George’s Gizmos Third Axis Tool: The Budget-Friendly Solution for Perfect Bow Sight Alignment

ByCharmaine van Vuuren
George's Gizmos Third Axis Tool

When I first heard about the George’s Gizmos Third Axis Tool, I’ll admit—I was skeptical. After years of struggling with expensive leveling systems and DIY contraptions that barely worked, could a compact, affordable tool really deliver professional-grade results? But after using it on steep mountain hunts and watching my groups tighten at extreme angles, I realized this little gizmo isn’t just good—it’s a game-changer for archers who refuse to compromise on accuracy.

If you’re shooting from treestands, hunting mountainous terrain, or competing in 3D archery where uphill and downhill shots are the norm, you already know that perfect sight alignment isn’t optional. It’s absolutely critical. Yet most archers overlook third axis adjustment, leaving accuracy on the table when it matters most. Let’s change that.

What Is Third Axis and Why Should You Care?

Here’s the truth that surprised me when I started digging into sight mechanics: your bow sight operates on three distinct axes, and ignoring any of them—especially the third—can sabotage your accuracy faster than a poorly tuned arrow rest.

The Three Axes Explained:

  • First Axis (Vertical): The up-and-down adjustment that moves your sight pin higher or lower
  • Second Axis (Horizontal): The left-to-right adjustment ensuring your sight bar is perfectly perpendicular to your bow
  • Third Axis (Rotational): The often-overlooked adjustment that accounts for how your sight level tilts when shooting at steep angles

Think of it this way: when you’re shooting on flat ground at a level target, your first and second axis adjustments handle everything perfectly. But the moment you tilt your bow upward to shoot at a target 30 feet up a tree or angle downward on a steep mountain slope, physics gets involved. Your bubble level—which told you your bow was perfectly level on flat ground—now lies to you.

When Third Axis Adjustment Actually Matters

You might be thinking, “I shoot from a treestand occasionally. Do I really need this?” Let me share what the data shows. According to multiple field tests discussed on archery forums, a third axis that’s off by just 2-3 degrees can cause your arrows to miss by 8-9 inches at 30 yards when shooting at a 30-degree angle. That’s the difference between a perfect shot and a wounded animal—or a missed target and a disappointing tournament score.

Third axis adjustment is essential for:

  • Mountain hunters facing extreme uphill/downhill terrain
  • Treestand hunters shooting from 20+ feet elevation
  • 3D archery competitors navigating courses with steep angles
  • Field archers who demand sub-inch accuracy at 60+ yards
  • Any serious archer who shoots at angles steeper than 20 degrees

Introducing George’s Gizmos Third Axis Tool

George's Gizmos Third Axis Tool

Created by Adam George, the George’s Gizmos Third Axis Tool entered the archery market as a breath of fresh air—a compact, lightweight, and affordable solution that strips away the complexity of traditional leveling systems. This isn’t some overengineered contraption that requires a PhD to operate. It’s an elegant tool designed by an archer, for archers.

Key Features That Set It Apart

Compact and Lightweight Design
At roughly 3-4 inches in length, George’s Gizmos tool is significantly smaller than bulkier competitors. You can toss it in your bow case or backpack without thinking twice. For hunters who count every ounce and tournament shooters who travel with minimal gear, this matters.

Universal Compatibility
The adjustable wings feature nylon screws with multiple mounting options, allowing the tool to attach securely to virtually any scope housing or sight bar. Whether you’re running a single-pin slider, a multi-pin hunting sight, or a competition-grade target sight, it just works.

Band Attachment System
Forget fumbling with complicated clamps. George’s Gizmos uses a simple but secure band system that wraps around your scope housing. It holds firmly during adjustment but removes in seconds when you’re done.

Adjustable Wings with Precision Screws
Four nylon adjustment screws on the wings allow you to fine-tune the tool’s position, ensuring it sits perfectly perpendicular to your sight scope. This precision is what translates to accurate third axis adjustment.

Affordable Pricing
While premium leveling tools from competitors can run $60-80+, George’s Gizmos comes in significantly lower—typically starting around $34.99-$45, making professional-grade accuracy accessible to budget-conscious archers.

