How to Assemble Arrow Fletchings

It is an art, a hobby, a sport, and, 10,000 years ago during the late Paleolithic era, archery served as a method of modern warfare. Today's archers take great pride and care in handcrafting archery equipment, from meticulously handcrafted bows to elaborately fletched arrows. Follow a few instructions for successful fletching.

Things You'll Need

  • Nocked arrow shafts
  • Arrow shaft surface cleaners
  • Scouring pad and cleanser
  • Clean, lint-free towel
  • Fletching clamp and jig
  • Vanes
  • Adhesive
  • Paper towels
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Instructions

  1. Standard Fletching Procedure

    • 1

      Remove any old adhesive from the shaft with acetone, lacquer thinner or denatured alcohol. Allow the shaft to dry. Using a Scotch-Brite scouring pad, clean the shaft again with a mildly abrasive detergent and rinse thoroughly with hot water. Wear protective gloves to avoid contaminating the shaft oils. Allow the shaft to dry completely before proceeding.

    • 2

      Place your fletching jig on a flat surface in a well-lit area. Resting your arrow shafts on a clean, lint-free cloth, place the nock of your first arrow into the nock receiver, twisting the shaft gently to ensure solid placement. Most arrows are fletched with three vanes spaced 120 degrees apart.

    • 3

      With the vane base in your relaxed fingertips, line the vane up with the jig clamp markings. Clamp the vane and check for rippling or protruding. The base of the clamp should line up evenly with the base of the vane. Manufacturers ensure the quality of vane and feather adhesiveness, so there's no need to clean the base of either.

    • 4

      Using an adhesive, such as Fletch Tite by the Bohning Company, run a seam of glue along the base of the vane. Without touching the vane to the shaft, rest the jig clamp on the jig's magnetic strip, then slowly slide the clamp downward until the vane is pressed against the shaft. Apply a small amount of pressure for 10 seconds and remove the clamp. Carefully wipe any excess glue from the shaft with a very damp paper towel.

    • 5

      Rotate the shaft one turn. You'll feel or hear the jig lock into place for your next vane. Repeat the previous steps until the arrow is completely fletched. By selecting an adhesive made by an archery supplies manufacturer, you'll have fast and reliable adhesion. Place the completed arrow in a tube or rest it on your workplace and continue with the remainder of your nocked shafts.