Archery | String Maintenance

We go through the basics of keeping your string in good condition - and what happens if you don't.
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/ nusensei

[@MrLionAlex]

Why cant the rest of youtube make clear and understandable vids like this that dont get boring👍 Ty

[@roythearcher]

+Mr Lion Alex Because most You tube "experts" don't know what they're talking about let alone how to explain their subject in plain language!... Nu-sensei is a teacher as well as a coach!

[@bobbywhite5319]

I find it funny that you blame the people on KZbin like they’re supposed to be experts. This is a public forum where any scrub with a computer and camera can enter. You’re the fool for having high expectations of anything that is accessible to the public sheeple. One something is mainstream, it’s full of idiots.

[@daedaluxe]

"You get a slightly waxy feel, which makes a lot of sense, you just waxed it.." LOL

[@reln72]

I just got into archery a few months ago and shot over 500 arrows. You literally have an answer to almost every single one of my questions. How to build up the strength to pull a #30 bow - video, Half draws and if its ok to do - video, Using a horse bow and shooting styles - video. Great job.

[@yoursodumn]

I just got my first bow and because of this video I remembered to buy and apply wax to my first string. thank you very much for all your tutorials. My first waxing went perfectly smoothly. I bought Bohning Xccelerator wax and it went on really nice and smooth and it scraped off nicely with a loop of dental floss.

[@VictorVictor-hq7ui]

I had a thousand quesions and you answered them all in less than 10 minutes! Thanks!

[@aussiedeplorable8670]

A needle file can be used "carefully" smooth out the limb tips which will give you better life out of your strings

[@Seminex222]

nice and informative :) you can also use one of these artificial corks to rub the wax in. the string you show in the end can be saved by waxing it really good and using a hairdryer (place your hand behind the string - if it gets too hot for your hand...it is too hot for the string), that way the wax will really soak in

[@davidkreitzer6712]

My daughter wants to use my old bows and I want to get them into good shape for her. The strings need waxing - they are separated. My question is Am I supposed to twist the before waxing or just put on bow as it is and wax? Thanks.

[@NUSensei]

Twisting helps keep the strands together, so it doesn't hurt to do so.

[@higsbo1328]

0:49 i thought this was a male satisfaction tutorial.. lol

[@peterxyz3541]

Natural bee wax is sticky, it stay on string better during strung shocks while shooting. 1.00 a small block at some county fair, farmer market or block festival.

[@renatugaming5730]

One sign your string is having too much wax is that it actually loses it's color, this isn't going to happen often if you put your bow in a nice, clean case, but since some people hunt and some people don't have their bow in their case all the time, it's easy to see why. When you over wax your string, and don't take the extra step to remove as much excess as possible, the wax is obviously sticky! The wax then proceeds to pick up dust and grime from anywhere you put it, therefore your string's color isn't as vibrant. Make sure to throw in some thread and get off some excess wax after your waxing is done! Nu fixed the too much wax issue by using the thread. You especially need to do this if you have a compound, your bow mechanic will thank you for not having wax in the servings in your cams, then you don't need to replace your cams, which isn't cheap! Hope this helps some of you!

[@Nanorisk]

Should I wax the string on or off the bow?

[@ciri151]

maybe

[@potassiumcyanide3857]

@Dominic Mendoza that doesn't answer shit

[@smallbrain43]

Did you even watch how he did it?

[@1968CudaGuy]

I wax the string on my bows then if I'm not using the bow for a while I will take the bow down to release pressure off the string and limbs.

[@FDCLDN]

Wax on, wax off Daniel son.

[@smallbrain43]

Thank you for saying it can last a week, I got my recurve on christmas and wont be able to use it for at least a week because Im ordering the things I need for it online because I got an amazon gift card.

