ATA Bow Tech String & Cable Systems 3

Question 1

What is 'serving separation' on a bow string and what causes it?

Accepted Answer

The serving unraveling due to improper thread tension, abrasion, or nock pinch during installation

Answer

String strands splitting due to excessive draw weight

Answer

Fraying of the string caused by bow press contact

Answer

Separation between the string and cable due to cam timing issues

Question 2

When should a bow technician recommend replacing a bow string?

Accepted Answer

When the string shows fraying, significant serving wear, broken strands, or has been in use for 2–3 seasons of heavy shooting

Answer

Only when the string breaks completely

Answer

After every 100 shots to maintain peak performance

Answer

Only when the archer requests it, regardless of condition

Question 3

What is 'string creep' and how does it differ from 'stretch'?

Accepted Answer

Creep is permanent elongation of fibers under sustained load; stretch is temporary elastic elongation under load

Answer

Creep is sudden elongation; stretch is gradual

Answer

They are the same phenomenon with different names

Answer

Creep refers to cable movement; stretch refers to string movement

Question 4

What does the term 'string count' refer to when building bow strings?

Accepted Answer

The number of individual strands used in the string bundle

Answer

The number of shots the string can withstand before replacement

Answer

The number of twists applied during construction

Answer

The number of serving layers applied

Question 5

Why is it important to wax a bow string regularly?

Accepted Answer

To protect the string fibers from moisture, abrasion, and UV degradation, and to keep the strands bound together

Answer

To increase arrow speed by reducing friction

Answer

To make the string easier to remove during string replacement

Answer

To improve the grip of the release aid on the string

Question 6

What area of a compound bow string should NOT be waxed?

Accepted Answer

The center serving area and any served sections

Answer

The loop ends

Answer

The lower limb tip loop

Answer

The upper limb tip loop

Question 7

When a compound bow string is stored for an extended period, the best practice is to:

Accepted Answer

Relax limb tension using a bow press and store the string in a cool, dry environment

Answer

Store the bow under full tension to maintain cam timing

Answer

Remove the string completely and freeze it to prevent creep

Answer

Leave the bow in ambient conditions without adjustment