Ripcord Arrow Rest Replacement Parts: What to Buy and How to Swap Them

Updated November 2026

Ripcord arrow rest replacement parts are the pieces you swap when a rest stops releasing cleanly, drifts out of tune, or wears out after a season of shooting. In this guide you will learn how to identify the worn component, match the replacement to your rest model, and install it so your arrow flight stays consistent. Most of the work takes less than an hour with basic hand tools, and the steps below apply to the common Ripcord designs that archers use on compound bows.

Before you order anything, keep in mind that Ripcord has produced several rest families over the years. The parts that fit one model may not fit another, so the first task is always identification. If you are still learning how the rest works mechanically, the overview in Ripcord Ratchet Arrow Rest: How It Works, Setup Steps and Tips explains the release action that the parts below are responsible for.

Shopping for one? See our guide: Arrow Rest for Compound Bow: 6 Best Picks Compared (2026).

Know Which Ripcord Rest You Own

Replacement parts are model-specific, so start by confirming the exact rest you have mounted. Check the body of the rest, the packaging if you still have it, and the manufacturer’s markings on the arm or base. Note the arm style, whether the rest uses a cable-driven or ratchet-style release, and whether the arrow support is a single flipper or a multi-element design.

Write the model name and any serial or date stamp down before you shop. Sellers listing “universal” parts often mean only a limited set of fitments, so compare the listing to your model rather than assuming compatibility.

Common model differences to check

• Arm length and mounting pattern: Different rests use different screw spacing and arm geometry, which affects whether a new arm or base will bolt on.
• Release mechanism: Cable-driven and ratchet-style designs use different tensioning and return parts.
• Arrow support type: Flipper, blade and launcher-style supports are not interchangeable.
• Cable routing: The cable length and anchor point differ between versions, so a cable that looks similar may be too short or too long.

Identify Which Ripcord Arrow Rest Replacement Parts You Need

Most owners do not need a whole new rest. The usual failures are small: a weak return spring, a worn arrow support, a stretched or frayed cable, or a loose fastener that lets the rest shift. Diagnosing the failure first saves money and prevents you from replacing a part that was never the problem.

Symptoms and likely causes

Symptom	Likely worn part	What to check
Rest does not return to position after the shot	Return spring or spring seat	Spring coil distortion, rust, or loss of tension
Arrow drops or sits inconsistently on the rest	Arrow support or flipper	Chipped, grooved, or flattened contact surface
Rest feels loose or the arm wobbles	Mounting screws, bushings or pivot hardware	Thread condition, bushing play, missing washers
Erratic release or sticking	Cable, cable guide or cable anchor	Fraying, kinks, dry or gummed lubricant
Arrow flight tears left or right after a shot	Arm, support or a bent component	Straightness of the arm and alignment of the support

Manufacturers generally advise against bending or straightening rest arms under load. If the arm is visibly bent, replace it rather than attempting a repair. Recommendations on specific torque values and service intervals are best confirmed against the instructions included with your rest, and an archery pro shop can check a part that you are unsure about.

Tools and Supplies You Will Need

Gather everything before you start. Working with the bow on a stable stand or a padded surface reduces the chance of scratching the riser or losing small parts.

1. A bow press or bow stand with the bow held securely.
2. Hex keys and a small screwdriver matching the rest’s fasteners.
3. A torque wrench or a light hand-tightening approach for small screws.
4. Thread locker of the low-strength type, if your rest instructions call for one.
5. Clean cloth, isopropyl alcohol and a soft brush for removing debris.
6. A small tray or magnetic mat to organize screws, springs and bushings.
7. Your rest manual or exploded diagram for part orientation.

Step-by-Step: Replacing a Worn Ripcord Rest Component

Step 1: Make the bow safe

Unstring the bow, or at minimum relieve the cable tension and remove all arrows from the rest. Place the bow in a stand with the riser secured. Never work on a rest while the bow is drawn or partially drawn, because a sudden release can injure your hands or eyes. If you are unsure about the bow’s condition, have a qualified technician inspect it before you continue.

Step 2: Remove the rest and document its orientation

Before you loosen anything, take a photo of the rest from several angles. Note which way the arm sits, how the cable is routed and where each spring and washer goes. Remove the mounting screws in a cross pattern so the rest does not twist out of alignment. Keep fasteners together in your tray.

Step 3: Disassemble only the part you are replacing

Work methodically. When replacing a spring, release tension gently and note its seating point. When replacing an arrow support, remove its retaining hardware and check whether any bushings or shims come off with it. Clean the seats and threads with alcohol so the new part sits flat.

