Removing Plastic Vanes

[Sharp Stick]

Does anyone know a good way to remove old plastic vanes from aluminum arrows.  I have tried the Sanders Pro Strip, but that only cuts the vane down to the base, but does not strip the base itself.  I have also tried a razor utility knife, and had similar results. How about a chemical strip that won't hurt the anodising on the shaft?
Laquer Thinner, Acatone? Mineral Spirits? Anything like that?  Anyone have any experience at this?

[flatstick96]

You can use a potato peeler...

[The Ursus]

Pour a little methel ethel ketone (MEK) on the shaft where the vanes touch (outside).  Give it a few seconds and the vanes will start to ripple and the glue will get soft.  Be gentel when removing them and you'll be able to reuse the vanes on other arrows.  When they come off they'll look all wavy, but just give them 15-20min and they lay flat again.  The MEK will disolve any excess glue still stuck on the shaft.  

(I used this method to remove vanes with fletch-tite)

[OconeeDan]

A sharp knife will work fine.  Just not with one pass.  keep slicing off bits until it's gone, then wipe with alcohol or acetone to clean it.
Very easy to do.

[NDTerminator]

I use an ordinary box knife, the type that utilizes replacable single edged razor blades.

I too wipe the shaft with Acetone to remove any excess glue & prep it to be re-fletched...

[bjk]

HD sells the same type of rounded razor blades that archery companies sell to remove...a straight edge works nicely, but those rounded ones are perfect.

Check HD, Lowes, etc.

[LAR43]

Stick 'em vanes down in a jar of acetone . . .in a couple hours they're off.

The anodizing isn't effected. You'll lose wraps cresting & cap dipping though.


Larry