Home Compound Workshop

Working on a compound bow requires some specialist tools which you would typically not require when working on a recurve, or most other bows.

Suggested List of Tools

The suggested minimum list of gear include:

  • Hex Keys
    Having a set of hex keys with a short head is very practical when working in confined spaces, like when setting up a rest.
    • Imperial
      Used on most US manufactured archery equipment.
    • Metric
      Used on some UK, Japanese and Korean archery equipment.
  • Torx Keys
    Torx head screws are used on some cam modules, so these would be a prerequisite if your bow uses it.
  • Bow Press
    A bow press is a vital piece of kit to do general maintenance and setup of a compound bow.
  • Draw Board
    A draw board allows you to observe the characteristics of the bow at full draw.
  • Fletching Jig
    Utilised to fletch arrows. Some of the best out there includes the OMP and Bitzenburger.
  • D-Loop Pliers
    If you intend to tie your own d-loop, d-loop pliers will be really handy.
  • Bench grip/vice
    A bench vice or multi-function bench grip is very useful to keep the bow in place while you’re working on it.
  • Grain Scale
    A grain scale is useful to weight and match the weights arrow components.
  • Bow Scale
    Used to measure the peak draw weight and holding weight of the bow.
  • Arrow Levelling & String Bubbles
    A set of bubbles to measure and set the string angle and set the arrow in reference to the string. A good quality set of bubbles is recommended.
  • Ruler(s)/Tape Measure/Tuning Guage
    Steel rulers or tape measures are very handy to measure draw length, brace height, peep heights, etc. The LCA Tuning Guage is very useful, but you’d need more than just it.
  • Paper Tuning Frame
    Keeps the paper in place in front of the butt to allow you to evaluate the flight of the arrows out of the bow.
  • Arrow stop/Target Butt
    If you don’t have outdoor space to shoot, it is very handy to have a safe space, like in a shed, where you can shoot your bow a short distance. This is especially useful when paper tuning.
  • Miscellaneous Screw Drivers
    Both flat and Philips point screwdrivers are handy to include in your kit.

Optional Tools

The “nice to have” list of archery tools and workshop include:

  • Third Axis Level
    This is a very handy tool if you’re going to shoot field or 3D. It’s used to ensure that your sight doesn’t deviate left or right as you change the elevation you’re aiming at.
  • Arrow Roller
    Used for checking the straightness on built arrows and arrow shafts.
  • Arrow Saw
    If you do not order your arrow shafts cut to length, you can use your own for cutting allow shafts to length.
  • String Separator
    Handy for inserting and moving a peep in the string.
  • Serving Jig
    Allows you to fix and replace serving on the strings and cables. This would save either buying new strings, or having the cables served by a pro shop.