How to Put a Sight on a Bow Without Stripping the Threads

The Short Version

• Line up the bracket holes with the threaded holes on the outside of your riser (the central bow handle).
• Start each mounting bolt with your fingers for two full turns to prevent cross-threading (forcing a screw in crooked).
• Snug both bolts down evenly using an Allen wrench (an L-shaped hex key tool) without overtightening.
• Check that your sight pins sit square to the arrow rest and confirm the bubble level rests centered before shooting.

Tools and Parts to Gather Before You Start

Mounting an archery sight takes only a few minutes when you have the right gear ready. Using the wrong size wrench can round out screw heads and turn a simple task into a frustrating repair.

• Standard hex keys: Most compound bows use standard American hex sizes. An Allen wrench (an L-shaped hex key tool) in 7/64, 1/8, or 9/64 inch is common for mounting bolts. Make sure the key fits deep into the bolt head without slipping.
• Two mounting bolts: Sights include two matching steel bolts, usually 10-24 thread pitch. Check the threads for metal burrs or paint before installing.
• The sight bracket assembly: This includes the mounting plate, any extension arms, and the front housing holding your pins.
• Blue thread-locking fluid: Bow vibration loosens hardware over time. A single drop of removable blue threadlocker keeps screws secure. Avoid permanent red threadlocker.
• A padded surface or bow stand: Rest your bow on a soft mat or secure it in a portable vise to protect the finish while working.

The mounting bolts are steel, while the riser (the central bow handle) is machined aluminum. Aluminum is much softer than steel. Forcing a steel screw into aluminum at an angle will tear the softer threads out instantly. Working carefully by hand protects the bow handle from permanent damage.

Finding the Sight Mounting Holes on Your Bow Riser

Look at the sight window on your bow, which is the cutout section directly above the arrow shelf. Along the flat side of that window, you will find threaded holes drilled into the riser. Modern bows follow standard AMO spacing, placing two threaded holes 1.312 inches apart. This standard ensures almost every modern sight bracket fits your bow handle directly.

The mounting side depends on which hand you use to shoot. If you shoot right-handed, you hold the bow grip in your left hand and pull the string with your right. In that setup, the sight bracket bolts onto the right side of the riser, facing away from you toward the target. For a left-handed bow, the bracket mounts on the left side. The sight pins always point back toward your eye while the housing extends toward the target.

Many risers, including options among the best bow sight for Mathews bows, feature four or six threaded holes stacked vertically. These extra holes let you set the bracket higher or lower to match your anchor point. They also leave open holes to mount a bow quiver alongside your sight.

How to Bolt the Sight to the Riser Step by Step

Follow these steps to mount the sight securely without damaging the aluminum riser threads.

1. Inspect the threads: Look into the riser holes with a flashlight. Clear away any factory paint, dust, or metal shavings with a clean cotton swab so the bolts turn freely.
2. Position the bracket: Place the sight bracket against the riser and align its mounting slots with the threaded holes that match your eye level. Hold the bracket flat against the handle with one hand.
3. Start the top bolt by hand: Insert one bolt through the bracket into the top hole. Turn it backward slightly until you feel a faint click into the thread groove, then spin it clockwise two full turns using your fingertips. If you feel resistance, back it out and realign it to prevent cross-threading (forcing a screw in crooked).
4. Start the bottom bolt by hand: Thread the second bolt into the lower hole using your fingers. Keep both bolts slightly loose so the bracket can still shift on the riser.
5. Snug the bolts evenly: Insert the short end of your Allen wrench into each bolt and turn until the heads touch the bracket. Alternate between the screws, tightening each a half turn at a time so the plate seats flat.
6. Apply firm final tension: Give each bolt a final quarter-turn using the wrench. Stop as soon as you feel firm resistance. Do not lean your body weight into the tool.

Setting Your Starting Bracket Distance and Elevation

After bolting the bracket down, establish a solid baseline position before shooting. Your sight includes windage (left-to-right adjustment) and elevation (up-and-down adjustment) controls. Some models also feature an extension bar that slides forward and backward.

If your sight has an extension bar, start by locking it in the middle of its track. Mounting the sight further forward extends your sight radius, which helps reveal small aiming errors. Pulling the sight closer makes the pins appear brighter and makes it easier to center the circular housing inside your peep sight. Starting in the middle lets you test both benefits later.

Next, center the elevation bracket in the middle of its vertical track. Loosen the vertical locking screw, slide the housing until it rests halfway between the top and bottom travel limits, and lock it down. This gives you plenty of travel room to move the pins higher or lower when sighting in. Once your bracket is secure, learning how to use a bow sight will help you group your arrows accurately.

