Page 2 of 3 - Archery Tools

What Are Archery Tools?

Archery tools are unique tools that assist in working on bows, arrows, strings, and accessories. They are helpful tools for installation, tuning, measuring, and maintenance of bows and accessories, and they make sure that every shot you take is done utilizing properly dialed-in gear.

Here are examples of tools, but there are many more:

• Bow press and string splitter
• Arrow saw and fletching jig
• Nocking pliers and crimp tools
• T-Squares, bow scales, and spine testers
• Sets of Allen wrenches to adjust cams and rests

Whether you are building arrows or tweaking the cam timing on your bow, these tools are a great way to achieve the level of control, precision, and accuracy demanded by serious archers.

Common DIY Archery Tools

The tools available to you as an archer are designed with specific purposes in mind to offer precision, control, and efficiency when setting up and/or maintaining your bow and arrows. Each of these tools has an intended purpose, and they help you to make the changes or repairs consistently and accurately.

Here's how some of the tools you will commonly find will work for you:

• Bow presses operate by safely compressing the limbs of the composite bow so you can adjust the strings and cams or replace cables.
• Nocking pliers will crimp the metal nock points onto the string at the desired position.
• Fletching jigs hold arrow shafts to allow you to glue vanes at consistent angles.
• Bow squares and draw weight scales are used to measure poundage and to set nocking points accurately.
• Allen wrenches can be used to adjust sights, arrow rests, stabilizers, or limb bolts across most bow platforms.
• String wax is used to help protect and prolong the life of your bowstring to minimize fraying and moisture damage.

Using the appropriate tool for each specific task will help ensure that every component is adjusted and aligned properly and that everything is set properly to optimize arrow flight, provide the greatest level of safety, and make your shooting experience more enjoyable.

Choosing the Right Archery Tools

When you're establishing your toolkit, it's important to consider your setup as well as your shooting objectives.

• Target shooters tend to rely on some pretty detailed tuning aids like levels and chronographs.
• Bowhunters tend to want compact and portable tools that may do double duty for on-site adjustments.
• Compound shooters will find bow presses, draw length gauges, and cam alignment tools useful.
• Arrow builders will need fletching jigs, glue, and cutters.

Regardless of whether you're setting up, tuning, or just making sure the equipment is all tight, archery tools enable you to take full control of your equipment.