[@jubluna]

First of all, thanks a lot for your great content. NuSensei, you’ve been such an incredible help to get me started with my archery journey :) I realize this is an old video and I might not get an answer, but I just got myself my first bow and I have a million questions about the string. 1) Do I need to wax it when I put it for the first time in order to have the strands forming this nice round shape? 2)I kept the bow strung for literally 3 days (because I’ve been going out to shoot a few arrows every day) I had the hardest time stringing it because it felt like the string was a bit too short, so I didn’t twist it, but now it feels like it’s not tense enough, is that normal? I unstrung the bow today to give it some twists but unfortunately my roomba decided to play me while I was away for a minute, and now I need a new string, so I’d like to know how to deal with a new string so I make sure this time is the good one. 3) lastly, as I said, I’ve had the bow for 3 days, during which I might’ve shot around… 80 arrows or so, and today I also realized that the center service was breaking to pieces due to the contact with the arm guard, is that normal to happen in this short amount of use? What can I do to avoid it in the new string? I’ll super appreciate any help! Thanks a lot in advance!!!

[@NUSensei]

1) Don't have to. Stringmakers like to do it for the round shape, but this isn't required. 2) As I don't know how long your bow and string were, I can't say whether or not your intuition was right. Physically, a string can only be one tension when the bow is braced since the limbs are stretching the string. You can't have another level of tension unless the bow is literally not strung. 3) Serving damage is to expected, which is why the serving is there. However, unravelling after only 3 days is a bit extreme. You may want to examine why you're hitting your armguard that badly.

[@jubluna]

@@NUSensei thank you so very much for your answers!!! I do think that my form is bad so that might be the reason why the serving broke, but I really didn’t think that I could be doing it SO wrong. Anyway, I decided to get my new string and wait for my archery lessons to start because I obviously am doing something very wrong and can’t see how to fix it. Could not twisting the string have played any part on this? Again, thank you so much for your time! Have a good one!

[@Scuba11Steve]

Is there a best way to store the string? I've been keeping it in a plastic bag in my bow case to try and keep it away from anything sharp it might inadvertently encounter. So far it seems to be working out, but I worry about things like moisture that might be trapped in with the string. Thanks for any words of wisdom.

[@gtb81.]

the wax should protect against moisture, just keep a good coat of wax and that shouldn't be an issue

[@cherno2232]

0:49 That's what she did

[@devinwoodard8566]

I've had a bow string snap on me once. Nothin crazy happened but it was a scary sound haha!

[@Blue-Lady]

NUSensei, can you use olive oil? Also, if you don't wax the Serving, why not simply Serve the entire string then?

[@NUSensei]

Firstly, it's a waste of serving. Secondly, it adds unnecessary weight to the string. Adding weight will slow it down tremendously without adding anything beneficial.

[@Blue-Lady]

Wow, that was a quick reply. Thanks so much, I've just ordered myself a bow so I'm soaking in all the info I can. (Can't help it, getting excited) What about the Olive Oil part, instead of using Wax? Or perhaps both, since logically to me Olive Oil is nice and greasy, easy to penetrate and would keep each strand lubed?

[@NUSensei]

That sounds like a terrible idea. You don't want the bowstring drenched in oil and perfected lubricated so that it feels greasy. I'm fairly sure that it also has adverse effects on the string material.

[@Blue-Lady]

Hmm, it might collect dirt now that I think about it. Thank you so much for feedback. :3

[@Blue-Lady]

NUSensei I've come across a critical issue I'd really appreciate it if you'd cover it in a video.. Arrow explosions / catastrophic failures. Testing them by 'Arrow Flex Testing' to avoid getting your Off-Hand skewered by arrow shards. Also what arrows this mainly affects, Wood, Carbon, Fibreglass, Aluminium.

[@WillHasManyHobbies]

I was searching for a video on your channel about string alignment. This video was the first in the list searching for "nusensei string alignment". Do you have a video about string alignment while shooting?

[@animebeastking]

What Bow is that and Cost Please? thanks for creating the archery videos , wanna get into it but don't know where to start, class in my area don't start till next march

[@NUSensei]

That's a PSE Razorback. It should cost around $150.