Leveling the Sight Bubble for Straight Shots

Most bow sights feature a small bubble level mounted at the bottom of the pin housing. This level ensures your bow stands straight at full draw. If the bow leans left or right, your arrows will drift in that direction downrange.

• Hold the bow upright: Rest the bow in a vise or against a plumb door frame so the riser stands vertically.
• Check the sight bubble: Look at the level at the bottom of the pin ring. The bubble should sit centered between the lines while the bow handle stays plumb.
• Loosen the adjustment screws: Loosen the screws holding the pin housing to the mounting arm just enough so the ring can rotate under gentle pressure.
• Align the bubble: Rotate the housing until the bubble rests centered between the indicator lines.
• Tighten the screws: Hold the housing steady and tighten the screws firmly so the housing cannot slip during shooting.

Aligning the level before shooting prevents left and right misses. When your bubble reads level at full draw, your pins point true.

Costly Mounting Mistakes and How to Spot Them

Installing a bow sight is straightforward, but small mistakes can damage your bow or ruin your accuracy. Knowing what to watch for helps you avoid trouble.

The most expensive mistake is cross-threading a steel bolt into the soft aluminum riser. A properly aligned screw turns easily by hand for the first few turns. If a bolt binds after half a turn, stop right away. Forcing a tight screw with an Allen wrench strips the aluminum threads, leaving a loose hole that cannot hold a bolt.

Another common error is mounting the bracket backward or upside down. If the pins point toward your face or the sight housing blocks the string path, remove the bracket and flip it. The pins should always face toward you while the housing extends toward the target.

Watch out for mounting bolts that are too long. Some risers have shallow blind holes, or the holes pass near the arrow rest bracket. Long screws can bottom out inside the hole or strike nearby accessories. When a bolt bottoms out, it stops turning before it clamps the sight down, leaving the bracket loose.

Never skip vibration checks. Every shot creates vibration that can loosen hardware. A small drop of blue threadlocker prevents mounting bolts from backing out after dozens of shots. If you hear a faint rattle during a shot, inspect your mounting bolts immediately.

Choosing the Right Bow Sight for Your Setup

When selecting a sight for your bow, matching the sight design to your shooting style makes mounting and tuning much simpler. Most models fall into two main categories: fixed multi-pin sights and single-pin slider sights.

Fixed multi-pin sights offer several aiming points set at specific distances, such as twenty, thirty, and forty yards. They mount close to the bow handle with a compact bracket, making them durable and easy to handle in brush. If you hunt from elevated tree stands, choosing the best bow sight for treestand hunting provides the wide field of view and bright pins needed for steep shooting angles.

Single-pin slider sights use a movable dial to adjust one pin for exact distances. They provide a clear sight picture, but require clearance on the side of the riser for the adjustment wheel. Before buying, verify that the sight uses standard AMO mounting spacing, includes a built-in bubble level, and provides micro-adjust knobs for easy windage and elevation tuning.

1

Aolamegs Extended Range Archery Sight Tape, Sight from 20 to

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  7.4
• Brand
  Aolamegs

Key specs2

Yardage Range

20 to 120 yards

Target Application

Designed for archers using single-pin or slider sights who need clear calibration marks across long distances.

Pros & cons33

Pros

• Covers yardage markings from 20 to 120 yards for extended range targeting
• Includes a calibration scale to help match arrow trajectory to the correct tape
• Serves as a dedicated adjustment tool for setting precise reference marks

Cons

• Only functions as an adhesive scale, requiring a compatible slider sight bracket
• Weather resistance and adhesive durability are not specified by the manufacturer
• Requires careful arrow flight calibration rather than offering pre-set yardage pins

2

KTGCOZS Pack of 1 Compound Bow Sights 1Pins Sight 4X

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  KTGCOZS

Key specs2

Included Lens Set

4X, 6X, and 8X magnification options

Aiming Configuration

Uses a clean single-pin aperture paired with interchangeable magnification lenses for target clarification.

Pros & cons33

Pros

• Single-pin layout offers an uncluttered sight picture across varying distances
• Bundles 4X, 6X, and 8X lens options within the set for target magnification
• Suitable for both hunting setups and target archery disciplines

Cons

• High-power lenses like 8X require steady form to avoid excessive target movement
• Thread pitch and mounting screw hardware are not detailed in the listing
• Single-pin configuration requires manual adjustment when target distances change

3

SOPOGER 5 Pin Bow Sight for Compound Bow .019” Fiber

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  SOPOGER

Key specs2

Pin Size and Count

5 pins with 0.019-inch fiber optics

Adjustment Method

Equipped with dedicated knobs for adjusting elevation and windage without separate wrenches.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Five 0.019-inch fiber optic pins provide multiple fixed aiming references
• Tool-free adjustment knobs allow straightforward windage and elevation tuning
• Compatible with compound bows and adaptable for recurve setups
• Bright fiber optics aid pin visibility during practice and hunting

