removal of vanes from carbon shafts

MJR10 · 03-25-2003, 05:17 AM

What is the best way to remove those torn up vanes from a carbon shaft? Is there somethign I can find around the house to do the trick or should I buy something that is made specifically for removing vanes? Thanks

Lady Forge · 03-25-2003, 05:28 AM

You can purchase a tool from ( for example- Cabelas $13.50) called a Fletch stripper. It has a curved blade and they say it is for use on all types of arrows.
I have one and use it occasionaly and find it works well, but most of the time I just use a pocket knife seems to work a little better for me.

UpNorth · 03-25-2003, 06:45 AM

I use a pocket knife on mine as well. Just be carefull as not lay the blade too flat and cut the carbon fibers. My knife is not very sharp, but still strips the vanes just fine and have not cut the fibers yet.

Good Luck

MJR10 · 03-25-2003, 10:23 AM

Does the knife remove all of the unwanted glue or is there some kind of adhesive remover that works well?

RonS · 03-25-2003, 10:53 AM

I use a dull knife and repeatedly work the knife across the old glue and it comes off.

Buckbuster4ou · 03-25-2003, 07:33 PM

I agree. I have use a dull pocket knife for years and it works well. Just have to be careful not dig into the shaft.

Lady Forge · 03-26-2003, 06:35 AM

Once I have removed the vanes and all adhesive possible with the knife from my Carbon Arrows I use Denatured Alchol to remove any adhesive residue, For Aluminum Arrows I have used Acetone to remove the adhesive residue .
I always wash my carbon arrows with soap and water after this and allow plenty of time for the arrow to dry completly before refletching.

BTM · 03-26-2003, 09:09 PM

What works very well is one of those linoleum knives with a curved blade. Cheap, too!