[@animebeastking]

+NUSensei Thanks for replying should i continue practice form and target firing till the class in the club is available in march?

[@NUSensei]

I don't see why you shouldn't.

[@zentist00]

A question, please: How would you wax a flemish string? Do I unstring to include the loops?

[@NUSensei]

If you want to. They're not crucial parts to wax. Waxing with the string off the bow is a good thing in many ways, as it allows the wax to get into the strands better.

[@zentist00]

Yep, just tried it. All good. Was just unneccessarily worried about it being messier this way. thx.

[@terryr804]

My string has come in different strands how do i string my recurve bow with this type of string

[@MadamJester]

When stringing a bow for the first time, is there any point to letting it sit overnight before using it? I heard about someone doing this and I wondered if there was anything to it other than they waited to fire the bow.

[@NUSensei]

With a new string, it will stretch a bit before settling into its full length. Some people will leave the bow strung so that it is properly stretched out so that their nocking point and brace height won't change unexpectedly.

[@MadamJester]

Oh! that makes sense, thank you!

[@foreverdrift]

Great vid - thanks for uploading!

[@colleenparsons51]

Do you put any arrow nocks on your string when your shooting

[@gergelyguruz8843]

Proper candle wax, cocounut fat even butter can be used in a pinch if you are stuck.

[@emmanuelperez9490]

Can I use lip balm?

[@donmcleod8307]

Thank you

[@Sleepy043026]

Do you recommend taking the string off after finishing using your bow?

[@NUSensei]

Generally, yes.

[@bryanyasuhara2994]

Surfboard wax works really well

[@stephen_a3733]

Can I use petroleum jelly as a substitute for regular bow string wax?

[@kontra1811]

Thank You very much.

[@tatewaggoner6546]

do i have to take my silencers off for this?

[@NUSensei]

No, you can wax around them. They're only attached to a single point on the string.

[@MikeMafiaII]

Any other opinions on beeswax, is it an inferior product compared to silicon waxes, or are there no downsides compared to the silicon waxes?

[@nigelpallatt]

Have you done one for number of string strands and fast string, terms I have heard,

[@annoyingoniguy2491]

When putting friction on string, is it normal for the some of the string fray to come off on the fingers or hand, or is it that cause of the wax?

[@MOAON_AABE]

Hi, new to archery , I received my bow and the string sections are like yours and unraveled. QUESTION, when I string my bow am I supposed to twist the string or do I just put it on as is looking like your unwound string????

[@NUSensei]

Adding a few twists is good. Once you determine your brace height, you will want to keep it at the same amount of twists.

[@MOAON_AABE]

@@NUSensei thank you so much , I appreciate it !!!

[@rashahashim1156]

Does common candles works for waxing too!?😅

[@justo222]

you mention that the string, every now and then, may snap off the limb tip. if/when this does happen, doesn't the bow react in a similar way as it would in a dry fire situation? in other words, the string snaps while you're pulling back to your anchor point and the limbs jolt forward with no way to transfer the energy to the arrow since the string is no longer doing it's job. since the arrow isn't launched (due to the string breaking) doesn't that provide similar conditions to dry firing and should you have the bow professionally checked out as a result or is this situation really different from the dry fire situation?

[@NUSensei]

Often, the string actually breaks AFTER the shot has been released and arrow is discharged. Additionally, dry firing is only really a concern for traditional wooden bows. Modern recurve limbs (especially competitive target limbs) are tested for thousands of dry fires.

[@davidcaldeeon2274]

I'm leaving for a dry hot area. Which wax would you recomend for dessert climate?

[@StonyRC]

If some is good then more must be better!

[@jason23miller]

Thank you!

[@JFizoust]

FYI you're not supposed to actually button the top button of a 3 button polo. It's kind of a dork stamp here in the US.

[@ovulatinggrashopper4703]

you sound like you're from Washington state. Js, nobody respects a man who cant follow through with his buttons.

