This paper presents a method for the characterization of residual stresses in thick filament wound tubes. The three materials considered in the study are wet wound epoxy composite tubes based on E glass, R glass and T700 carbon fibres with three winding angles, [+/- 35], [+/- 55] and [+/- 851 with respect to the longitudinal axis. The aim of the present work is to measure internal stresses, based on strains liberated by cutting composite tubes, and to compare results with predictions from a residual stress model based on the classical equations of solid mechanics. This leads to a simple technique which allows the quick identification of the effects of manufacturing and moisture on the internal multi-axial stress level.