Cons

• Right-handed orientation prevents mounting on left-handed bow risers
• Tool-free knobs must be inspected periodically to ensure screws stay tight
• Multiple pins can crowd the sight window for archers preferring an open view

4

Upgraded SOOHUPET 6 Inch Archery Recurve Bow Sight Accessories T

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  SOOHUPET

Key specs2

Extension Length

6-inch sight bar

Sight Structure

T-shaped extension frame designed to extend the sight pin forward on recurve target bows.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• 6-inch extension arm provides an extended sight radius for target practice
• T-shape bracket design offers stable attachment to recurve bow risers
• Integrated optical fiber pin improves aimpoint contrast against target faces
• Adjustable frame accommodates elevation and windage position shifts

Cons

• Long 6-inch extension can snag easily during dense brush hunting
• Designed primarily for recurve bows and may not suit heavy compound setups
• Mounting bolt thread specifications are not detailed in the product data

5

LWANO Rechargeable Archery Sight Light, 3 Brightness Levels Bow Sight

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• Brand
  LWANO

Key specs2

Brightness Settings

3 selectable output levels

Power Source

Rechargeable internal battery system that avoids disposable button cell replacements.

Pros & cons33

Pros

• Rechargeable battery design eliminates the ongoing expense of coin cells
• Three selectable brightness levels let you match ambient lighting conditions
• Compact illumination unit mounts directly onto compatible bow sight housings

Cons

• Sight housing thread size and pitch are not specified in the listing
• Illumination battery runtime per charge is not published by the maker
• Functions strictly as a light source and requires an existing sight frame

6

Trophy Ridge Drive Slider Bow Sight , Black

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  Trophy Ridge

Key specs2

Adjustment Style

Smooth elevation slider

Sight Layout

Single-pin slider design from Trophy Ridge that lets archers dial specific yardages without multi-pin clutter.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Slider mechanism allows precise vertical adjustments for varied yardages
• Single-pin orientation maintains an unobstructed view of the target
• Sleek black finish coordinates cleanly with modern bow risers
• Built for fast, repeatable distance changes during target and field use

Cons

• Moving slider mechanism requires regular maintenance to prevent grit buildup
• Pin diameter and fiber optic size are not specified in the product listing
• Requires shifting the slider between shots when target distances vary

7

SPG Recurve Bow Sight for Beginner - Archery Recurve Simple

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• Brand
  SPG

Key specs2

Bow Compatibility

Youth and adult traditional recurve bows

User Level

Built for beginners seeking a simple, low-weight single-pin sight for recurve practice.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Simple single-pin layout is easy for beginner archers to understand
• Fits youth and adult traditional recurve risers with standard holes
• Lightweight construction adds minimal weight to the bow handle
• Straightforward design helps novice shooters focus on basic form

Cons

• Lacks micro-click adjustment knobs, requiring manual sliding to set zero
• Minimalist hardware may lack durability under heavy, frequent practice
• Mounting screw threads should be verified against your specific riser holes

8

LWANO 5 Pin Bow Sight with Rheostat Light and Reversible

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• Brand
  LWANO

Key specs2

Mount Configuration

Reversible ambidextrous bracket

Low Light Feature

Bundles a rheostat light to brighten the five sight pins in dark blinds or at dawn.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Reversible mount design accommodates both right-handed and left-handed archers
• Includes a rheostat light to illuminate fiber pins in low light
• Five-pin setup provides distinct reference points across common hunting ranges
• Sturdy bracket secures firmly to standard compound bow riser mounts

Cons

• Multiple pins require dedicated practice to prevent picking the wrong yardage
• Pin fiber diameter is not stated in the product description
• Rheostat light battery type and life are unlisted and need verification

9

Viper Archery Micro-USB Rechargeable 3-Stage Universal Compound Bow Sight Light

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• Brand
  VIPER

Key specs2

Recharging Method

Micro-USB port with rechargeable battery

Battery Saver

Features a built-in 15-minute timer that shuts the light off automatically to preserve power.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Micro-USB rechargeable port provides convenient recharging without small batteries
• Built-in 15-minute automatic shutoff timer conserves battery life
• Three-stage brightness control allows customized pin intensity
• Universal mounting design adapts to various compound bow sight housings

Cons

• Universal adapter thread dimensions should be checked against your sight housing
• Micro-USB charging port requires keeping moisture and debris out of the seal
• 15-minute timer shuts light off automatically, requiring a tap to reactivate