[@hunterswords8342]

can i wax my bow by candle ???

[@greenhoodedvigilante458]

He said Bee's wax can be used. So yes.

[@MrAlfaman55]

This might sound like an obvious question but is it the same method of waxing for compound bows?

[@NUSensei]

Yes.

[@renatugaming5730]

remember to do the same with the cables!

[@joelhardeman9156]

Hey NUSensei :) I'm just getting into archery and was wondering if you could tell me what kind of wax I should be using for my new bow's string? The website I bought my bow from says the string is BCY 8190F (it also says it is BCY 8190F, I'm not sure if there is a difference or if they are the same thing). I've noticed waxes being advertised as either "natural" or "silicone" and can vary in price a bit. My bow is a compound bow, I'm not sure if that makes a difference to wax or not. Thanks :)

[@NUSensei]

From what I understand, "natural" wax is better for traditional bowstrings, while modern bowstrings should be using silicone-based wax.

[@joelhardeman9156]

Ok thanks, I'll buy silicone. It's half the price so that's a plus. Cheers for the quick reply :)

[@crsirbs215]

Hey nu I joined my schools nasp program is that good for a younger archer and is the browning discovery bow better for hunting or backyard shooting??? Please write back

[@NUSensei]

It's a youth bow. It's not something that looks right for hunting.

[@sasquatchhadarock968]

Question for you: I made a pvc pipe/fiberglass rod core bow (based on the design by TheBackyardBowyer). The string is generic polyester/nylon 550 paracord... Wax yes/no?

[@NUSensei]

Paracord doesn't need to be waxed.

[@sasquatchhadarock968]

NUSensei I kind of figured that but wanted to check, thanks.

[@briananuvattanachai6646]

+NUSensei I was trying to adjust my brace height by untwisting the string but I accidentally untwisted it by the middle serving of the string it should be fine shouldn't it?

[@MyFathersBusinessLLC]

Hey sensai how can I tell when I need to change my string?

[@MyFathersBusinessLLC]

Haa it was later in the video thanks brother! 👍

[@michaelfitzell2741]

What's wrong wit5h Flemish Twist Strings?

[@KagusakiUrufu]

I haven't done archery in about 3-4 years and the dacron string is folded and stored in a box. Will I need to do any kind of maintenance on the string besides waxing it before I use it? Thanks :)

[@NUSensei]

Just wax. Make sure the string isn't too dry or frayed too much. Otherwise,. you're good.

[@KagusakiUrufu]

Awesome thanks for the info! I was worrying too much about the string snapping while at full draw :)

[@leol.5036]

Is it normal for the string to be slightly offset to the left or to the right when it is strung? I got my new bow a day ago, but it seems like my bottom limb is slightly twisted to the right as the string is slightly offset to the right..

[@NUSensei]

It's not normal. The string should be perfectly straight. Being offset is indicative of the limbs being out of alignment or twisted.

[@leol.5036]

Thank you for your reply!!!! Really appreciate it!! So what would be the problem? Would it be the problem of the string? Or it is the problem of wrong stringing / bad stringing?

[@NUSensei]

Could be a few factors. Consistently using improper stringing methods can cause a twist, as does improper storage (leaving it strung and standing on a limb), or it may simply be a manufacturing fault.

[@leol.5036]

Thanks for you answer! I will ask my coach next time when i see him!

[@genambriz1762]

how long should be the string of a sage Samick 62 , 55???

[@NUSensei]

Strings are normally sold by AMO length, so a 62" string is fine; otherwise it's 59" actual.

[@genambriz1762]

Thank you it has a string that is a 57 and 3/4 length so it's too hard to put on

[@REKT_Industries]

Is pure bee wax ok to use ?

[@renatugaming5730]

sure, it's better than no wax!

[@bajablast989]

NUSensei, do you like wax Flemish strings same way as modern ones?

