So I gave fletch tape another try...

[Friends call me Pac]

I tried it 2 years ago and I had a hard time using the stuff.  It was hard to get the backing off and I just didn't like it compared to glue.
I tried it again a month ago and with only one small goof up I am happy to say I like the stuff.  

The goof up went something like this.  I put the tape on the feather in my clamp, peeled off the backing and put the clamp with feather on the jig.  Removed the clamp and my feather was still in the clamp!  Shoot there wasn't any sticky residue on the feather or the arrow and I was thinking what the heck?  I had removed the whole strip instead of just the backing.    

Once I figured it out I can se why so many like the tape.  Pretty easy to use if you don't pull it off before appyling.

[Rogue Hammer]

I too just recently fell in love with fletch tape. I was trying some new shafts and figured that I would try it rather than waiting for glue to dry, I shot clear through a block target 3 times and the feathers are all still there..

[pow-bow]

I made a jig out of a block of wood that holds the clamp while I apply the tape.  The tape works great, used it with wraps, bohning dip, and spar urathane.

[nd chickenman]

Been using it for quite awhile, its really nice if you ever need to fletch some up QUICK-LIKE!!

[bornagainbowhunter]

I have used it for quite a while and really like it.  Remember, it does have a shelf life.  If you let it set around for a year or so, it tends to lose a little bit of its hold.  Still, the best way to fletch as far as I am concerned.

[billy shipp]

I shoot arrows that were fletching with tape 4 or 5 years ago, and they are still doing fine.

I put the feather in the jig, use a hat pin (long needle) to slide under one end of the tape, lift the tape off, slap the jig on the shafts....fast, easy and clean.

[Randy]

I like the tape as well. Did a home test with an arrow I fletched with tape a few years back. I shot an arrow about 30 feet up in a pine tree. It stayed there for the past five years with the fletching still intact. The real reason my arrow was in the tree. I missed a grouse while elk hunting and hit the tree. Still a good test for the durability of fletch tape.

[ChuckC]

Duane. .   I have developed a technique that works well for me.  

Start with the fletch in the jig.  Set the jig into the crease between my knees (seated. .  might be tough standing), feather quill up, and use that to support it.  

Start with the tape cut about an inch short of the liner,  that is, peel the two apart before you start on the feather and cut about an inch of the sticky part away.  If you look thru the cover, you can see the end of the "sticky" part quite well.   Hold the roll in right hand, the end of the tape cover in left and start applying to the feather quill.  press it on well the whole length and. .  now. . .  lift the tape cover from the quill, leaving the sticky on the quill.

Snip the sticky part using scissors.  DO NOT cut all the way thru the whole tape, just the exposed sticky part.  That leaves a piece of tape cover an inch longer than you fletch length.  Now cut that about an inch longer than the sticky and you have just set it up for the next feather.  It takes a lot of dexterity but you can do it.  After trying once or twice it is easy.

After I apply all fletches to the arrow, I press each down to the shaft and then put a dab of glue at front and back of the fletch as well as running a slight bead along the side of the fletch, around its middle.  For a 4" fletch the bead may be 3/4" long.  All this goes really quickly and they do not tend to move at all after that.

They work !
ChuckC

[Horner]

Fletch tape rules!!!!  It takes the guess work out of how much or little bead of glue to use.

[oops sorry]

Chuck, that is a brilliant tactic! I'll give that a whirl on the next fletching. I love the tape, but being a clutz, I have managed to wrap it around my eyeballs at times.

[Don Armstrong]

Better than sliced bread!   :D   Don

[Yellow Dog]

Duane, glad you liked it. How many arrows did you get out of that dinky little roll I sent you?

[Ronyag]

I do it the same way as ChuckC but use a small Pan A Vise to hold the jig while I apply the tape. Love the tape. It's a whole lot cheaper than Goatuff and quicker. I too add a drop of glue on both ends just to seal the deal.

[mickeys4]

It's like tying a new knot,all thumbs but stick with it.Tape has many benefits.I refletched an arrow last week fletched with glue,took me 20 minutes to get it cleaned of the glue.Using tape-peel off feather-Goo Gone-wipe ready to fletch in 2-3 minutes.Apply fletch with tape you're ready to go to next feather immediately.That being said ,if you prefer glue go for it.

[Gene Gillis]

Hey you Guys using the fletch tape. Are you using it just on feathers or will it work on vanes also? Wood and aluminum? I haven't tried it yet. Thanks

[ChuckC]

I have done woodies with finish but no crown dip or vinyl, and I have done the others. It works great on aluminum and carbon as well.

It works well for me, but I have gone to adding the glue as described above as a result of some earlier mishaps.  I have also been told that there is a shelf life on all tape, including fletch tape, so don't go using 20 year old tape.
ChuckC