How To Unstring a Compound Bow | Expert Tips

Key Takeaways

• Place the bow in a bow press.
• Slowly tighten the press to compress the bow’s limbs and slacken the bow string and cables.
• Unhook the bow string from the cams and axles. 
• Slowly release pressure from the bow press. 
• Remove the unstrung bow from the press.

Compound bows harness a tremendous amount of energy. While this raw power is crucial for shooting, it can be dangerous when performing maintenance. For that reason, when it’s time to restring your compound bow, you must learn to perform the task properly, use the correct archery tools, and exercise extreme caution. 

If you don’t know how to unstring a compound bow, and you think it might be beyond your skill level, bring it to a pro shop. Working on your bow is rewarding and cost-effective, but it takes time to acquire the knowledge and skills required to do so safely. With that important warning out of the way, here’s a step-by-step guide.

1. Get a Bow Press

It’s possible to remove a compound bow string without a bow press, but it’s a job that should only be performed by experienced archers who most likely own a bow press anyway. 

What is a bow press?

A bow press is a device that secures your bow in place and compresses the limbs. It will be an indispensable tool as you learn how to unstring a compound bow now, as well as when you restring your bow in the future.

Last Chance Archery is our recommended bow press brand. The EZ Green bow press is the industry standard.

2. Wear Safety Glasses

No matter how careful you are, there’s always a risk when working with such powerful forces. Protect your eyes.

3. Check the Manual

This guide will apply to most compound bows on the market, but you should still see what your bow’s manual has to say about unstringing. You should also check the manual included with your bow press, as the steps for how to unstring a compound bow may vary depending on the make and model of the press, too.

4. Secure the Bow in the Press

Following the bow press manufacturer’s instructions, place your bow in the press and secure it tightly in place. Check that the bow is centered and all contact points between the press and limbs are properly positioned and secure.

5. Compress the Limbs

Once you're 100% sure that the bow is correctly secured and centered, slowly, cautiously, and gradually operate the bow press to apply pressure and flex the limbs inward. This typically involves rotating a hand crank or handwheel. Watch the cams closely to make sure they don’t twist or torque. 

6. Don’t Overdo It

As you learn how to unstring a compound bow, you’ll find that there’s a sweet spot that allows you to remove the string and cables without compressing the bow’s limbs more than necessary. There should be enough slack that the string and cables can be unhooked from the cams/axles without bending the limbs to the point of potentially damaging the bow.

7. Note the Current Routing

Assuming you’re going to be replacing the bow string and cables, now is a good time to document their routing. Snap a quick photo with your phone or take notes on paper if you’re old-school.

8. Unhook the String and Cables

Congratulations, now you know how to unstring a compound bow! Gently and carefully unhook the string and cables from their attachment points. If you’re installing a new string and cables, leave the bow in place. Otherwise, slowly and carefully release the tension and remove the bow from the press.

Shop Custom-Built Bow Strings at 60X

If you’re researching unstringing, you’re probably planning on restringing, too. We have you covered. Our compound bow strings are individually built by Brad Patsy, a multi-world and national archery champion. Our custom bow strings and cables can be fully customized to your preferred specs, including the bow string material and custom bow string colors. 

Now that you know how to unstring a compound bow, it’s time for an upgrade. Whether you need a single compound bow string or cable or a bow string and cables set, you can look forward to unparalleled performance, consistency, reliability, and longevity. We also have ready-to-ship compound bow strings if you don’t require customization. 

Here’s a video tutorial if you need a visual aid: How to Replace Compound Bow Strings and Cables. Follow our archery blog for more helpful maintenance guides, shooting tips, product reviews, and more. Working on a recurve bow? Check this guide: How to Unstring a Recurve Bow. Order the best strings at 60X Custom Strings today