Neptonics - How To Tie Speargun Bands

This is a quick video demonstrating how to tie a speargun band including all the tools and knots you will need.

Spearguns are a critical part of spearfishing. They are what powers the speargun to shoot the spear shaft. It makes sense that a diver should be able to tie their own bands. This is how we tie bands.

Step One: Measure and Cut to Length

The length of your bands should be based on the length of the speargun. The longer the speargun the longer the bands should be. Generally, the ideal length of a spearguns bands is 350% stretch. For more information on how to measure the right length of you bands read this article. The bands should be measured without tension, on a flat surface when they are cut.

Step Two: Lubricate Wishbone

Put the wishbone into the Wishbone Insertion Tool and lubricate the wishbone. We prefer to use spray silicone to lubricate the wishbone. An alternative is to use soap, or even spit in a pinch. This is an under-appreciated step in tying bands. Trying to push dry Dyneema and metal into latex band material is extremely difficult.

Step Three: Insert Wishbone

The wishbone should be pushed into the band between an inch and a half. You want to put the wishbone at least that far into the band to allow ample space to tie the constrictor knot. If you have small internal diameter bands this is particularly difficult. We recommend drilling out the first two inches of the band on either side. This allows you to insert the wishbones more easily.

Step Four: Tie the Constrictor Knot

The constrictor knot is the ideal knot to tie for speargun bands because it is a self tightening knot. The knot can be loosely tied anywhere on the rubber, but needs to be tightened close to the end. It having the band tightened close to the end helps prevent the bands from getting tangled. When tightening these bands it is easiest using the wishbone insertion tool and a cleat. If you don’t have a cleat handy you can use a second wishbone insertion tool or a screwdriver in a pinch. Apply gradual pressure to the knot to ensure it tightens enough to prevent the wishbone knots or beads from pulling out of the band when stretched.

Step Five: Cut Constrictor Cord Ends

Once the knot is tied, cut the cord close to the bands. You want these close to the knot to prevent possible entanglement. If these are too long they can get caught on your shooting line, or reel line.

Step Six: Burn the Ends of the Constrictor Knot Cord

Burn the ends to prevent the cord from fraying. While simple, this step is important in ensuring the bands survive through their useful life. That being said bands only last about 6 months to a year depending on their use and how they are stored. For more information on extending band life read this article.
Step Seven: Pull the Bands Through the Band Slot

If your speargun has an enclosed band slot this step is very important. If your speargun has an open band slot this step can be skipped. Simply push the not inserted wishbone through the band slot and pull the band through the slot. If you have silicone spray available it can make this process easier.

Step Eight: Insert Wishbone and Tie the Band

Insert the wishbone into the end of the band using the wishbone insertion tool. The rest of this follows steps two through six, but you finish the band on the speargun. If your speargun has an open band slot you can finish the band before putting it on the speargun.

P.S. : Open and Closed Band Slots

Steps Seven and Eight invite the question why some spearguns have open band slots or closed bands slots. The simple answer is that closed band slots tend to be more structurally sound. Gun builders that are trying to make streamlined spearguns tend to stick with closed band slots.