Catwhisker problems!!

[A.S.]

I have a bow that really likes catwhiskers for silencers. The problem is that they start breaking off after only a day or two of shooing.

I have been tying 3 strips, each cut to about 1 1/2" for each bundle. I wrap them vertically around the string, and tie the off with dacron (I tie them pretty tight).


Any suggestions out there?

[stevemfwills]

try using a zip tie,dacron might be pinching and cutting the strands

[Fritz]

I don't use them anymore, but when I did, I would split the string and slide them through, then tie them in with serving. Never had a problem with them sliding or coming out.

[stagetek]

If I understand your question correctly, perhaps you're tying them too tight and the dacron is cutting through them ? I use two methods. I either take about 5" and tie an overhand knot with them, or using your method, use a small nylon tie wrap to cinch them.

[A.S.]

Thanks guys, maybe I'm tying them too tight.

Fritz, i tried your methot of putting the through the string. It seems to work, until you unstring the bow. They slip right out then.

I also bought some small tie wraps, but the ones I bought won't hol under the pressure.

I'll try another set this evening, and not crank down so hard on the Dacron.

[Yellow Dog]

Had a few bows that didn't like anything but rubber whiskers. I used tiny black tie wraps, laid the whiskers next to the string and cinched them up. Easier to slide up and down the string for "fine" tuning that way.

[LBR]

try using serving material to tie them off, or some other thread that is a larger diameter than you are using.  I like mine tied on tight (so they make a ball)--I don't have any problems with them getting cut, as long as I don't use a tiny thread to tie them off.

You might also try wraping the thread around at least twice before tying them off.

Chad

[Precurve]

I use waxed serving thread and pull them as tight as I can, using several overhand knots to secure.  I burn off the serving thread when I'm finished  I never have a problem with them coming loose or failing.  I can still slide them up and down the string, but not without some effort.

Dave

[Bowwild]

I like the whiskers. Like others, I split the string, put the whiskers in, and then use serving thread to tie across the whiskers, top to bottom. I tie a surgeons knot first, then overhand times 5 and finish with another surgeons knot. I melt the ends of the serving. Works great.

[Bowwild]

Forgot to point out -- I tie the know before restringing the bow.This allows the knot constrict the amount of whisker in the knot.

[Steelhead]

I tie my on as well.I never had any problems.As mentioned,a fatter thread should work.I use 80# braided fishing line.

[Fritz]

Allen,

After you slip them through the string, get someone to stretch the whiskers as you tie them in. I never had a problem with coming out even when my bows were unstrung.

[elkken]

When I used them I also put them through the string, if I was not going to keep the bow strung I would tie dental floss on both sides of my whiskers while the bow was strung and that kept them from falling out. Also I did not just split my string I wove the whiskers around several strands...

[LA Trapper]

Frit is right.  Wax your string first and burnish.  Open the strands and insert the cat whiskers.  Tie them in.  Shoot a few times, trim, shoot some more and leave your bow strung for a day or so.  They will not come out.

Billy

[fedora]

The recent article in TB said that the cat whiskers slow the bow down considerably.  They make a great silencer, but I had the same problem as A.S..  They either disinigrated after about a month of shooting or fell out piece by piece.  I did not install them my bowyer did.  I now use wool poof balls from bow hush.

[LBR]

I've never had a problem with them properly installed, tied on around (not through) the string.  The reason for this is so you can adjust them and fine-tune--one of the main reasons I prefer rubber whiskers over most other types that are not adjustable once installed.

Never had any fly apart either--they have always lasted as long as the string for me.

As for the TB article...can't believe everything you read.  The length, weight, and positioning of ANY silencer will make a difference in how it works, and how it affects performance.  Comparing apples to apples, there will be no greater performance loss with whiskers vs. any other, and they work better than most for me.

Chad

[Jack Whitmire Jr]

Allen tie them in with dental floss or dental tape.

[vermonster13]

Dacron is a bad choice for tying them in, it stretches with shooting. Use a small diameter serving or Fireline or such if you want to make the balls or just tie them on if the looks don't matter so much.

[Wildschwein]

I just granny knot them onto the string. Works.

[Shinken]

Ditto - I just tie them directly onto the string with an overhand knot and trim as necessary.  The small electrical ties work well too....

Shoot straight, Shinken