an arborist climbing line instead, designed for bowstrings.
Climbing lines typically have a smaller diameter and less stretch than braided fishing lines.
Now that we have chosen the right line type let’s begin making our bowstring.
What Is the Best Way to Store My Bowstring?
After making your bowstring, it’s important to store it properly. The best way to do this is by wrapping it around a piece of cardboard or wood.
This will help keep the shape of the string and prevent it from becoming tangled. You can then put this in a safe place to be protected from the elements.
If you will not use the string immediately, it is best left in its original packaging until ready for use.
If using an old bowstring that has been stored incorrectly or improperly maintained, treat with care as this may affect how well it performs when used again later down the road.
Also, make sure there are no knots in the middle of your line before you go out hunting because these could cause problems later.
Always inspect each strand closely to ensure no weak spots or frayed ends that could break off during use.
If storing for long periods, make sure it’s dry and well oiled with a good quality lubricant like Lanolin Wax (available from most good outdoor stores).
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make a bowstring with a fishing line, you can improve your archery skills.
Be sure to practice often and always use the proper safety precautions when shooting. Have fun and stay safe out there.