uncocking / change string

pduran · Post by **pduran** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 6:21 am

Hi guys

I know this is quite old but been searching for uncocking and gone through this thread.
I've never changed a string in my phoenix but have to do it now! tried to imagine a way to do this with minimum effort and no injuries but i'm getting a little bit scared.
The uncocking rope seemed so easy in the movie...

Please help me finding the best way to change my string / uncock my phoenix.

Thanks
Paulo

Grizzly Adam · Post by **Grizzly Adam** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:27 am

Hey, Pduran ...

Welcome, if I haven't welcomed you already!

Uncocking your crossbow is easy ... if you have sufficient upper body and arm strength to follow the process explained in the video.

The difficulty has much to do with the draw weight of your bow ... the heavier, the harder, of course.

Unless you have some weakness that prevents it, just follow the instructions on the video. It's really no big deal, but you must be prepared for the sudden strain that comes with relaxing the limbs.

If you feel like you can't do it, get someone who is strong enough.

Good luck!

Pydpiper · Post by **Pydpiper** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:36 am

I use my hands to set the limbs with the stringing tool, but to release it I use the rope cocker, sorta get the best of both worlds. I can change a string in less than a minute that way.

BOB VANDRISH · Post by **BOB VANDRISH** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:38 am

Uncocking the bow is very easy if you have the rope cocking aid.
All you do is put it on the string,and take up the slack one one side with one hand,and while holding it tight,pull the trigger.
As far as changing the string,you need a stringer,which is two plastic loops on a string that fit over the ends of the bow,that you draw up like you are cocking it,and after you put the safety on,you can release the string through the loops.
Replacing it with a new one is just the reverse process,that may be trial and error with the number of twists that you may need to have to string end up in between the two marks.
You release the stringer the same way as you release the cocked bow.
Most people start with the string set at or close to the forward mark,as it will stretch slightly with use.
I saw Bill T at a demo take a string off by just bending one arm,and taking one loop off,and then easing the bow back.
That takes a bit more practice,yet he made it look so easy.

pduran · Post by **pduran** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:15 am

Ok, you convinced me! Tonight i'll try to uncock it with the help of the cocking rope. If tomorrow i dont write anything... something went wrong!

Paulo

wabi · Post by **wabi** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 1:30 pm

Uncocking is even easier & safer if you just load an old arrow and shoot it into the ground. Believe me! If you let the string slip one time a $3.00 arrow is obviously cheap insurance from repeating the performance of having your fingers nearly ripped out of their joints!
Yes - it can be let down by hand or with the rope cocking aid, but one slip and things can get ugly very quickly! I've let my Phoenix down by hand several times, but it just isn't worth the risk to me anymore. An old arrow does the job well, and I can even check my sights while releasing the string.

pduran · Post by **pduran** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 4:45 am

I did it! Its not very hard to do (with the cocking rope) and i think the risk is not very high as long as we are extremely carefull.
I wanted to learn how to manually uncock because not only at the end of the night hunting but when changing the string. there is no other way to change the string without cocking with another string, right?

Paulo

BOB VANDRISH · Post by **BOB VANDRISH** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 8:40 am

The stringer blocks are made of 1/2" thick(12.7mm) nylon,2" square(50.8mm),with a 1" hole(25.4mm)through the middle.
The newer ones have the edges rounded off,but that is not necessary.
A small hole would need to be drilled in each block to fasten the string,which is the same type and size as you find in the rope cocking aid.
The string length is determined by how much you want to draw the bow to relax the string,and it is cocked in place with the rope cocking aid.
That now allows you to slip the rope loops off,through the hole in the block,and then you put in the new string by reversing the process.
You can find a picture of one on the Net somewhere,if you have never seen it.
You then release the stringer the same way you just released the cocked bow,with the rope cocking aid.
You may have to play with the number of twists needed to have the string fall in the recommended position on the marks so you may have to repeat this process several times to get it right.
Hope that helps you.

pduran · Post by **pduran** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 9:08 am

Hi Bob, ty for your answer.

tell me, those stringer blocks is something i can do?
To change my string i have anoder string with 2 loops but i'm afraid they slip from the "limbs"(?).

Paulo

BOB VANDRISH · Post by **BOB VANDRISH** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 10:08 am

Paulo,that is why I described them the way that I did,so you could try to make one yourself,if you cannot buy the stringer locally.
They are just under $20 in US funds to buy,and could probably be made for less than $10.
Google "Bowhunters Superstore",and then look under crossbow accesssories to find a picture.

pduran · Post by **pduran** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 6:35 am

Thank you Bob. I'm portuguese and some words i couldnt translate. your explanation seemed complete.
I'll try to find something that looks like it.

TY again
Paulo