[@juainott5281]

Dude how can you Even move up and down your hand so fast and... Oh oh :O never mind player ;) ahahahaha lol

[@TreeRingsExploration]

Very THICCCC

[@filtonkingswood]

Pink paint of the doorframe tho.

[@social3ngin33rin]

Should we wax all the serving as well? Or just reserve it?

[@NUSensei]

The serving doesn't need to be waxed. The purpose of waxing is to lubricate the strands so that the string doesn't wear out. The serving already protects the string from contact, so waxing the serving does nothing good.

[@social3ngin33rin]

Awesome. Thanks :D When should the string be decommissioned due to fraying? Maybe do a video or add a link to a picture(s) in the video description?

[@NUSensei]

Well, if it looks like the string in the video, that might be a sign. Remember, that string is still functional and is not fraying despite years of neglect, and you can still shoot fine with it, though with much lower performance and consistency.

[@social3ngin33rin]

ok

[@CaimanAlphaFoxtrotMike]

VERY THICC!!!

[@soloxcan]

I had my string snap on the top loop at full draw and snapped my limbs

[@crazy_kipjeNL]

o.48 single? 😂😂

[@jyeprice9382]

Moist

[@social3ngin33rin]

How much money have you spent on bows alone so far?! lol

[@wperkins225]

I guess Chinese people don't have dirty minds like we do?! Need a chicka chicka whou whou sound track in the back ground!

[@basiclofibeats1019]

bro that look wrong u know why

[@zacharyrotenberg6004]

Man, what a waste of wax you really do not need to use that much jeeeeeeez

[@mudkip_btw]

Thanks for the info.. I didn't know this, I need to buy some wax for my string. Really helpful!

[@jackkraken3888]

The innuendo is strong with this one.

[@daniellopezeverest]

Do you need to wax a brand new string or they already waxed before using thank you

[@garyhiggins4315]

David, I think you are enjoying that too much!!! 😉😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@Darkendragon]

one thing thats been bugging me, we wax our string to lubricate it when its stringed up. this gives it a smooth string and we removed the excess to "cable" or round it out. but what happens after you unstring it? the strings tend to lose it's shape and open up due to the lack of tension. does this mean I must wax it again afterwards? or is the whole goal just to have a coating of wax on most of the string or as much as possible?

[@NUSensei]

If the string is opening up that much, you may not be storing it properly. There should also be enough wax on the string so that the string feels waxy when touched. Otherwise, it's not that important to maintain a round shape, as long as the strands feel like they are lubricated enough.

[@Darkendragon]

ok, thank you for your advice, its always been very helpful. maybe you can show off how to best store the string? right now I just have it attached to my bow but not strung up. basically the large loop over the limb and the smaller loop in the notch of the other limb. so theres so little tension that it just seperates a bit. similar looking to how your strings look in the thumbnail of this video. was I supposed to have a twist in the string before stringing it to give it a little tension?

[@NUSensei]

Twists also help to give it some shape, yes.

[@slingshot6722]

I never used wax. I pulled my bow out of closet that has been in there since 1995. the string looks nice just as it id when i put it up. if that tells you anything about wax on wax OFF lol.

[@Lost_Hwasal]

@@slingshot6722 Well no shit you didnt use it. Wax prolongs USED strings, string that sit in your closet dont need prolonging.

[@EvelynH-tj1qt]

The string isn't gonna snap, it's far stronger than you.

[@RockyMountainBear]

I have had my PSE traditional takedown recurve bow for nearly 2 years. I shoot very regularly. This last month my bow has been destroying strings. Most recently I cut through a new endless loop string the same day I bought it. It is in the same place on the top loop on the left side. I assume it is because my limbs have a sharp edge where the loop attaches. Is there anything I can do to fix it? And why would it just start doing this?

[@gamerzakiullah]

@NUSensei is it okay to simply use candle wax? Also, I am getting a bow with tendon string material. Will the same method work for that?

[@potshot23]

Do you wax the middle section of the string before serving?

[@NUSensei]

No.