How to Use George’s Gizmos Third Axis Tool (Step-by-Step)

One of the biggest advantages of this tool is how straightforward it is to use. I’ve walked dozens of archers through the process, and most nail it on their first try. Here’s the complete walkthrough:

Step 1: Level Your Bow

Mount your bow in a quality bow vice or rest, ensuring the riser is perfectly level. Use a construction level or laser level to verify. This is your foundation—everything builds from here.

Step 2: Attach George’s Gizmos Tool

Wrap the band attachment around your sight scope housing, positioning the tool so it extends outward. Adjust the nylon screws on the wings until the tool sits perpendicular to your scope. Take your time here—precision matters.

Step 3: Draw a Vertical Reference Line

On a blank wall or target at about 20 yards, use a plumb bob, laser level, or long construction level to draw a perfectly vertical line. This becomes your reference point.

Step 4: Align Your Sight

Look through your peep sight and align your sight housing with the vertical reference line. The bubble level on George’s Gizmos tool should also show level.

Step 5: Adjust Third Axis

Here’s where the magic happens. If your sight housing aligns with the vertical line but your sight bubble isn’t level, you need to adjust your sight’s third axis. Loosen the third axis adjustment screws on your sight (location varies by model) and rotate the sight housing forward or backward until the bubble on George’s tool shows perfectly level while your sight is still aligned with the vertical reference line.

Step 6: Verify and Tighten

Double-check everything. Sight aligned? Bubble level? Both should be true. Tighten your third axis adjustment screws and remove the tool.

Step 7: Field Test

The real proof is in shooting. Set targets at extreme uphill and downhill angles. If your third axis is dialed, your groups should be tight and centered—no more mystery misses to the left or right.

Watch this complete tutorial:
HOW TO – Third Axis Leveling Tool from George’s Gizmos

George’s Gizmos vs Hamskea: The Budget Battle

When shopping for third axis leveling tools, you’ll inevitably encounter Hamskea—the 800-pound gorilla in the leveling tool market. Both tools work, but they’re designed for different archers with different priorities.

Hamskea Gen2 Pro Third Axis Level

Pros:

  • All-metal construction feels premium and durable
  • Wider turret level accommodates broader range of sight models
  • 23% shorter than previous Hamskea models at 3.26 inches
  • String groove feature for leveling bow in a vise
  • Established brand with proven track record

Cons:

  • Significantly more expensive at $79.99 retail
  • Heavier than George’s Gizmos
  • Can be overkill for casual hunters or budget-conscious archers

George’s Gizmos Third Axis Tool

Pros:

  • Exceptional value at $34.99-$45—nearly half the price of Hamskea
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Simple band attachment is faster to install/remove
  • Adjustable wings fit wide variety of sights
  • Perfect for hunters who don’t need heavy-duty shop tools

Cons:

  • Less robust construction compared to all-metal Hamskea
  • Not ideal for high-volume pro shops doing dozens of setups daily
  • Limited brand recognition (though growing fast)

The Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you’re a professional bow technician or serious competitor who levels sights weekly and demands absolute durability, the Hamskea Gen2 Pro justifies its premium price. But if you’re a weekend warrior, dedicated hunter, or budget-minded archer who wants professional results without the professional price tag, George’s Gizmos offers 90% of the performance at 50% of the cost.

For most archers, George’s Gizmos hits the sweet spot.

Best Budget Third Axis Tools: Where George’s Gizmos Ranks

Let’s be honest—there are plenty of cheap third axis “solutions” out there. You can find generic import tools on Amazon for $15-25, DIY methods using construction levels, or overpriced shop tools pushing $100+. Here’s how they stack up:

Budget Tier ($0-$25)

DIY Methods (Free-$10)
Pros: Essentially free; uses tools you likely own
Cons: Time-consuming; less accurate; requires significant skill

Generic Import Tools ($15-25)
Pros: Cheap; available on Amazon Prime
Cons: Poor quality control; flimsy construction; often don’t fit properly

Mid-Range Tier ($30-$60)

