String Creep: Causes, Effects & Fixes

String creep is permanent, non-recoverable elongation of a bowstring — meaning the string settles at a longer length than it started after being shot. This is distinct from stretch, which is recoverable elongation where the string returns to its original length after each shot. The two terms are often confused, but the distinction matters because the fixes are different.

What Causes String Creep

• Improper bow tuning: A bow not tuned correctly for your draw length and arrow type puts uneven stress on the string, accelerating elongation.
• Incorrect grip: Gripping the riser too tightly transfers pressure to the string and disrupts the draw cycle.
• Inconsistent release: Varying anchor points or finger placement can cause the string to shift forward before the shot breaks — a form fault sometimes also called creeping, though this is distinct from material-level bowstring creep.
• Normal wear over time: Repeated high-tension load cycles gradually cause fibers to lose integrity. Environmental factors like heat and humidity accelerate this process.

How Archery String Creep Affects Your Bow

On compound bows, string creep causes measurable changes to brace height, draw weight, draw length, and cam timing — pushing the bow outside the manufacturer's specifications. Cams can fall out of time, nocking points shift, and arrows begin flying inconsistently. Because bowstring creep affects brace height and nocking point simultaneously, always check both together.

Brace height — the distance from the deepest part of the grip to the string — is the primary diagnostic. A drop in brace height is the clearest sign that creep or settlement has occurred. Measure using a T-square bracing gauge clipped onto the string. For background on this measurement, see our glossary entry on fistmele, the traditional term for brace height.

How to Fix and Prevent String Creep

Shoot In a New String

New strings settle quickly. Shoot them in right away or leave the bow strung overnight so initial elongation stabilizes before you set your brace height.

Add Twists to Restore Brace Height

If brace height has dropped, add twists to the string — approximately two twists raises brace height by about ¼ inch. Always twist in the direction that tightens the center serving, and recheck after each adjustment.

Improve Your Form

A repeatable anchor point and consistent release reduce string stress. Setting a correct draw length matched to your body also limits form-based creeping at full draw.

Replace Worn Strings

When a string no longer holds brace height after twisting, replacement is the only lasting fix. Materials blended with low-creep fibers offer a longer-lived tune state — particularly valuable on compound bows, where re-twisting cables often requires specialized equipment. For a broader look at how string choice fits your setup, see our overview of archery bows and arrows.