Step 4: Install the new part

• Match the orientation to your photos, not to memory.
• Hand-start every screw to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten in small increments, alternating between fasteners on the same component.
• For cable replacements, verify the new cable length against the old one and reroute it through the same guides.

Step 5: Check the release and adjust

Before you draw the bow again, cycle the rest by hand to confirm smooth movement and full return. Then restring the bow, nock an arrow and perform a set of slow dry-fire-free checks: draw, settle at anchor and release only into a safe backstop with a practice arrow. Watch the arrow’s position on the rest and confirm it sits centered and level. Fine tuning of the rest position and timing is covered in Ripcord Rak Arrow Rest: Setup, Tuning and Tips for Beginners, which is useful once the new part is in place.

Factors That Affect Your Replacement Choice

When you compare replacement parts, weigh these factors in addition to model fit:

• Material and finish: Metal components resist wear differently from polymer ones, and coatings affect corrosion resistance.
• Arrow diameter and shaft type: A support designed for one shaft diameter may not cradle another well.
• Bow setup: Draw weight, cam type and the arrow’s spine all influence how the rest should be tuned after a swap.
• Original versus aftermarket: Original parts are guaranteed to fit, while reputable aftermarket parts can offer similar function. Confirm fitment for any non-original part.

If you are weighing whether a rest type change makes more sense than a part swap, the comparison in Drop Away Arrow Rest vs Whisker Biscuit: Which Should You Choose? lays out the trade-offs between different designs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ordering parts without confirming the exact model and year.
• Overtightening small screws, which can strip threads or crack housings.
• Reusing a frayed cable because it still looks functional.
• Skipping the photo reference and reinstalling a spring or bushing backward.
• Testing a freshly assembled rest with a live arrow at close range.
• Ignoring rest alignment after replacement, which can cause arrows to fly off target even when the release feels smooth.

Tips for Longer Rest Life

• Wipe the rest down after each shooting session to remove dust and moisture.
• Check screw tightness at the start of each season.
• Inspect cables and springs periodically, especially before tournaments.
• Store the bow with the string tension released when not in use, following the manufacturer’s guidance.
• Keep a spare set of common small parts such as screws and a spring if you shoot frequently.

Recommended gear

These items support a clean replacement and a reliable setup afterward. Confirm compatibility with your specific bow and rest before buying.

• Bow press or bow stand: Holds the bow steady so you can work on the rest without strain. View on Amazon
• Hex key and screwdriver set: Covers the small fasteners most rests use, reducing the chance of stripping screw heads. View on Amazon
• Magnetic parts tray: Keeps springs, screws and bushings in order during disassembly. View on Amazon
• Low-strength thread locker: Helps keep rest screws from loosening during shooting without making future removal difficult. View on Amazon

FAQ

Can I use a universal replacement part on any Ripcord rest?

Usually not. Ripcord rests come in several models with different mounting patterns, arm geometry and release mechanisms. Always confirm the part is listed for your exact model before ordering.

How often should I replace the return spring?

There is no fixed interval that applies to every archer. Replace the spring when it no longer returns the rest fully or when you see distortion, rust or fatigue. Shooting frequency and storage conditions both affect how quickly this happens.

Do I need to restring the bow to replace a rest part?

For most rest work, yes, you should remove string tension before disassembly. Follow your bow manufacturer’s instructions for safe unstringing, and have a professional handle the job if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.

Will replacing a part change my arrow flight?

It can. A new arm, support or spring may shift the rest’s position or release timing. Recheck alignment and test with arrows before relying on the setup for practice or competition.

Is it worth repairing a bent Ripcord rest arm?

Generally no. Bent arms are difficult to straighten accurately, and a slight error can cause inconsistent arrow flight. Replacement is the safer and more reliable option.

What should I check after installing new parts?

Cycle the rest by hand to confirm smooth return, check that all fasteners are snug, verify arrow centering on the rest and then test with a practice arrow at a safe distance into a proper backstop.

When should I take the rest to a professional?

If the failure involves the bow’s cams, limbs or string, or if you are unsure how to safely unstring the bow, consult a qualified archery technician. Professional help is also worthwhile when a rest problem persists after a basic replacement.

Conclusion

Ripcord arrow rest replacement parts are straightforward to swap once you identify your exact model and the failing component. Work from photos, tighten gradually and always test the release before shooting at full draw. Taking these steps keeps your rest performing consistently and extends its service life.

Related reading

• Whisker Biscuit Arrow Rest Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide

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