Can't reach tips to string longbow!

[Brett Wilmore]

Advise please.  I just traded for a wonderful Hill 66" longbow.  When I use my stringer, I can't reach the top to put the string loop over the tip.  Should I just give up on the stringer, stuff the bottom of the bow in my instep, and manhandle the bow bent until I can get that loop on?  By the way it's a t/d with a Robertson Connexion hinge....
Thank you!

[Rob W.]

I only use a stringer on my recurves.

[Mudd]

Either get a longer stringer or use the push/pull method.

I use the push/pull most of the time.

I have to use a stringer when stringing up a 69" or 70" but it isn't a problem for me from 68" down.

[Brett Wilmore]

Thanks for replies--my other bow is a 60" recurve and stringer is no problem but with this 66" I just can't reach the tip when I pull up on the middle of the bow with my foot on the stringer string.  I don't think length of the stringer is the issue (it's the length of my arms, which aren't particularly short--I'm an average sized guy).
Mudd, "push/pull"?  Please describe.  I've used step-through before but I don't think that's what you mean.

[Ric O'Shay]

Brett - PM to you.

Danny

[McDave]

Don't just manhandle it.  Using the push pull method, you do put the bottom limb tip in the instep of your shoe.  You don't exert any pressure against the ground.  All the pressure should be sideways against the instep.  Pull back on the grip area of the bow while you're pushing forward on the top limb, with your fingers pushing the top string loop into the string nock at the same time.  People have put their eyes out trying to do this, so be careful!  Keep your eyes well below the level of the limb tip, so if it springs loose, it won't poke you in the eye.

It is useful to have a bottom limb tip protector, in case it does get jabbed in the dirt.

If this doesn't work very well for you, you can get a stringer specifically made for longbows, or one of those stringers that has a rubber friction pad.

[nineworlds9]

Try standing with both feet on the stringer

[flinthead]

Put two feet on the stringer . This should work unless bow is very heavy poundage. Not as much worry about step thru methiod on longbows. Thicker limbs resist being twisted. Thanks, Roy

[Brett Wilmore]

Thanks McDave, I think I can picture that push/pull.

[Brett Wilmore]

OK two recommendatons to use both feet--thanks guys, I hadn't tried that.  52 @ 28" so not extraordinarily heavy but it is a Hill so the limbs are pretty stout.

[Blackhawk]

I have the issue with my 70-72" longbows using the push-pull, so I use a stringer.  When using a stringer, I put both feet on stringer forward of center making the stringing the tip easier to do.

[seabound]

Also, if it's a struggle every time just leave it strung. I do that with all my longbows.

[LongStick64]

Get the stringer for your bow

[Caughtandhobble]

Leave it strung... About the only time I unstring a bow I'm shooting is when it's time for a new string. I have never seen of heard of any ill-effects of leaving a longbow strung.

[ishoot4thrills]

Originally posted by Caughtandhobble:
Leave it strung... About the only time I unstring a bow I'm shooting is when it's time for a new string. I have never seen of heard of any ill-effects of leaving a longbow strung.

X2

[McDave]

Originally posted by Caughtandhobble:
Leave it strung... About the only time I unstring a bow I'm shooting is when it's time for a new string. I have never seen of heard of any ill-effects of leaving a longbow strung.

Except if you're going to leave it in a hot place, like the back seat of a car, then it should be unstrung.

[TxAg]

On my longbows I use the step through method. To me, it's safer and easier than the push/pull. Although, nothing wrong with the push/pull if you know what you're doing.

[Bud B.]

x3 on 2 feet with the stringer. I gotta do my 70 plus # Hill that way. I still haven't weighed it, but I know it's 70 plus as I can easily push/pull my 64lb longbow. The 66" Hill at over 70 is tough to do, but I can, on occasion, push/pull it. I'd rather push/pull than use a stringer. I hate it when they slip.

[neargeezer]

I use one foot on a Black Widow (pockets both ends) stringer on all my longbows. Two are 70" long.

If you lift the riser with your right hand, use your right foot underneath it on the stringer. The top limb should be to your left hand. Spread your feet about 2' apart. This puts your 2nd foot near the end of the bow. When you lift with the bow riser with your right hand the left hand should be able to reach the top limb tip.

Your body is between the middle of the bow and the top limb tip. It is very easy for me to string my 70" longbows and I'm only about 6'. Way easier than the push/pull method for me.

[Caughtandhobble]

Originally posted by Caughtandhobble:
Leave it strung... About the only time I unstring a bow I'm shooting is when it's time for a new string. I have never seen of heard of any ill-effects of leaving a longbow strung.

I should add that I do use a stringer when I do string or unstring a bow, even my longbows.