Tying a D Loop
November 16, 2009 by Scott
How is everyone this month? I hope this finds everyone well and enjoying the season so far!! Hunting season is in full swing in most states now, some of us bowhunting while others are gun hunting but either way it is an incredible time of year to be in the woods! This month we are going to finally get into some Do It Yourself bow tuning items that are common on today’s shorter, faster compounds.
The string loop is one of the most important accessories on your bow. The purpose of the loop is twofold: first it allows you to not torque the string and second it keeps the wear and tear off your center serving on your string which will increase your string life. There are several methods to tying a loop on, but I will explain how our shop does it.
Start by cutting about a 4” piece of loop material (we buy in bulk) but there are many companies out there that sell them in packages of three and are very inexpensive. The material we use is from GAG, and is reinforced with Kevlar material to assist in wear prevention and strength.
Second step is to make sure that you use a level of some sort to ensure that the bow and rest are square prior to attaching the loop. Once you have leveled the bow, ensure your center shot and then make sure your arrow is level (shown below) so you can make sure your nock point is correct.
Find the nock point by leveling your arrow.
Once you have ensured all is level begin by tying the loop on by placing the two tag ends (cut ends) together forming a loop. Take this loop and place it on the string as you see in the picture. Wrap the loop around the string, placing the two cut ends through the loop and pulling it snug. We will not tighten them yet in case we need to slide the loop up or down to ensure the arrow is square.
Begin the loop...
What it should look like before we pull it tight.
With the top knot complete take the one end and place it to the left of the string, and then loop it around the string under the nock. Pull it snug again, avoiding tightening it down yet, and make sure your nock is tight both above and below which will come into play when we tighten the loop down. Then, you accomplish the exact same thing you did to begin; loop it around the string making a half hitch style knot, and that will complete the bottom knot. You should end up with both ends facing away from the string.
Almost finished - trim the ends and tie in place.
Our shop does it different than most, however the method we use ensures that you get positive peep sight alignment and can adjust the peep rotation if need be by pushing the loop. To tie the loop in, we use a braided fishing line and use a series of overhand knots to keep everything tight. This is the loop tied in prior to being pulled tight. Now remove the arrow and burn the braid and the ends of the loop material then pull the loop tight. This will snug up the upper and lower knots and give you about a ¾” loop and looks very finished and refined.
Finished product.
Hopefully this will be helpful to you and makes it a bit more satisfying to work on your own equipment. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email on the site.
Until next moth, Keep em in the X ring!!
Scott
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Scott – one thing I found out after the fact when I put my D loop on, I found out that my draw length was shortened as far as it would go and since the D loop added length to my draw I was caught in a quandry. Any suggestions? Good instructions!
Hi Gary, Thank you for asking!!
You bring up a great point, yes, sometimes this does happen, one downside to a loop. The only question I have is how much longer did it make your draw length? It should have made it at the most an inch, now depending on what type of release you shoot, you can bring it back to your correct draw length by shortening your release. Make sure your realease lays in the “V” between your index and middle finger. That is the proper fit for your wrist strap style release.
I hope this helps Gary and please feel free to hit me up if you have any other questions!!
Happy Hunting!
Scott
Thanks a bunch Scott. The answer was right there and I missed it. It did add an inch, but I can see I can easily pick that up with my release. I guess thats why we ask questions. I was so focused on the bow and adjusting it, that I missed the simple answer, thanks again.
Anytime Gary, Glad I can help!! Good Luck this year!!!
scott-i have a question ? and i am sure there are some shooters out there that might have the same dilema.trigger finger?index or middle;which is proper?I have noticed that Instinct does not work here its not automatic, I can use either or it dosent change anything.I had a friend of mine who is a very good shooter watch me shoot about 10 times or so to see if he could see anything he could correct for me,of course he had a list ,but right away he said why do you keep switching trigger fingers ,my reply was i never noticed …..?after 5 years of that ,how best to correct it? love the site very down to earth god bless ! tomorrow is almost here!
IS ANYBODY THERE ?
Hello Kelly! Sorry for the delayed response, I have been gone for the last 7 weeks….Honestly, if your shooting well then dont change anything. However you will be more accurate and your anchor point will be more reliable or solid if you use your index finger. I find it much more comforatable if I use my index finger. The best advice is to try both ways and see if how it feels. If your more comfortable with your middle then by all means use that. Give the index finger a try, you may be pleasntly surprised at how much better you shoot!!
Hope this helps Kelly! Thank you for the compliment on the site, Leave a comment for Tom please! He is the man that has done all the work behind the scenes to make this happen!
Merry Christmas Kelly!!
Keep em in the X ring!
Scott