How to Attach a Bow Sling – Quick & Easy Guide

If you’ve ever dropped your bow after a shot or struggled to keep it steady while climbing into a treestand, a bow sling can eliminate that frustration. Learning how to attach a bow sling properly ensures your bow stays secure, improves your shooting form by eliminating grip tension, and frees your hands when you need them most for climbing, retrieving arrows, or handling game.

This guide covers every mounting method, from the standard front stabilizer bushing to magnetic locking systems, so you can install your sling confidently regardless of your bow model.

Identify Your Bow’s Mounting Point

Standard Front Stabilizer Bushing

The bottom of the riser, just below the grip, is the most common and secure attachment point for bow slings. This location uses the same 5/16″-24 threaded bushing that accepts front stabilizers, making it universal across nearly all modern compound and recurve bows from brands like Mathews, Hoyt, PSE, Bear, and Diamond.

This mounting method offers several advantages:

• Universal compatibility with 95% of bows on the market
• Clean mounting that works with or without a stabilizer
• Optimal alignment that positions the sling directly under the hand for natural roll-back

Pro Tip: If you already have a front stabilizer installed, you can use a tandem mounting method to attach the sling alongside it.

PSE Riser Bolt System

Some PSE models and similar bows use a horizontal mounting bolt across the front of the riser instead of a threaded bushing. To attach a sling to this system:

1. Locate the front bolt with two nuts on the riser
2. Remove one nut to expose the bolt shaft
3. Slide the sling loop over the exposed shaft
4. Reattach the nut to lock the sling in place
5. Ensure the sling faces rearward, aligned with your hand’s natural exit path

Warning: Do not overtighten the nut. Overtightening can damage the riser or strip the threads.

Magnetic Quiver Mount Options

Advanced slings like My Sling-a-Ling offer magnetic locking systems that mount into the empty lower quiver bushing. This option works well for:

• Keeping the sling completely clear during shooting
• Tool-free installation using the Velcro strap version
• Bows with quivers mounted higher or removed entirely

This method requires an empty lower quiver bushing but eliminates any chance of the sling interfering with your sight window during aiming.

Gather Essential Hardware

Before starting your installation, collect the necessary components for a secure attachment.

Required Materials

• 5/16″-24 Hex Bolt: The standard thread size for front stabilizer bushings; get one with 0.75 to 1 inch length from any hardware store
• Flat Washer: Prevents the bolt head from tearing through soft sling materials like leather or fabric
• Thread Locker (Blue Loctite): Prevents the bolt from loosening due to shooting vibration
• Sling Bracket or Loop: Anchors your sling material to the bolt; often included with commercial slings

User Insight: “I bought a chrome hex bolt and flat washer from the hardware store. The washer keeps the leather from splitting at the attachment point.” — florinandrei

Optional DIY Materials

If you’re making your own sling, these materials work well:

• Paracord (550 lb test) for strength and durability
• Leather strips or old belts for a classic look
• Nylon webbing for abrasion resistance
• Bootlaces or shoelaces for temporary setups

Install Your Sling

Tandem Method: With a Stabilizer

Use this method when you want both a stabilizer and a sling mounted together.

1. Remove the stabilizer rod from the riser
2. Slide the sling bracket onto the stabilizer’s mounting bolt
3. Reassemble in order from bottom up: stabilizer rod, sling bracket, flat washer, hex bolt
4. Insert the assembly into the front stabilizer bushing
5. Tighten securely with a wrench
6. Check that the sling doesn’t block the arrow flight or sight window

Success Check: The stabilizer should not restrict the sling’s movement. Test by pulling the bow back and letting it roll forward naturally.

Direct Mount: Without a Stabilizer

For minimalist setups or youth bows, mount the sling directly to the bushing.

1. Cut your sling material to 18–24 inches long
2. Reinforce one end with a grommet, rivet, or metal ring
3. Place a flat washer over the 5/16″-24 bolt
4. Thread the bolt through the reinforced loop
5. Insert into the front bushing and tighten securely
6. Adjust length so the loop sits at the base of your thumb when your hand is relaxed

DIY Option: Use an old belt, backpack strap, or shoelace for a quick temporary sling.

