How to Adjust the Height of an Arrow Rest on a Bow

Unlike fixed-limb bows -- which have a fixed arrow rest built into the sight window in the riser -- many compound bows are equipped with an adjustable arrow rest. An improperly adjusted arrow rest causes the arrow to fly off target, resulting in the arrow hitting either too high or too low. In order for the arrow to obtain a proper trajectory, the arrow rest must be perfectly aligned with the arrow's nocking point on the bowstring.

Things You'll Need

  • Bow square
  • Screwdriver
  • Hex-head key
  • Thread sealer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the bow on a flat surface, with the sight widow of the bow facing up.

    • 2

      Snap the clips of a bow square to the bowstring; run the arm of the square through the sight window. Slide the square along the bowstring. Align the center mark of the square with the nocking point on the bowstring.

    • 3

      Loosen the adjustment screw on the arrow rest with a screwdriver or hex-head key. Some arrow rests feature an adjustment knob on the side of the rest that must be turned with your fingers.

    • 4

      Tap the arm of the arrow rest with your finger. This aligns the cradle in the arm of the arrow rest with the bottom of the arm of the bow square.

    • 5

      Tighten the adjustment screw on the rest. Apply a drop of thread sealer to the threads of the screw; this locks the screw in place.