replacing rest

[trad.-ed]

I shoot off the shelf, and the hair rest that is currently on my bow is worn and torn.  I plan on replacing it with another, but I am a bit hesitant on how to remove the first  :confused:  .  It seems to be almost a glue or press(sticky back)on rest.  I'm thinking of just very slowly and cautiously using a razor knife, but I am definitely afraid of doing more harm than good.  Then cleaning with rubbing alcohol and installing the new rest.  If any of you have any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.

[Tom Anderson]

Just rip it off and then clean up the residue with some acetone.  I haven't found rubbing alcohol to do much with the sticky stuff.

[novahunterpa]

[novahunterpa]

I just rip it off then wipe with acatone and scrape of old glue with finger nail never needed a razor but your's may be glued better.

[McDave]

It is anticipated that you will replace your rest from time to time, and so they are generally not hard to remove.  I would just try to get my fingernail under it and then rip it off.  I wouldn't pry under it with a knife.  Hopefully, whatever residue is underneath can just be rubbed off with your thumb.  I haven't needed to put any chemicals on the wood, and the new rest seems to stick just fine.  Sometimes, people will put a match stick under the vertical part of the rest, to make it stick out a little so the arrow has only one point of contact.  I do that because Black Widow recommends it; I don't know about other types of bows.

[trad.-ed]

Thank you very much for all the advice, I've never replaced one so the tips are great.  Hopefully all goes well and thank you again.

[fowlarcher]

Acetone? Really? That stuff is very agressive. Try WD-40 first.

[John3]

Pull the old off.. No biggie.  Clean with rubbing alcohol. A bit of work with alcohol but it will not harm the bows finish.


JDS III

[Bowtie]

I've used my wife's hair dryer to heat the rest, then carefully pull it off.  Comes off pretty clean.  I would be VERY careful about using acetone. Too much could damage your bow finish.

[Danny J]

I agree on how aggressive acetone is and would shy away from it. I know from experience.  
Regular lighter fluid works great for me. Besides, I havent smoked since 1975 so I need to use up the left over lighter fluid. It wont harm finish then clean any lighter fluid residue off with rubbing alcohol.
Danny j

[trad.-ed]

I was also thinking acetone was a bit aggressive, thats why I chose the rubbing alcohol.  I figured with a little elbow grease and determination I would be able to clean it right up in preparation for the new rest.

McDave had mentioned putting a matchstick behind the vertical part of the rest, has anyone else done this?  I've never replaced a rest let alone shot primative archery before so I'm definitely looking for as much guidance as possible.

[nutmeg]

With all due respect, I would hesitate to use acetone. In most cases it will harm the finish. On the other hand, alcohol does not work very well at removing adhesive or old glue. Peel it off and scrape with your fingernail. To remove the residue use 3M adhesive remover. It works great and won't harm the finish. (nut)