How to Attach an Arrow Rest Properly

The arrow rest is a key component of compound bow archery. Bows are manufactured with threaded holes that fit a variety of after-market arrow rests. A properly installed rest is secure, level and stable. Attaching the arrow rest is easy and requires only a hex wrench. Selecting the rest is the difficult portion of the process because an overwhelming variety of styles are available. All of the different styles use the same bracket for attachment and are adaptable to most re-curve or compound bows.

Things You'll Need

  • Hex wrench
  • Arrows
  • Target
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the threaded hole above the grip. The hole is on the dominant side of the bow and in close alignment with the arrow shelf. Look on the right side for right-hand bows and the left for left-hand bows.

    • 2

      Hold the mounting bracket on the side of the bow and align the mounting bolt with the threaded hole. Hand tighten the bolt in the hole. Adjust the arrow rest over the arrow shelf and eyeball the alignment with the nocking point. Use a hex wrench to add tension to the bolt and hold the rest in position.

    • 3

      Place an arrow on the rest and attach the nock to the bowstring. Use a hex wrench to loosen the small bolt on the rest bracket. Adjust the position of the rest until the arrow is sitting in the rest groove. The arrow will naturally fall in the groove in an aligned position when the rest is in the proper position. Tighten the small bolt to hold the arrow rest.

    • 4

      Shoot the bow at a 10-yard target to test the rest. Monitor the position at full draw and make left or right adjustments to the rest position if it appears off center. The arrow will fly straight and without any wobble when the rest is centered.