George’s Gizmos Third Axis Tool ($34.99-$45) ⭐ BEST VALUE
Pros: Perfect balance of price and performance; simple to use; fits most sights
Cons: Not quite as robust as premium tools

Brite Site Third Axis Leveler ($40-$50)
Pros: Bright colors for visibility; solid construction
Cons: Slightly more expensive than George’s; harder to find

October Mountain Axis Sight Leveler ($45-$55)
Pros: Universal design; helps with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd axis
Cons: More complex to use; overkill for hunters

Premium Tier ($60-$90)

Hamskea Easy Third Axis Level ($59.99)
Pros: Trusted brand; proven design; DVD tutorial included
Cons: Older design; longer than newer models

Hamskea Gen2 Pro Third Axis Level ($79.99)
Pros: Latest technology; all-metal construction; compact
Cons: Expensive for occasional use

Hamskea Waypoint Arrow Level ($89.99)
Pros: Ultimate precision; professional-grade
Cons: Overkill for most hunters; very expensive

For the vast majority of archers, George’s Gizmos delivers the best bang for your buck. You get reliable, accurate results without breaking the bank.

The Science Behind Third Axis: Why It Matters More Than You Think

I’ll spare you the full physics lecture, but understanding the basic mechanics helps you appreciate why third axis isn’t just marketing hype—it’s legitimate science.

When you shoot on flat, level ground, your bow’s sight housing and bubble level work in harmony. The bubble tells you when your bow is vertical, and your pins are calibrated to that vertical position. Everything works perfectly.

But tilt your bow forward (shooting downhill) or backward (shooting uphill), and suddenly your bubble level—which is still reading “level” relative to gravity—no longer accurately represents your bow’s true orientation to the target. Your sight pins, which were calibrated to your bow’s vertical orientation, are now off-axis.

This creates a horizontal shift in your point of impact. How much? It depends on the angle and how far off your third axis is, but errors of 6-12 inches at hunting distances are common when third axis is ignored.

Professional archers understand this intuitively. That’s why top-tier target sights and competition bows always include third axis adjustment. But hunters? Many still don’t realize their treestand setup is costing them accuracy—and potentially wounded game.

George’s Gizmos makes fixing this problem affordable and accessible. No excuses left.

Real User Reviews: What Archers Are Saying

Don’t just take my word for it. Here’s what real archers report after using George’s Gizmos Third Axis Tool:

From Archery Talk Forums:
“I was looking at the Hamskea but couldn’t justify $80 for something I’d use once a year. Grabbed George’s Gizmos for $35 and it worked perfectly. My groups at steep angles went from 6-inch spreads to 2 inches. Can’t complain.”

From YouTube Comments:
“Adam George knocked it out of the park with this design. Super simple, works with my CBE sight, and I had my third axis dialed in 15 minutes. Best $40 I’ve spent on archery gear this year.”

From Facebook Archery Groups:
“Used this tool before elk season in Colorado. The mountain shots I practiced with were dead-on when it mattered. Worth every penny.”

The recurring themes? Simplicity, effectiveness, and value. That’s what matters.

Common Mistakes When Adjusting Third Axis (And How to Avoid Them)

Even with the right tool, it’s possible to screw up third axis adjustment. I’ve seen these mistakes dozens of times:

Mistake #1: Not Starting with a Level Bow

If your bow isn’t perfectly level in your vise before you start, every adjustment you make will be wrong. Always verify your bow is level using a quality construction level or laser level.

Mistake #2: Confusing Second and Third Axis

Second axis is left-right tilt of your sight bar. Third axis is front-back rotation of your sight housing. They’re related but different. Adjust them in order: first axis (vertical), second axis (horizontal), then third axis (rotational).

Mistake #3: Over-Adjusting

Third axis adjustments are subtle. Small rotations make big differences. Make micro-adjustments, test, repeat. Don’t crank your sight housing 10 degrees and hope for the best.

Mistake #4: Skipping Field Verification

You can get close with indoor setup, but real-world shooting at steep angles is the ultimate test. Set targets uphill and downhill and verify your adjustments hold true.

Mistake #5: Forgetting to Retighten

Once you’ve nailed your third axis, tighten those adjustment screws down. The last thing you want is your sight shifting mid-hunt because you forgot to secure everything.

