Quick Summary
You’ve decided on which type of archery you want to start from and picked a bow according to your archery type. But do you have any idea how to store your bow?
It is a good idea to exhibit your bow on the wall. But how to hang a bow and arrow on the wall?
Quick Answer!
The safest way to store your bow on the wall is horizontally upside-down.
◊ There wasn’t any good answer to this question on Google. So, I’ve researched A LOT from different sources for you and presented all the helpful information here.
In-depth: Bow Storage
First of all, the room that you’ll store your bow should be neither too hot nor too cold. Also, you should not store your bow in a room that is inclined to moisture to avoid rust on metal parts.
It is easy to store your bow if you only have one, but what will you do if you have several bows? How do you store them in your house without taking up too much space?
Well, don’t worry…
There are two great home storage options: the bow rack and the bow case.
Bow cases are the safest way to store your bows and arrows. They’re always ready to travel and fully protected – which is quite important when you consider that you’re storing something around worth $1000.
On the other hand, bow racks are a better way of showing off your bows. You can use it as a part of your home decoration as well.
Hanging Your Bow
As you already know, there are two main types of bows to hang: compound bows and recurve bows, and you need to do different things before you hang them.
For the compound bows, you can hang your bow on the wall without doing anything before. But for recurving archers, it’s better to unstring the bow before you hang it.
It will extend the life of your bow. It is absolutely the safest method.
Leaving a bow strung all the time can damage the bow in the long run because of twisting of the limbs and stretching of the string.
If you store your old pure wood recurve bow horizontally, they might lose some lbs. But you don’t need to unstring your modern fiberglass recurve bow, because it would not cause any damage on that bow.
◊ Even so, my advice is NOT TO LEAVE your recurve or traditional bow strung while in storage.
Hanging the Bow by String
It’s always not a good idea to hang your bow by the string. The contact area with the string and the hanger will cause a problem depending on the weight of the bow. If you use and store the bow constantly, it might create a weak point or wear on the string.
Image soruce: Reddit - qtac
◊ If you are willing to replace the bowstring so frequently, then it’s up to you about hanging the bow by string or not.
In my opinion, it’s far better to hang the bow by the frame. It has much higher strength than the string, and this will make your bow slower to fatigue.
In short, there is no reason to hang your bow by the bowstring.
Hanging the Bow by One Limb
Recurve or longbows shouldn’t be stored by just hanging the bow from one limb. If your bow carries all its weight with one limb, it might twist the limb in long-term storage.
Also, it’s bad to hang the bow vertically! In my opinion, vertical storage does not look so good as well. But, of course, there is more than that.
From a technical point of view, limbs might get loaded and twisted differently. Vertical storage can put stress on the bottom limb. Additionally, the bow’s tune can get out of order.
The solution shown above should solve your problem. But if you support the bottom limb in this position, it will be a much more durable solution.
Hanging the Compound Bow by its Cam
Thanks to compound bows’ modern design, there are lots of examples that people hang their bows by its cam; this way of hanging does not create serious problems.
Archerytalk / NY12020
Cams are not designed as a structural part. They are made to take some external forces like vertical ones. But I need to say that it’s not so durable against the horizontal or twisting forces. Also, why do you take any risk when there are available holes all over the riser?
In my opinion, you should always hang it from the structural parts such as the riser.
Surely, it won’t collapse if you use the cams. The vinyl-coated cup hooks that you hang on might not harm the cams. But note that, it may ruin your bow’s tune.
Tip:
Hanging your bow in this position is a temporary method you can use while you're resting in the woods while hunting. BassPro treestand hanger offers a nice solution that you can use.
Top 6 Bow Hanger Advice
Here, I’ll share you some affordable suggestions that you can use as a bow hanger for wall.
Bike Hooks
Bike hooks are awesome bow hangers as well. So, they could be easily used for hanging your bow on the wall.
It can be hung either by the string or by the limbs. You won’t misplace the bow during storage.
Guitar Hangers
Guitar hangers are also very usable and durable as a bow hanger for wall.
Rifle Rack
Rifle Rack hookers can also be used for bows as well. They’re strong enough to carry lots of pounds.
Deer Horn Hanger
You might want a more decorative thing. So, deer horns are the accessory you’re looking for. Especially if you are a bowhunter.
Surfboard Wall Hanger
Surfboard hanger might be the most expensive advice. But it is also the most durable solution for people more sensitive to their products.
Above all, it's great bow hanger as well.
Wooden Decorative Wall Hanger
You can also use a simple wooden sticks as a hanger. This will be another affordable natural solution.
Bıke hooks | guıtar hangers | rıfle rack | deer horn hanger | surfboard hanger | Wooden Decorative Wall Hanger |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
85% | 80% | 95% | 75% | 95% | 90% |
Bonus: Do it Yourself
It’s super easy to make a bow storage structure by yourself. So, stop being lazy and spend some extra hours by making proper storage for your bow. Here is a good tutorial to do that.
Conclusion
No matter if you are using a traditional or a compound bow, my first advice will be the same: Always unstring your bow when you’re not using it.
The second piece of advice to you about hanging your bow is to always use its structural parts for hanging, such as the limbs or the riser. If you use the limbs, be sure to use both limbs to hang it.
Remember!
The safest way to store your bow on the wall is horizontally upside-down.
4 Comments
Will
December 6, 2019 at 4:23 amJust a quick thanks for writing this article.
Really straightforward answers to all my questions reg. storing my bow (I’m a beginner).
Although I’m a beginner archer, I’m a workshop teacher, so now I know exactly what I need to make 🙂
Thanks again
Archerybull
December 6, 2019 at 6:43 pmThanks for your kind comment Will 🙂 I’m really happy to hear your thoughts.
Mous3
October 31, 2020 at 3:07 pmIm just about to get my second bow so looking to wall mount them when no it the bag going to from the range. A most helpful article, thank you
Archerybull
November 3, 2020 at 6:26 pmI’m very happy to hear that:) Thank you!