Strings and cables

Replace the string: 1980s–90s Oneidas

Change the string on an H-500 through Lite Force without a regular bow press. Loosen the timing screw, back both weight bolts off evenly while you count turns, swap the string, then put the same turns back and re-check tiller, brace height and nocking point.

  • Difficulty Moderate
  • Time About 45–60 minutes the first time (estimate)
  • For 13 Oneida models

From Oneida Labs' early owner manual and its 1993 dealer manual. The Tomcat III, T-III EXP and Lite Force came out after those manuals; we believe they work the same way, but check with us first.

All how-to guides

We're still double-checking this guide against how we do it in the shop. If anything doesn't match your bow, stop and text us or call 270-318-2020.

Before you start

  • Order the string length for your model and size (see your model page). Never try to change draw length with a longer or shorter string.
  • Own an H-250, H-500, Tomcat or Tomcat II? Read 'Which string material? H-250, H-500 and Tomcat' first.
  • Never use a regular compound bow press on an Oneida. It can badly damage the riser and void the warranty. Use Oneida's bracket press or the no-press method below.
  • Never draw the bow while the timing screw is loose, including when you draw it into or out of a bracket press.
  • Wear safety glasses and work on a padded table.
  • While the string is off, check the power cables where they bend around the back of the cam. Broken wire 'whiskers' mean both power cables need replacing, and they can cut your fingers.

Steps

  1. Bracket press method: check that the timing screw is tight, draw the bow, set the outboard limbs in the brackets and let it settle until the string goes slack.
  2. Swap the old string for a new one of the same length, draw the bow again and lift it out of the brackets. Then skip to the tiller step.
  3. No press: find the slotted timing wheel, the one with a slot and a small socket-head screw. On right-hand bows built before 1990 it's the top wheel; from 1990 on it's the bottom wheel. Left-hand bows are the opposite.
  4. Loosen that screw just until the star washer under it turns freely. Never turn a weight bolt while this screw is tight, or you can damage the timing system.
  5. Back both weight bolts out (counter-clockwise) with a 3/16 in Allen wrench, 2 turns on the top bolt, then 2 on the bottom, switching back and forth. Write down every turn and stop as soon as the string is loose.
  6. Stop unscrewing once the string is slack. Oneida's Black Eagle manual says that bow got longer weight bolts than older Oneidas, which suggests the older bolts have less room.
  7. Lift the old string off the outboard limb tips and fit the new one.
  8. Check that both string loops sit fully in the limb-tip nocks before you add weight.
  9. Turn both weight bolts back in (clockwise) the same number of turns, 2 at a time, switching top and bottom.
  10. Check tiller. If you used the press, loosen the timing screw first. Measure square from the string to the nose of each cam. If the top cam is closer, turn the top bolt counter-clockwise; if it's farther, turn it clockwise, until both match.
  11. Tighten the timing screw firmly against its friction washer so the timing wheel and cam turn as one piece.
  12. Measure brace height from the middle of the string to the deepest point of the grip and compare it with your model page.
  13. Adjust brace height if it's out of range: take the string off again, add twists to raise it or remove twists to lower it (about 5 twists moves it 1/16 in), then repeat the weight, tiller and brace height steps.
  14. Put on a new nocking point (see 'Set your arrow rest and nocking point').
  15. Confirm the timing screw is tight and nothing can block the outboard limbs before the first draw. Never dry-fire.

Tips

  • The S-hook trick in Oneida's manual is for changing power cables with the string on. It isn't part of a string change. (Dealer Instructions p.16)
  • Oneida's H-500 brochure mentions a standard recurve stringer for field changes. Ask us before you try one. (Oneida Brochure p.5)
  • At high weight, a short pipe over the Allen wrench gives leverage. (Dealer Instructions p.4)