How to String Nunchaku

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 Basic 2 Rope Method of Stringing Nunchaku

Custom Nunchaku Restring

This article teaches the 2 string method on how to string nunchaku.  As we sell more and more of our nunchaku we have found that many martial artist do not know how to fix and or re-tie their nunchaku.

Let us first state some facts before getting into how to tie nunchaku..  Just like your martial arts moves, there are many ways to arrive at the end.  In other words, there is no one right way to tie them.  A far as how to string nunchaku, some ways are better than others and some ways of stringing nunchaku require the correct rope and or nunchaku.  Many methods you may find are partly for show while others are for function.  The one thing that we have found is that there is no information on the internet  that shows how to tie them well.  This brings us to this lesson of nunchaku stringing.  The method below for tying nunchaku is the “two rope” method taught to me by my instructors many years ago.  Our style is Northern Boxing Style Kung fu requiring a short 3 inch rope length between the nunchaku.  You will find that different martial arts styles require other lengths depending on the applications.  Rope lengths will always wind up being a personal preference for each user.

restring tools 1
restring tools 1
  • Bell Wire
  • wire snips
  • small flat head screw driver
  • sissors
  • plyers
  • at least 3 ft of rope

The secret is in the bell wire tool.  It needs to be thin enough to fit through the last stage but thick enough to last through the process.  Almost any hardware store will sell this in small spools.  All the other tools you can find around the house.  The photos below show how to make your tool which can be used a number of times.

Cut about 12 inches of wire and fold in the middle making a half moon.
Cut about 12 inches of wire and fold in the middle making a half moo
bend the ends
bend the ends
Trim if needed.
Trim if needed.
Finished re-string nunchaku tool
Finished re-string nunchaku tool

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next is the stringing of the nunchaku. It is important to have a flat table that you can lay the nunchaku out on. This will help keep things organized as you go through the process.

Lay flat head to head
insert tool
insert tool
pull enough to thread your rope
pull enough to thread your rope
make sure rope is even, pull through.
make sure rope is even, pull through.
pull though, re check your even lengths.
pull though, re check your even lengths.
Use the tool to thread to the other side.
Use the tool to thread to the other side.
Continue and pull
Continue and pull
next using the opposite end of the tool...
next using the opposite end of the tool…
Feed tool through top.
Feed tool through top.
Pull the open ends through the loop.
Pull the open ends through the loop.
Holding the open ends, pull out the slack.
Holding the open ends, pull out the slack.
Pull...
Pull…
pull...
pull…
Pull until all slack is out.
Pull until all slack is out.
Insert rounded end of tool into other nunchaku.
Insert rounded end of tool into other nunchaku.
Attach the first string
Attach the first string
Pull back through.
Pull back through.
Then continue to pull it through the other side.
Then continue to pull it through the other side.
Repeat process pulling the other string through.
Repeat process pulling the other string through.
Pull the second open string through.
Pull the second open string through.
Start of last section
Start of last section

The last section: How to String Nunchaku

At this point you should have exactly what is pictured above.  If you don’t,  you should start over.  The beauty of this method is that you have not cut anything yet, so using the same string can be done.  You want to make sure you have even lengths of rope at this point and that you have a bout 1 1/2″ of rope between the two nunchaku with no slack or kinks.

Lay ropes on opposite sides, and push round end of tool through top.
Lay ropes on opposite sides, and push round end of tool through top.
Pull one of the rope ends through.
Pull one of the rope ends through.
Lay to the right side.
Lay to the right side.
Use tool again to pull remaining string.
Use tool again to pull remaining string.
Pull through and lay on left side.
Pull through and lay on left side.
*Important* Rotate top nunchaku and wrap open strings around the string between the nunchaku.
*Important* Rotate top nunchaku and wrap open strings around the string between the nunchaku.
Tie the open ends to a double knot. "box knot"
Tie the open ends to a double knot. “box knot”
Distance check.
Distance check.

Rope Lengths

At this point you are ready to size and cut your rope.  Where you put the knot will determine how much rope you have between the nunchaku.

Using the line tool, tighten your knot.
Using the line tool, tighten your knot.
Cut off your extra rope leaving some extra before the knot.
Cut off your extra rope leaving some extra before the knot.
Cut knot with some extra.
Cut knot with some extra.
Using the lighter heat the frayed edges to seal the cut cord.
Using the lighter heat the frayed edges to seal the cut cord.
Use the pliers to compress the knot while still hot.
Use the pliers to compress the knot while still hot.
pull the knot tight to the top of the nunchaku. You can use the pliers and or screwdriver to press it in farther.
using the small Philips head, draw back the knot.
restring41
how to string nuncahku
pull the knot tight to the top of the nunchaku. You can use the pliers and or screwdriver to press it in farther. pull the knot tight to the top of the nunchaku. You can use the pliers and or screwdriver to press it in farther.
How to String Nunchaku
How to String Nunchaku

That concludes the stringing process.  Only forty some odd steps.  If you are asking yourself “This doesn’t seem like fun”, it’s not.  This is something we do as a bonus for our customers.  As we stated before their are other ways to string nunchaku.  we have found this is the easiest, safest and most practical way to do the stringing.  Keep in mind, the thicker the rope, the harder each step is to complete.  If the rope is too thick, the last steps can be very challenging.

Thank you for taking the time to read our stringing guide and don’t forget to stop by the shop as we are always releasing new nunchaku made from hardwoods, all 100% American.

Sapele Nunchaku

Sapele Nunchaku

Sapele Nunchaku
Straight Octagon
Approx.: 10.5oz
Made in USA

$47.00
Shop now

4 thoughts on “How to String Nunchaku”

  1. Great article, thanks. What changes for the three-string method?

    I’m a student of a friend of yours and recently picked up a pair of your nunchaku. They’re great but I might have to shorten the string or re-do it if I can’t get it to work. So far I was able to pull out the knot on either end, tie it off a little shorter, burn the ends and then re-situate all the strings so they’re even. It’s a little better, but it would be good to know for the future.

    Thanks much!

    • Just like all the different styles of martial arts, everyone prefers different rope lengths from down to 1″ all the way up to 8″ for nunchaku. We have found that 4″ is the best length to suit the majority of people. For our own sanity, we string them all at 4″ unless otherwise requested.
      The three stringed method for tying nunchaku is totally different than the two string. Most places use glue to do a similar three rope method which has some extra rope. Our Three string method is a set size and there is no extra rope once strung. We posted the two rope re-string method as it is the simplest to do and demonstrate. I would advise not trying to use the same rope to change the spacing. It’s always easier and safer to just start over.

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