Magnetic System Setup

For My Sling-a-Ling or similar magnetic slings:

1. Attach the main sling to the front stabilizer bushing using the standard method
2. Install the Sling Lock hardware into the empty lower quiver bushing
3. Slide the magnetic sleeve onto the top loop
4. Adjust tension so the magnet locks the sling out of the way during aiming
5. Test engagement by rolling the bow back; if it repels, flip the magnet 180° inside the sleeve

Pro Tip: Align magnets so they snap together instantly when the bow rolls back.

Adjust for Zero Hand Pressure

Proper adjustment is critical. A poorly adjusted sling introduces torque that directly harms your accuracy.

Why Tension Matters

The sling should only engage after the shot, when your hand relaxes and the bow rolls backward. During the draw and hold, the sling must apply zero pressure on your hand.

Adjustment Steps

1. Place your hand in the grip while the bow is unstrung
2. The loop should lightly touch or float near the base of your thumb
3. You should feel no pressure during a full draw
4. Perform a dry fire and observe: does the bow roll back freely without jerking?
5. Fine-tune the length until the motion feels smooth

Critical Rule: Never set the sling tight. Any pressure creates torque that ruins arrow flight.

Material-Specific Behavior

After confirming proper fit, trim excess material, burn the ends with a lighter, and seal with fray-check.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Top Errors and Fixes

Quick Fix: If the sling swings into the sight window, shorten the magnetic sleeve or reposition the top anchor.

Choose the Right Commercial Sling

My Sling-a-Ling Models Compared

Both models are one-size-fits-all, handmade in the USA, and come with a 100% money-back guarantee.

Popular Color Options

• BLACK (0202)
• CAMO (2626)
• SIBERIAN CAMO (2828)
• BLACK & OLIVE DRAB (0207)
• STARS & STRIPES (33)

Custom two-color braids are available for $5 extra.

Add Pack Rats for Backpack Use

Pack Rats are stretch-cord clips that secure your sling to backpack straps, preventing it from sliding off your shoulder during movement.

• Stops sling from sliding off during backcountry hunting
• Works for rifle slings, hydration tubes, and gear tethers
• Sold in 2-packs for $10.95
• Included in Universal Kit

Maintain Long-Term Reliability

Routine Care Checklist

• Inspect monthly for fraying, wear, or loose hardware
• Clean with mild soap and air dry; avoid machine washing
• Re-tighten the bolt every few weeks, especially after break-in
• Check magnet strength annually; replace if weak
• Condition leather slings to prevent cracking

Survival Bonus: A 550-lb paracord sling unravels into over 300 feet of emergency cordage.

Troubleshoot Fast

Key Takeaways for Attaching Your Bow Sling

Attaching a bow sling correctly transforms your shooting experience. The 5/16″-24 front bushing is your universal anchor point, and with the right bolt, washer, and adjustment, installation takes under 30 minutes.

Whether you build a DIY paracord sling, use a PSE bolt-loop system, or install a magnetic My Sling-a-Ling, success comes down to three things: correct hardware selection, zero hand pressure during the hold phase, and full clearance from all bow components.

A well-installed sling prevents drops, enhances accuracy by eliminating grip torque, and keeps you ready for anything from tracking game to navigating rough terrain. Once you go hands-free, you will never go back.

Frequently Asked Questions About Attaching a Bow Sling

What thread size is standard for bow sling mounting?

The standard thread size is 5/16″-24, which fits the front stabilizer bushing found on nearly all modern compound and recurve bows.

Can I use a bow sling while hunting?

Yes. Bow slings are popular among hunters for hands-free carry while climbing, glassing for game, or navigating terrain. They also prevent accidental drops in the field.

Will a bow sling affect my accuracy?

Only if adjusted incorrectly. A properly adjusted sling applies zero pressure during the hold phase and only engages after the shot. If too tight, it creates torque that harms accuracy.

How long does installation take?

Most installations take under 30 minutes, including adjustment. Direct mount without a stabilizer is typically faster than tandem stabilizer setups.

Can I make my own bow sling?

Yes. Many archers use paracord, leather strips, or old belts with a 5/16″-24 hex bolt and washer from a hardware store. Reinforce attachment points with grommets or metal rings.

Do I need a stabilizer to use a bow sling?

No. You can mount the sling directly to the front stabilizer bushing using a hex bolt. Tandem mounting works if you want both a stabilizer and sling.