How To Install A Peep Sight Without A Bow Press

Being able to maintain your archery equipment is an essential part of this activity – whether you do it for hunting or sport. There are lots of things you need to consider, and one of these is how to install a peep sight – whilst this is not an essential component of the bow by any means, it is certainly a helpful one.

In this article, we will be looking at how you can successfully install a peep sight without a bow press and why doing so could be incredibly advantageous.

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What Is A Peep Sight?

A peep sight is sometimes referred to as merely a peep, and this is used to help you with your aim. It can be attached to the bowstring on either a curve or compound bow and will allow you to ‘peep’ through to your target.

The addition of this aid is excellent for ensuring that your line of sight between you, the bow and the target is precise. In turn, you will have a far clearer idea of where your arrow will end up.

How To Install A Peep Sight

Installing a peep sight without a bow press is entirely possible, but you must follow a specific set of instructions to ensure that the process is completed correctly.

First Steps

Before you begin, there are some things you should keep in mind, the first being that you will need to seat the bowstrings. You can do this by launching a series of arrows; you should aim to launch around twenty, but if you can do more then this will make the strings even more stretched and seated, which is what we are aiming for here. Omitting this step will result in the peep sight twisting when you install it, and this can prove disastrous.

Once this step is complete, you can then decide where you would like to install the peep sight.

You will need another person to help you with this part as getting it spot on is essential. Get into a comfortable position and bring the bow to full draw – do this with your eyes closed and when you are properly anchored, open the eye that you would typically use. Wherever you find yourself looking will be where the peep sight needs to be installed. Your aide can then mark this spot in preparation.

Installing The Peep Sight

Since we will not be using a bow press for this installation, you must find other tools to help with the job. One such tool that is indispensable for this operation is a bow splitter.

There are several excellent bow splitters on the market, and you can easily pick on up from either a local supplier or an online store. However, if you do not want to do this, you may use something that you already have such as a piece of plastic – if you are going to do this, you must make sure that:

• The plastic is not sharp around the edges and will not damage the strings.
• The piece of plastic is wide enough to keep the strings apart and for the peep sight to fit through.

You are now ready to split the strings, and this should be done at the top centre of the bow, where your mark is. Working in this area will help you to make sure that the peep sight will not twist as you draw the bow later on.

You should also be mindful not to damage the strings when you split them; you do not want to separate the fibres – only the strings. Before splitting, make sure that the D loop is straight out and then divide the strings so that they are equal on both sides of your bow splitter or piece of plastic. Once you are satisfied that they are indeed equal, you can twist the tool to 90º to keep them apart whilst you insert the peep sight. With the device twisted, you should be confronted with a long diamond shape where the peep will fit.

It is also essential to check that this diamond shape is in line with the D loop, it may be frustrating to find that it isn’t since this will mean you will have to split the strings again. However, it is better to get it right now than to have to make adjustments later down the line.

As you insert the peep sight, you will twist the bow splitter allowing the strings to fall into line with the grooves of the peep. Take your time doing this and be sure that the angle of the peep is correct. It may surprise you to learn that the peep won’t be straight and will sit at an angle – this is because of the way that the strings fit into its grooves and is normal.

When it comes to using the peep, the draw of the bow will twist it into a straighter position for you to be able to look through.

Checking The Sight

Once you have installed the peep sight, you must check that it is in the correct position and you can do this by testing the bow at full draw. This would be an essential step even if you marked the area, to begin with.

If it has moved slightly off, you can employ the help of your friend once again who can gently slide the peep up and down while you hold the bow in full draw.

Conclusion

Many people might take their bow to a bow shop to have a peep sight installed by a professional who uses a bow press, but it is possible to do this without this piece of equipment.

You can install your peep at home by marking out the area and using a bow splitter, saving you both time and money.