How to Use Bow String Leeches
Modern compound bows blaze arrows downrange almost twice as fast as their traditional counterparts, but all that extra energy makes the bow and string vibrate, causing a loud "twang." The noise can alert deer that something's amiss and give them enough time to jump or duck, causing a poor hit. Rubber tabs called string leeches absorb string vibration to dampen the sound and protect the bow's components from damage. It takes less than an hour to install string leeches properly, and the time spent is well worth the reduced noise and vibration.
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Instructions
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1
Place the bow in a bow press; tighten the press to remove tension from the bow strings and power cables.
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2
Separate the string into two equal bunches of strands with your fingers 3 to 4 inches from where the string contacts the upper pulley (called a cam or idler wheel) and insert the leech into the string. Center each half of the string between the raised knobs or groove on the leech.
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3
Tie two small serving knots 1/2 inch above and 1/2 inch below the string leech with the dental floss. Serving knots are made by tying six or seven overhand knots, alternating sides of the string between each knot. Finish the knots with a standard square knot, trim the tag ends and melt them with a lighter until they are flush with the string.
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4
Repeat steps 2 and 3 on the bottom of the bowstring, about 3 or 4 inches from the bottom cam.
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5
Loosen the bow press to bring tension back on the string. Slide the knots above and below each string leech as close to the leech as possible to make a snug fit.
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Tips & Warnings
If you need to make adjustments to the string leech, place the bow in a bow press and move the leeches. Do not slide the leeches along the string as it will cut them in half.
Adding string leeches or any other object to the bow string will slow the bow's speed slightly, but modern compound bows have speed to spare.
String leeches will deteriorate over time. Check their condition before going to the range to make sure they do not need replacement.
Do not use a string separator or other device on a bowstring that is under tension. If the string breaks, the bow can collapse and cause injury.
Be careful not to damage the string when melting the tag ends of the serving knot. Don't let the dental floss catch on fire, just put the flame of the lighter close enough to melt the floss.
References
Resources
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