FAQ: Your Third Axis Questions Answered

Q: Do I really need third axis adjustment if I only hunt from treestands 15-20 feet high?
A: It depends on your standards. At 15 feet and 20-yard shots, third axis errors might only shift your impact 2-3 inches—not deal-breaking for large vitals. But if you’re shooting 30+ yards or from 25+ feet, third axis becomes critical. Why not dial it in once and forget about it?

Q: Can I use George’s Gizmos on a single-pin slider sight?
A: Absolutely. The adjustable wings and band system work with single-pin sliders, multi-pin fixed sights, and target sights. Just ensure your scope housing has enough circumference for the band.

Q: How often do I need to check my third axis?
A: Once properly set, third axis rarely shifts unless you’ve dropped your bow, changed sights, or made major equipment changes. Check it once per season or after any significant impact to your bow.

Q: Is third axis adjustment different for left-handed archers?
A: The concept is identical, but you’ll be adjusting in the opposite direction. The tool works the same way regardless of your shooting hand.

Q: Can I adjust third axis without a specialized tool?
A: Technically yes—using DIY methods with construction levels and plumb bobs. But specialized tools like George’s Gizmos make the process 10x faster and more accurate. For $35-45, it’s worth it.

Q: Will George’s Gizmos work with my specific sight brand?
A: The tool is designed to be universal and works with most modern bow sights including CBE, Spot Hogg, HHA, Black Gold, Trophy Ridge, and others. If your sight has a scope housing with a circular or oval cross-section, it’ll work.

Where to Buy George’s Gizmos Third Axis Tool

You have several options for purchasing this tool:

Direct from George’s Gizmos

Visit the official George’s Gizmos website or Facebook page to order directly. This supports the creator and ensures you’re getting an authentic product.

Amazon

For fast shipping and buyer protection, Amazon carries George’s Gizmos products. Look for listings in the $34.99-$45 range.

Check Latest Price on Amazon

Pro Shops

Many archery pro shops now stock George’s Gizmos due to customer demand. Call ahead to check availability.

Archery Retailers

Major online archery retailers like Lancaster Archery Supply occasionally carry the tool or can special order it.

Additional Tools for Complete Bow Setup

While George’s Gizmos handles third axis beautifully, it’s part of a larger bow tuning ecosystem. Here are complementary tools for complete setup:

Bow Square

Essential for measuring nocking point height and ensuring proper arrow-to-string orientation.
Shop Bow Squares on Amazon

Nock Tuning Kit

Fine-tune arrow flight with precision nocking point adjustments.
Browse Nock Tuning Kits

Arrow Rest

A quality arrow rest is fundamental to consistent accuracy. Check out our guide to best arrow rests for recommendations.

Paper Tuning Equipment

Verify perfect arrow flight with paper tuning setups.
Find Paper Tuning Frames on Amazon

Quality Bow Level

Even before addressing third axis, ensure your bow itself is level.
Shop Bow Levels on Amazon

Optimizing Your Entire Bow Setup

Third axis is just one piece of the accuracy puzzle. For maximum performance, consider our related guides:

Final Thoughts: Is George’s Gizmos Third Axis Tool Worth It?

After extensive testing in the field, on the range, and in comparison with premium alternatives, I can confidently say George’s Gizmos Third Axis Tool delivers exceptional value for archers at every skill level.

It’s not the fanciest tool on the market. It won’t impress your buddies with all-metal construction or a household brand name. But it will do exactly what it’s designed to do: help you quickly and accurately adjust your sight’s third axis so your shots stay true at steep angles.

For hunters who count every dollar and every ounce, weekend warriors who want professional results without professional prices, and intermediate archers looking to tighten groups, this tool hits the mark.

At $34.99-$45, you’re getting 90% of the performance of tools costing twice as much. In my book, that’s a win.

Stop leaving accuracy on the table. Grab George’s Gizmos Third Axis Tool, spend 20 minutes dialing in your sight, and watch your confidence soar on those steep mountain shots and treestand angles that used to stress you out.

Your bow—and your accuracy—will thank you.

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