The Best Glue?

[DoubleJ]

You should be forum member of the year in a landslide.  Thank you again RadSav

[lokidog]

Great synopsis Radsav.   

[PlateauNDN]

I've just been to the school of fletching, with professor Radsav, that was a very good explanation for those that didn't know.  Ever think about putting stuff like that down in a book or manual or something?

[DoubleJ]

I swear, you don't have enough space on your bookshelf for all of the archery books RadSav could write.

[pianoman9701]

I had this same problem when I switched to 2" blazers. I have a Jo-jann jig with a helical. For me, it's the helical that's the problem. Now, instead of doing 6 arrows at a time with Fletchtite, I do one at a time and only hold the vane on for about 30 seconds. I prepare the shaft with denatured alcohol. I don't wipe the vane with anything. When I'm done, I put a bead on each end of the vane.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Thanks RadSav for the write up! I will be re- thinking our arrow bonding procedure!!!! 

[konrad]

After reading all of the commentary on this and other sites regarding the question about bonding, I have reached a few conclusions:

1.   Virtually all of my bond failures have been at the substrate. These continued failures point to inadequate prepping of the shaft(s). It is quite likely that imparting a more rough surface to the nicely finished anodizing (adding a little “tooth”) will give whatever adhesive is chosen more purchase whereby improving the odds of a better bond.
2.   In every instance where one vane has been lost, when testing the remaining brethren there is always an audible “pop” when another fails. This lends credence to the idea that standard Cyno-acrylate has little or no flex to their matrix. It makes one wonder whoever thought Super Glue would be a good substitute for good ole Fletchtite.
3.   The makers of Fletchtite, while trying to formulate an adhesive that was compatible with carbon substrates lost sight of the true goal of superior bond at any cost. I suspect cost considerations in compounding the “new” formulation outweighed the risks of the occasional irate Fletcher such as myself.
4.   My next step will be to obtain some of the Loctite Super Glue Ultra gel, rough the substrate and wash with denatured alcohol (what Bohnig suggests).

As an aside, after seeing the repeated suggestions of using the Loctite product, I went to the Henkel Corporation web-site and used their adhesive selector feature. None of the super glue products were recommended. They suggested Loctite Stik’n Seal Extreme Conditions adhesive. Please note: There were specific types of plastics not to be used with this adhesive. One wonders what plastic compound Bohnig is using in their Blazer vane application.

[DoubleJ]

I've been using the black bottle of the loc-tite ultra gel for awhile now with no issues.  Fletchings stay in place and secure with multiple pass throughs on my target and a pass through on a deer.  I had some tear loose when using the blue bottle but, since switching to the black for $1/bottle more, I have had 0 issues

[RadSav]

4.My next step will be to obtain some of the Loctite Super Glue Ultra gel, rough the substrate and wash with denatured alcohol (what Bohnig suggests).

Be very careful when purchasing denatured alcohol.  Make sure it is 94% ethanol or better.  Often times cheaper stuff is mixed with low grade isopropyl alcohol or acetone fillers that will leave a film.  Also some have blue or purple dye added which also leave a film.

[Chesapeake]

WOW!! I've always just wiped stuff down with 99% IPA and glued with Fletchtite or fletchtite platinum for all my carbons and aluminums with or without wraps. For woods I use Duco. Never had any issues. :dunno

Just set them in the easy fletch, wipe with IPA, wipe the arrow with IPA, wait a few for the IPA to evaporate, put a bead of glue on each vane, close the jig, wait a few minutes, open the jig and remove the arrow, place a bead of glue at each vane tip, set arrow in the rack. Next arrow.....


I tried Goldtips version of super glue when I tried their arrows, but I hated how quick it set up and how it dries with the foggy white look to it. Was messy stuff.

[RadSav]

Chesapeake where are you getting your 99% IPA?  I've found it hard to get around our area.

[DoubleJ]

I never liked IPA.  I am more of a lager or porter guy myself

[RadSav]

I never liked IPA.  I am more of a lager or porter guy myself

Perhaps if it were 99 proof you might learn to like it    I've always been a strawberry blonde guy myself.

[Jason]

This might seem weird but I store my NPV in the fridge I think it keeps better that way.

[DoubleJ]

I never liked IPA.  I am more of a lager or porter guy myself

Perhaps if it were 99 proof you might learn to like it    I've always been a strawberry blonde guy myself.

Yea, 99% always seemed pretty strong to me.  The strawberry blonde is something I can really get behind though  .  Wait, we're still talking about beer right?  Or was it blondes?  Or was it glue?  I don't know where I am.