Basic archery tools are neither expensive nor extensive, and can be a start to a money-saving hobby. (Photo by R.S. Wheaton)
February 23, 2021
By R.S. Wheaton
While basic bow maintenance tools—screwdrivers, pliers, Allen wrenches, etc.—are relatively simple and probably already on your workbench, a complete archery tool set includes a bow press, an arrow cut-off saw and an arrow fletching jig.
With these, you can complete nearly all maintenance. Here’s a quick look:
BOW PRESS A bow press is used for many bow limb, bowstring, cable and cam adjustments, and is an essential bow maintenance tool. Perhaps the most popular bow press today is the Last Chance from Last Chance Archery (lastchancearchery.com ). They have several models and packages ranging in price from $400 to $900. Specialty Archery (specialtyarch.com ) offers a flexible model that will run around $800.
CUT-OFF SAW There are several brands of saws. I prefer Apple (feradyne.com ), but whatever you choose, a high blade rpm is important and a vacuum to collect arrow dust should be considered. The Apple saw costs around $240.
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FLETCHING JIG Several good fletching jigs are on the market. I use a Bitzenburger, which has been an industry standard for many years. This jig costs less than $100, but you can do fine with a less expensive model if you fletch just a few arrows per year. Your selection should be capable of both straight and helical fletching.
If you’re handy and like to make repairs yourself, spend some time at an archery shop to learn how tools like bow presses are used. (Photo by R.S. Wheaton)
