Fletching Tape

[Dozer]

Does anyone else use fletching tape instead of glue. Is so I was wondering if you have had a similar problem as I've had. The two feathers that touch the riser as the bow is shot have been spreading apart after I shoot the arrow quite a few times. The nock feather is fine but I can't seem to stop the other two feathers from spreading. Maybe I should place a spot of glue on the back of the quill. Yould that help or should I just go back to fletching cement.

[Bob Walker]

Same thing has happened to me. Make sure the shaft or wrap is cleaned well with something like alcohol prior to fletching and put a drop of glue on the front and back of the quill. That should take care of the problem.

[Friends call me Pac]

I tried the fletch tape two days ago and for me I prefer glue.  The fletch tape didn't stick very well, easy to peel the feather off the shaft.  

Of course I may have been doing something wrong.  Either way I'm sticking with glue.  I can wait overnight for it to cure.  If I had to make a repair right now I can see where the tape would come in handy for me.

[zilla]

Fletch tape is all I use now.. If you are having problems you need to regroup.  FWIW I use wraps on all my arrows.  I do place a drop of glue on the front of the fletch.  Make sure you run your finger down the fletch after removing the clamp to press the tape firmly to the shaft.

[frankwright]

I here of some guys having trouble with the tape but I sure haven't.

I will put a drop of glue front and back on aluminum and carbon arrows as it is easy to clean off. I do not do this on wood arrows.

Usually when I try to tear the feather off to refletch, the tape stays and the feather tears first.
How old is your tape? I can't really think of any other reason you are having problems.

[MAGICMAN]

The tape is all I use now. I've been shooting the same arrows all spring & summer w/ the same fletching. they havent spread or came off at all.I dont even gle the end of mine. I dont use wraps. sometimes I crest but whatever you do be sure to really clean your surface. Tape is the best thing I have found!!

[Tim Fishell]

I agree with what has already been said.  All I use is fletch tape with a little glue on the front and back of the quill.  I have never had one come loose on me yet unless it was shot through something.

[Roy Stroh]

I noticed that if you fletch them and shoot them the same day that they can move a bit and will peel off easy.  But after they are stuck on for a day or so they are stuck.  All I have been using for the last three or so years now is the tape.  I just leave it a bit long in the front and back and don't mess with the glue at all. Been shooting carbons for the last couple years...

[Gordy]

Drop of glue front and back, no problems.

[Friends call me Pac]

Originally posted by frankwright:
I here of some guys having trouble with the tape but I sure haven't.

I will put a drop of glue front and back on aluminum and carbon arrows as it is easy to clean off. I do not do this on wood arrows.

Usually when I try to tear the feather off to refletch, the tape stays and the feather tears first.
How old is your tape? I can't really think of any other reason you are having problems.

I just got it two days ago.  I fletched 1 arrow to see how quick and easy it would be.  For me it wasn't as quick and easy as glue.  Then again it may be time for bifocales to lay the tape on correctly.

[upatree]

I used it and love it.  One thing that I do is rub the tape on the feather before I peel the red strip off.  I also rub my nail dow the feather after I take it out the clamp.  I have not had one feather come off, yet.

[Steelhead]

Fast,easy and not messy to work with.been using it for at leat 10 years.Never had a problem worth mentioning with it.Definatly run your finger up the fletching with good pressure when done fletching a few times.Clean the shaft.With minimal practice its easy to lay down the tape on the quill IMO.

with a real radical helical you might see it lift a bit on some arrows especailly on the back end.In that case i would glue the front and back of feather.I dont use glue myself.Never had to yet.I shoot a mild to moderate helical.

[HAWGDOG]

One of the best things ever invented, besides the wheel.   :D

[Missouri Sherpa]

I am another long time advocate of fletch tape, since 1998.  I use it on carbons.  I cut a small length of tape long enough to wrap around the arrow at least twice and then wrap the ends of the feathers front and back.  It is not possible for the feather to lift.  You can shoot them same day but it is best to let them cure overnight.

[Gehrke145]

I just use glue now but I did use the tape when it first came out.  Firt time I shot a deer the feathers came off in the deer lol just had the shaft stuck in the ground (i didnt use any glue)

[Dozer]

I don't usually let them sit for a day and that could be my problem. I fletch the arrows then take them out and shoot them right away. Thanks for all of the advice on my problem. I think with all the info you guys gave me I should be able to fix it strait away. I do love how fast that tape is!

[joekeith]

I use 'em, love 'em. I put them on carbons, just rub them on the arrow good before taking off red strip. I shoot them right after taping.  I do put on a drop of glue front and back, but I wait till night time for the glue, so it can set over night. Good luck...............

[jack benson]

If you make sure you run a finger nail or back of a knife blade/scissors along the feather after it is in place, you should not have any problems. It is important to make sure the surface is clean by wiping acetone or alcohol first.

The really nice thing about using fletch tape is that with a decent "eye", one can lay down feathers and not need to use a jig of any sort. The ultimate portability ;o)

[fingers]

Originally posted by HAWGDOG:
One of the best things ever invented, besides the wheel.    :D  

Yup, if I use that stuff I might as well put a wheel on each end of my bow too,,

[jonsimoneau]

I've had similar problems with fletch tape.  I recently fletched a dozen arrows.  Used the fletch tape over a cap wrap.  The stuff moves.  If I leave the arrow laying down for a couple of days, the weight of the shaft will actually push the feathers over.  Back to glue for me.