[@juilescieg]

i never waxed my 20 year old bow in my live ^^

[@peter-johnjones5869]

Sorry if this sounds abit stupid but I'm such a noob that I don't even have a bow yet, but could you use a candle to wax the string?

[@NUSensei]

Candle wax doesn't spread easily. Not a great idea.

[@peter-johnjones5869]

Thank you for the reply, just trying to take in as much as I can in before starting Archery and your videos are a big help so thanks

[@philipc7273]

Wonder if one can use shoe wax (for leather)

[@vijaykorvekar1009]

Is candle wax ok

[@skepticalmechanic]

What do I do to take care of my wife? I wax her! 😂 😆

[@cherno2232]

No your wife has to "wax" you. Like this: 0:49

[@daviddempsey8721]

“Wax on, wax off” Got it.

[@philipsturtivant9385]

Another great, simple, grass-roots lesson. I thank you for it - I have blocks of beeswax left over from 'bulling' army boots in my distant youth, and now I have a valuable use for it (aside from furniture care) 😊👍 But, here I am with a low-cost beginner's bow, and I've already had 2 strings snap on me. The first because I made a poor job of applying brass nocking points (Lesson - learn to tie nocking points. Much more gentle, and easier to remove and re-position when you finally understand your brass ones were wrongly positioned originally, and they don't bite into your string!!). The second because of friction at the limb-tip: to which my potential solution would be "buy yourself some fine sandpaper, and round off some of those sharp edges". I'm interested to hear NuSensei's advice in this latter matter.

[@sheepsfoot2]

How long does a string last ? answer how long is a piece of string ?

[@peterxyz3541]

Natural bee wax is 'sticky' or tacky. It will stay on the string. It can be bought at local farmer's market for 1.00 to 5.00 depending on the market. Very inexpensive.

[@ilijabosnjak76]

Mr. Nu,do I have to twist Bowstring 9 times or do I keep it straight??? I am not expert so I have to ask,,also can you use paracord for bowstring,mine came pre strung with paracord for shipping purposes but real string is wrapped around the bow..I did un string the bow..

[@elijahoconnell]

i personally wax the serving cause i do like preserving the lifespan of that too but i also like the tackiness of the wax on my glove

[@KindKay]

What about nicks that chew into or fray ur bow string. I see Victory arrow nocks ear into my string but Easton is way better

[@johnny6148]

just got 50 pound recurve. watching your videos to see what i can learn. learned a lot thanks.

[@Mx._Jess]

there are no archery shops in Jamaica and I was wondering about these alternatives to bowstring wax: candles, crayons, chap stick/lip balm (is there a difference?). I guess I could buy online but as you could imagine, shipping to Jamaica is not cheap.

[@CODomingo]

Beeswax is a good alternative to wax your bowstring.

[@bernblackwell5638]

Hello Mr nuggets Not a bad vid Mr nuggerts

[@bobsteckenreiner3415]

please make a vid on how to get the wax off your fingers afterwards =)

[@hudsont.105]

Do you do this for target recurve bows as well?

[@ap4MULTIGAMES]

hmm the wax seems very waxy? XD

[@inquisition1599]

New to archery/ What about the area where the string hooks on to the tips and the serving area on a crossbow. Do you wax those areas?

[@NUSensei]

You don't have to wax the serving. This does nothing for the string.

[@inquisition1599]

NUSensei Ok but about the ends where the string loops on to the tips, do they get any wax treatment? Thanks for replying sir.

[@NUSensei]

You don't need to wax them. The purpose of waxing is to lubricate the strands so that they are not as abrasive. The sections already covered by serving material (the middle and the loops) are already covered and the wax won't get to them.

[@spookygaming130]

does candle count

[@reztriction1571]

2019?

[@SebastianDavidPB]

Some of us could really use a tutorial on how to remake the servings, especially on the loops of the string

[@bajablast989]

Nice trick with the string, to scrap off the excess! I like finding these hidden little tips

[@basiclofibeats1019]

bro that look wrong u know why