How To Install a Peep Sight Without a Bow Press

Installing a peep sight on your compound bow without a bow press is very simple, if you follow these simple procedures.

Keep In Mind You Do Not Need To Use a Peep Sight

If you choose not to use one then you will need to develop a way to look through your sight consistently every time. Without a peep sight your head can be out of alignment just a little and you are not going to know it.

One of the things you can do if you don’t use a peep is choose to use a kisser button. This will help ensure you are coming to the same anchor point every time.

Personally I like using a peep sight. It takes a lot of the guesswork out and lets me know that I’m going to be aiming the exact same way at full draw every time.

If you like to hunt with your bow you’ll want a larger opening size peep like a 3/16” or even a larger ¼” peep. The larger opening allows more light into the peep.

This is because early morning or late evening is the time of day you most likely are usually in the woods. Target only archers prefer a 1/16” peep for maximum accuracy since they are on a range and have lots of lighting.

Ideally you will want to look through the peep sight and perfectly frame that scope that is on your sight. The main thing is to know that when you draw back and take aim that your arrow is going exactly where you want it to. If just beginning I think installing a ¼” peep sight is a great place to start. 

The following content in this segment is how to install a peep sight that will help with your accuracy and consistent grouping in your arrow clusters.

Do This Before Installing Your Peep Sight

Before you put your peep sight in the bow string you will want to make sure the string is stretched and seated to prevent twisting of the peep sight later on. To do this go to your target and make sure you launch at least 20 arrows without the peep sight installed. This seats the string so the peep won’t rotate. Do more than 20 if possible and don’t worry too much about accuracy. You just want to seat the string.

You should take your bow down in poundage as much as you can to release tension on the string. It makes it easier to separate the string. It’s not a requirement to take your compound bow down in poundage which releases string tension, but it is recommended for ease of installation moving forward.

We’ve written this article to help you understand how to properly adjust your bow poundage up and down using the limb bolts http://archerysupport.com/draw-weight-adjustment-on-a-compound-bow-fastest-and-easiest-way-at-home/

If you do take your bow down in poundage be careful as you back out your limb bolts as not to go beyond the lowest poundage your bow is designed to handle. Check to ensure you have more than the minimum required threads attaching each limb to the riser so you won’t damage the bow. You can damage your bow if a limb separates from the riser while under tension.    Once the tension is low then simply split the string and install like the above video shows or just continue reading and you will learn how. 

How To Use a Bow String Splitter

You will need a string splitter that will separate the string strands and you can either purchase one or use something similar that’s not sharp on the edges. Something like a strong piece of plastic that’s wide enough so when twisted sideways will allow the peep sight to fit inside the string. 

Be cautious not to harm the bow string by cutting or fraying the string fibers. We are splitting the strands and not the fibers. We want to be careful and not split the main fibers because this can cause damage to the string and actually weaken it. Before you use your splitting tool and actually make the equal split of strands, take a look at your D-loop and ensure it’s straight out.

At this point when you split the string strands apart you will be directly in the top center of the bow string. Being on the top center of your bowstring will ensure the peep sight won’t be twisted when you later draw the bow string back using the D-loop. When separating the bow string you only want to equally separate the strands and not split the strands. Once you separate the main strands equally on each side of your tool you will want to twist the tool ninety degrees in order to form an elongated diamond shape. Now it’s time to insert the peep.

In this quick video you can see how install your peep sight and do it without a bow press:

Make Sure The D-loop Is In The Correct Position

At this time you should double check to make sure the D-loop is in alignment with the elongated diamond shaped opening. If it’s off you should remove the string separation tool a try again until you get it correct. Doing this will save the trouble of needing to adjust your peep sight later on. 

Place your peep inside the opening and twist your separator allowing the grooves in the peep to accept the strands of string on each side. Go slow and hold the peep steady as the strands collapse on either side of the peep sight. The sight will be at an angle which is natural to the grooves in the peep sight. This is how it’s supposed to be when properly installed. 

When you pull back your bow string the peep sight will naturally tilt in the string and flatten out so you can see through it perfectly to look through your pins toward the target. 

Now that your peep sight is inside the string it’s time to go to full draw position and see where you need to slide the sight in the string so your eye looks perfectly through it and into your sight scope and pins. You may need to do this several times if alone but if you have someone with you then have them slide the peep up or down as you are in full draw position. 

That’s all there is to it. Although the procedures should be followed closely it is fairly easy to do. The main point to keep in mind for safety and use of equipment is to not fray the bow string. When you split the string it’s easy to damage a fiber. If you use a splitting tool or something made of plastic or metal that doesn’t have sharp or burred edges you won’t have this problem.

If for some reason you have installed a peep sight and it has rotated then now worries. We’ve made a great article that will explain why this happened and how you can fix and prevent it from ever happening again. Here is that article: http://archerysupport.com/can-peep-sight-rotation-be-fixed-4-easy-methods-that-work/

Lets get out and have some fun with our bows. Archery is an amazing sport and one that will only get better as time progresses.