DIY Fletching Glue

Humans have made and used glues for thousands of years out of natural materials. Some glues are made out of hide and others are made from animal horns or hoofs. These glues have been used to make furniture, shelters, weaponry and for many other applications. Fletching is the feathered part of the arrow at the base of the shaft, and needs to be secured with glue and sinew. Typically with primitive weapon making, hide glue is used for securing fletching to the arrow shaft. Making hide glue to use for arrow fletching can be accomplished with little difficulty.

Things You'll Need

  • Hide trimmings
  • Coffee can or old pot
  • Outdoor stove or burner
  • Water
  • Cheesecloth
  • Container
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Instructions

    • 1

      Trim up pieces or sand your dry, untanned hide until you have 3 cups of hide trimmings. Grind the trimmings up until they have the consistency of sawdust.

    • 2

      Place the trimmings in a coffee can or old pot. Fill the pot 3/4 full with water. Set the pot on a stove or burner and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes. Note that this process is better when conducted on an outside stove because the odor from cooking hide is very pungent and needs adequate ventilation.

    • 3

      Strain out the water and add fresh water. This helps to remove any debris. Place the pot back on the stove and let it simmer for two to three days. Check the pot frequently and add water as the water evaporates, keeping the water at a constant level of 3/4 full.

    • 4

      Remove the pot from heat when the mixture has a look and consistency of honey or syrup. Pour the glue through a cheesecloth into a secondary container. This will remove any chunky hide material from the glue.

    • 5

      Use the glue as is or dry it for storage.