10

TOPARCHERY Recurve Bow Sight Metal Archery Sights Single Pin Hunting

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• Brand
  TOPARCHERY

Key specs2

Frame Material

All-metal construction

Pin Style

Single metal pin aiming point optimized for traditional and target recurve setups.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• All-metal construction provides rigid alignment on recurve bow risers
• Single-pin aiming point provides a clear, uncluttered view for target shooting
• Finished in a durable black coating that resists glare
• Straightforward mechanical adjustment for elevation and windage

Cons

• Lacks optical fiber enhancement for boosted pin brightness in dim conditions
• Adjustment requires manual loosening of fasteners rather than micro-click knobs
• Specific mounting screw threading is not detailed in the manufacturer listing

11

AYLIFU Recurve Bow Sight Archery Single Needle Bow Sight All-Metal

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  AYLIFU

Key specs2

Riser Compatibility

Recurve and compound bow risers

Aiming Mechanism

All-metal single needle design that offers basic, durable aiming for versatile bow styles.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• All-metal build resists flexing during draw and release cycles
• Dual compatibility works with both recurve and compound bow risers
• Single-needle aiming point keeps target faces visible without pin obstruction
• Compact footprint mounts easily without adding excessive front-end weight

Cons

• Non-illuminated metal needle can be harder to spot in dim lighting
• Micro-adjustment dials are absent, requiring manual tool adjustments
• Hardware pack contents and screw thread sizes are not explicitly listed

12

TRUGLO Storm 0.019 TFO 5 Pin Ambidextrous Black Bow Sight

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  TRUGLO

Key specs2

Fiber Optic Spec

Five 0.019-inch TFO pins

Hand Orientation

Ambidextrous bracket design allows easy mounting on right-handed or left-handed bows.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Five 0.019-inch TFO pins deliver fine aimpoints that cover minimal target area
• Ambidextrous mounting design works on both left-hand and right-hand risers
• Bundled rheostat light allows fine-tuning pin brightness for changing light
• Trusted TRUGLO build quality ensures reliable mounting hole alignment

Cons

• Five pins can produce visual clutter for shooters used to a single pin
• Rheostat light uses coin-style batteries that need periodic replacement
• Windage and elevation gang adjustments require loosening standard hex screws

13

LWANO Archery Bow Maintenance Accessories Sight Light, Rechargeable LED Bow

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• Brand
  LWANO

Key specs2

Light Settings

3 brightness levels with rechargeable LED

Universal Mount Fit

Designed to thread into standard lighting ports on compound and recurve sight housings.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Built-in rechargeable LED saves money compared to replacing button batteries
• Offers three selectable output levels to match dawn, dusk, or midday shooting
• Universal fit design attaches to compound and recurve sight housings
• Compact profile adds practically no noticeable weight to the sight bracket

Cons

• Thread sizes are not itemized, requiring buyers to verify sight housing port fit
• Specific battery runtime per charge is omitted from the product specifications
• Only provides illumination and must be paired with an existing fiber pin sight

14

Trophy Ridge Fix Series Sight 5 Pin Bow Sight ,

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• Brand
  Trophy Ridge

Key specs2

Pin Adjustment

5 micro-adjustable pins with bubble level

Bracket Design

Rigid Trophy Ridge mounting frame built to align cleanly with compound bow riser holes.

Pros & cons43

Pros

• Five micro-adjustable pins provide precise calibration for multiple distances
• Fix Series bracket mounts securely to standard compound bow riser patterns
• Durable black housing protects fiber optic strands from accidental snagging
• Integrated bubble level helps eliminate bow torque before arrow release

Cons

• Micro-adjustment screws require specific hex wrenches to make field adjustments
• Additional pins can be confusing for beginners learning to pick references quickly
• Higher investment level compared to basic entry-level archery sights

Last update on 2026-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

FAQs

Which side of the bow handle does the sight bolt onto?

The sight bolts onto the side of the riser matching your shooting hand. Right-handed archers hold the bow in their left hand and bolt the sight onto the right side of the riser. Left-handed archers mount the sight onto the left side.

How tight do bow sight mounting screws need to be?

Tighten the screws until they sit flat against the bracket, then give them an extra quarter-turn with your Allen wrench. The fit should be firm and snug, but never forced. Overtightening can strip the soft aluminum threads inside the riser.

What should I do if a screw feels stiff right away?

Stop immediately and back the screw out. A stiff screw usually means it is entering crooked or caught on paint residue. Turn the screw backward until you feel it seat into the thread, then turn it clockwise using only your fingers.

Should I use thread-locking fluid on bow sight bolts?

A single drop of removable blue threadlocker helps keep bolts from loosening under bow vibration. Blue threadlocker holds the hardware firmly while still allowing removal with hand tools. Never use permanent red threadlocker on bow accessories.