String Making

String-Making Equipment: Everything You Need to Build Your Own Bowstrings

Making your own bowstrings takes more than good thread. A string jig and a serving tool are the core pieces of equipment for string building, and they make the difference between a clean, consistent string and one that shifts after the first few shots. This category covers the tools and accessories for the job. For string-building thread and serving material, head to our Thread and Servings category. General information on bowstrings is available in our main bowstrings category.

The String Jig: The Foundation of Every Handmade Bowstring

A string jig is the central tool in string making. It holds the pegs at a set distance so you can wind the string material to an exact length and strand count before taking the finished string off and completing it. Without a jig, it is nearly impossible to wind a consistent string with even tension across all strands, and an uneven string will change its behaviour as it settles during the first sessions.

Most bowstrings are built with 16, 18, or 20 strands, depending on draw weight and material. Winding that many strands evenly by hand without a stable frame is not practical. A jig with adjustable pegs lets you produce strings in different lengths for different bows, without measuring from scratch every time.

The Serving Tool: Tight, Even Servings Every Time

Applying centre servings, end servings, or wrapped nocking points by hand without any tool makes it very difficult to keep consistent tension throughout. A serving tool feeds the thread at steady tension and guides it evenly around the string, so the serving sits tight, looks clean, and stays in place.

That matters most for the centre serving. It protects the string exactly where it strikes the arm guard at every shot, the kind of repeated lateral stress that wears through string fibres over time. A serving that was applied too loosely or unevenly comes undone quickly and forces a repair at the worst possible moment. The right tool makes the serving durable from the start.

Who Benefits from Building Their Own Strings?

String building is not reserved for competitive archers shooting at the highest level. Anyone who wants to understand their equipment more deeply, who shoots a bow that standard strings don't fit, or who simply wants full control over their setup will find good reasons to invest in the right tools. There is also a practical angle: archers who replace strings regularly will save money over time by building their own. Browse our range and find the right equipment for your string-making setup. If you have questions, our team is happy to help.