Fletching Arrows

[RustyArrow]

What is the best way to remove old glue and damaged vanes or feathers from arrows in prep for refletching them? Both aluminum and carbons?

[Rob/PA Bowyer]

I simply use a less than sharp razor blade...on aluminum it's no problem...on carbon you have to be careful not to cut into the fibers....there is a tool specifically for removing old fletching.

[Rick James]

I have an old swiss army knife that I use on all arrows. It is dull enough that it won't cut into carbon, and will still take everything off. I will usually scrape it real good one time, then soak a paper towel in acetone and rub it down real well, then scrape again to get any remnants off, then wipe one more time w/ the paper towel. They end up clean as a whistle and ready to fletch again.

[DaveC]

I sorta do the Rick James regiment, but follow up with a quick wipe of fresh water and let it evaporate before preceding with the fletching job.

Just to make sure all the acetone residue is gone...

[PSEsilverhawk55]

for alum. i just scrape the old fletch nad glue off with a razor blade then i use a cotton ball soaked in fingernail polish remover to clean the arrow, and it has worked extremely welll for me, both with vanes and feathers, it works on carbons to but you do have to be more careful not to cut in to the carbon,

[98Redline]

A good sharp potato peeler works great for removing old glue and fletching. It is design keeps the blades from digging into the carbon.

[The Rev]

I bought a vane stripper on Ebay for four or five bucks. I love it, with one swoop it takes off vane and most of the glue.. I fought arrows with razor knives and different ideas, this little jewel is awesome.. I've had it a long time, and it is still very sharp.

[Doefever]

I bought a vane stripper from Cabelas, works great.

[Bradkoz]

i use an exacto knife made for model cars wal-mart 3$ used it for about 300 arrows no its too dull. i just stip them off first then scratch the glue with the blade almost sideways.