How to Fix a Deer Rack

The "rack" of a deer is referring to the animal's set of antlers. Hunters often take the deer's antlers as a type of trophy after successfully killing an impressive male specimen. The antlers only grow on the heads of the males and the antlers determine the value of the kill. Once a hunter takes the antlers, he can either mount them on a plaque and hang them on a wall in his home or create crafts, such as lamps, out of them. If an antler on the rack is broken, it loses some of its value and worth.

Things You'll Need

  • Sanding wheel, grinder or rotary tool
  • Drill with 7/64-inch bit
  • 12-gauge wire
  • Auto or repair putty
  • Putty knife
  • Clamps, braces or vise
  • 100 grit sandpaper
  • Artist's paints
  • Paintbrush
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Take a piece of 100 grit sandpaper and sand the ends of the broken antler rack pieces. This will smooth the ends so that when they're put back together they will fit together better.

    • 2

      Use a drill to make holes in the middle of the ends you sanded in Step 1. Use a putty knife to fill in the freshly drilled holes with putty.

    • 3

      Take two pieces of 12-gauge wire and twist them together. Stick one end of the wire into one of the holes you drilled in the broken rack pieces. Stick the other wire end into the other hole in the other broken antler piece. Push both pieces together along the wire piece.

    • 4

      Place the joint you just formed with the broken pieces in a vise clamp. This will hold the joint firmly together while the putty dries.

    • 5

      Use putty to fill in the space between the two newly attached antler pieces to make the repair appear seamless.