HELP! My crossbow string is too short!

You’ve unpacked your new crossbow, started putting it together and hit a problem: the string won’t reach both ends of the limb.

It doesn’t look slightly too short, either. There’s a gap that makes you wonder whether someone has packed the wrong string.

If this sounds familiar, don’t worry. It’s something we hear from first-time crossbow owners, and the explanation is usually straightforward: the limb needs to bend before the string will fit.

This guide explains the principle for recurve crossbows supplied with an unfitted string. For the actual fitting procedure, follow the instructions for your particular model.

The limb bends—the string doesn’t stretch to fit

The limb is the flexible bow section across the front of your crossbow.

Before the shooting string is fitted, the limb sits in its relaxed position. Fitting the string requires the limb to flex, bringing its tips closer together. Once fitted, the string holds the limb under tension.

That’s why comparing the length of the string against the relaxed limb can be misleading. The string isn’t supposed to slip over both ends without the limb being flexed.

Think of the limb as a spring. It stores energy as it bends; the shooting string transfers that energy to the bolt when the crossbow is fired.

The answer is therefore usually a matter of stringing correctly, rather than finding a longer string.

How do you fit the string?

The correct method depends on your crossbow.

Some models have a manufacturer-approved manual method, which may involve a second person. Others use a crossbow stringer: a temporary fitting aid that allows the limb to be flexed so the shooting string can be installed.

Don’t choose a method based solely on the crossbow’s draw weight. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and use the correct equipment for your model.

A stringer and a rope cocking aid are different accessories. Don’t assume that one can be used in place of the other.

“But I’m already using a stringer!”

This is where things can get confusing.

You’ve fitted the stringer and followed what you believe is the correct process, but the shooting string still won’t reach. Surely that proves it’s too short?

Not necessarily. On models with an adjustable stringer, the stringer itself may be too long.

It can be fitted and under tension without having flexed the limb sufficiently to install the shooting string.

The adjustment needs to achieve two things:

• Allow the stringer to fit over the relaxed limb tips.
• Allow sufficient limb movement to fit the shooting string using the approved procedure.

Follow the adjustment instructions supplied with your stringer. The aim is the correct amount of flex—not to bend the limb as far as possible.

If you’re unsure about the adjustment, stop and ask us.

A recent example from our inbox

A customer contacted us because he believed the supplied shooting string was too short. He was already using a stringer, but still couldn’t get the string onto the limb.

The issue turned out to be the stringer’s adjustment. Once that was corrected, the original shooting string fitted.

Nothing needed replacing. It was simply a part of assembly that wasn’t obvious to someone doing it for the first time.

Should I buy a longer string?

Don’t buy a longer string simply to make fitting easier. Your crossbow needs the string specified for its particular model and limb.

Likewise, don’t try to stretch the shooting string, modify its loops or lever it into place with tools.

A string that appears too short is often a fitting issue, but that doesn’t mean an incorrect part is impossible. If there’s any doubt, we can check what you have.

Still stuck? Get in touch

There’s no need to struggle with it or feel embarrassed about asking. Everyone strings their first crossbow at some point.

Email sales@crossbows.co.uk with:

• Your order number and crossbow model.
• Whether you’re using a stringer, and which one.
• A description of where you’re getting stuck.
• Clear photographs of the parts, if you can take them safely.

Keep bolts out of the crossbow during assembly, and don’t hold the limb under tension to take photographs. If anything looks damaged or starts slipping, stop.

The important thing to remember: a string that looks too short against an unstrung limb isn’t necessarily the wrong string. The limb needs to be brought into the correct position for it to fit.