Frayed Soooo.... Why did my string loop wear and break?

[ItzaKen]

I need opinions and suggestions... about this/another bowstring!

My bow is a Great Northern Bush Bow, 62", 50#@27".

My string is 12 strand B55 w/ 14 strand loops.

Why did my string fail and why on one side?

I'm assuming I have too few strands in the loop; how many should there be?

Could this be an issue of uneven pressure, when twisting?

Thanks, All

[Gordon Jabben]

You may have a sharp edge on your string nock but more likely the string is rubbing on that side every time you draw the bow.  I have had some bows that just eat the B-50 and B-55 materials and it can be very difficult to figure out why.  I use padded loops and they last much longer but that didn't work, I see.   

[RIVERWOLF]

Sharp edge.....

[ItzaKen]

This bow is approved for Fast Flight, so maybe I'll just go with that.

Possible sharp edge:  Specific suggestions, please.

[Orion]

Look for a sharp edge and if you find one, go over it with 400 grit sand paper.  It's also possible you got some grit in the string loop.  That's more likely to occur on the lower loop, caused by leaning the bow against something and digging the lower limb tip into the dirt. 

[ItzaKen]

The lower loop is also showing wear on one side; I'll see if I can figure out which way this loop was attached and check out the nocks.
Thank you!

[Steelhead]

Loops should not have to be built up on that 12 strand B-50.loops are primarily built up on skinny FF strings to provide cushion and better wear overtime.

Could be a sharp spot or rough spot in the string groove thats causing friction as mentioned above.

Maybe something just happened to the string that you are not aware of and it caused it to be comprimised.So you may have no problem with your grooves at all.

Try another string and just keep an eye on that area and see if the same thing happens or starts to happen.

[Steelhead]

I saw your bow had tip inserts and I dont think it has tip overlays?It appears that way

The place where it looks like thier may be a sharp edge possibly is on the back of the limb where thier may be too much of a 90 degree angle that may create a sharp edge.Maybe that could be rounded off.Just speculating.How old is the string and has it been shot alot?Maybe it was time for a new string.

Cheers

[ItzaKen]

Correct!  No tip overlays; it IS made with them, now.
So, just round the edge down a bit, on the bow's back (not belly)?

I made this string, only a just weeks ago!; I've only been drawing my bow to get my strength back, so this is wearing through, very quickly!!

[kevsuperg]

I would ask how old that string is and do you keep it waxed .
 I find on my hill ASL , the bottom loop especially but also the top seem to, for lack of a better term , dry rot over time, Also normal wear and tear. Wet weather, tips resting on the ground etc.
 Get a new string and keep it waxed
Kevin
 
 

[durp]

I had the same issue with one of my longbows...after the second string did the same as the first I took a chainsaw file to the groove  just enough to relieve the angle a bit and all was well 

[Flem]

That does not look to be an ancient string. It does not even look very frayed. It looks more like a cut, than a rub.
I would guess that you have a rough edge somewhere. It does not take much for a string under that much tension, to be compromised. Something else that can cause that, is a lack of finish in the string grooves. It's easy to  miss the grooves when spraying finish, as you need to be careful about too much built up and drips. Dry material can be very abrasive. If you do find a rough spot, be sure to get some finish in there after sanding it VERY smooth.

[ItzaKen]

After I clean and lightly sand the nocks, what finish should I use?  Please be specific, as there are so many products out there!!

[Flem]

Best thing would be to use what the Bowyer used. If you can't get that info, then I would be inclined to assume its a solvent based finish and would get some rattle can polyurethane and do a couple coats. Not sure what is available where you live, but Minwax, Defthane, or some other national brand would be fine. I would not use any water base finish or 2K. Tape off for overspray and make sure the finish is smooth after it cures.

[ItzaKen]

Thank you for specific instructions!
I DID, just email the bowyer, this morn and will twist up a new string, with more strands and will clean and polish up the nocks, first.

[madmaxthc]

I had a similar issue with my recurve, years ago. Smoothening the tips did not help. I am still not sure of the cause.

In any case, I went to a cobbler and got the tips covered in leather. It worked very well 😄👍

[hawkeye n pa]

Try running a Q Tip around the string groove.  Anything rough will pick up some of the cotton.  If you're not actually shooting the bow I would suspect a small piece of fiberglass protruding.  It doesn't make much at all to eat the string through.  And as said dirt and to sharp of a edge will do it also, that usually takes a bit of shooting though to wear trhough.

If I'm knocking off the sharp edge I'll use a chain saw file or other files I have.  But either way I'll use a small piece off wet/dry fine grit autobody sand paper rolled up tightly to finish of the string groove before resealling.

[kevsuperg]

ItzaKen, I see you're in Oregon,
 Bring that bow to the western states trad rendezvous in Lagrande. We can figure it out there with a couple hundred other bow hunters.
Kevin
 

[ItzaKen]

Thank you, Kevin!
I'm in Springfield/Eugene, OR and it's 370 mi, one way... ;=) 
Probably won't make it over, but I appreciate the offer!!

[kevsuperg]

Ok that's cool,
 Not for nuthin but I'm driving solo 300+ miles  to support YOUR state organization.

 Just saying , YOLO right.   If tomorrow never comes ?
 I just need to get out and associate with my bowhunting brethren and camp n shoot.
  Recharge my batteries . closest I can get to September until September.
 
Kevin