From The Lab Part 2
Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control:
Solvents: Comet, denatured alcohol, lacquer thinner, AAE Max Clean
This adhesive was by far the easiest to work with of all the Cyno-acrylate adhesives I have ever used. Its consistency was thicker than that of styrene model glue or Fletchtite without the associated “stringing”. After application of the vanes, there was absolutely no running or sagging of the adhesive.
Regardless of what prep procedure was followed those Blazers were “welded’ to the shafts, I am not kidding….welded! There was no amount of twisting, peeling, prying or harsh language that could produce a bond failure. It was only with the use of my razor knife that I was able to remove those vanes. Then I had to cut the remaining plastic and adhesive off of the shaft substrate.
This was by far the best adhesive I found during testing. It worked regardless of the prep treatment and provided a superior bond every time. I highly recommend this adhesive.
The only downside to the Loctite product was the quantity of adhesive in each bottle (i.e. .14 oz or 4 grams versus .53 oz or 15 grams in the Gorilla bottle).
Grade: A+
Goat Tuff Products Quality Archery Glue:
Solvents: Comet, denatured alcohol, lacquer thinner, AAE Max Clean
While the consistency of the Goat Tuff is typical of other common super glues, very thin and runny, it repeatedly performed better than the other “super glues” in the destructive testing with every solvent prep tested. Its set time was short and the applicator was one of the easier to use and control. I would say the Goat Tuff defiantly falls into the “recommended” category. The bonds were not as strong as the Loctite Ultra Gel but serviceable none the less. Remember, the bond I experienced with the Ultra was superlative and I couldn’t imagine better results. If the Ultra Gel is “100% bond success” the Goat Tuff qualifies as “99% bond success”. Without more accurate sensing equipment and applying actual tensile strength measurements I can only say the Ultra Gel produces a stronger bond.
As good as the Goat Tuff was, it was only made better by combining it with the AAE Max Clean prep.
I can recommend the Goat Tuff for archery fletching applications.
Grade: A
Bohnig Fletchtite Platinum:
Solvents: Comet powder, Ajax powder, denatured alcohol, lacquer thinner, AAE Max Clean, and acetone
In every test combination I used, the Bohnig Platinum was a complete failure. Its viscosity is much more to my liking; however, even slight pressure twisting using the clamping pliers (shear) resulted in a “pop” as the adhesive broke loose from the shaft. There were only traces of adhesive remaining on the metal substrate and in most cases, the shafts appeared untouched. Inspection of the cured adhesive stuck to the vane base revealed extensive porosity as if while curing, there was out-gassing. The cured adhesive was a hard; clear coating full of micro holes and the occasional large void except when combined with the AAE Max Clean and Ajax. Then the cured adhesive was for the most part clear and smooth across the length of the vane base with only minimal porosity. I can only imagine that the extensive porosity experienced with the other solvents reflects a reaction with the adhesive resulting in out-gassing. I am positive this foam-like structure contributed to the weak bonds formed. While I am extremely disappointed in the results, I take solace in the fact that I have done everything within my power to give the Platinum every opportunity for success.
I can not recommend the Platinum for archery fletching applications using alloy shafts.
Grade: F
Loctite Super Glue Professional Liquid:
Solvents: Comet powder, denatured alcohol, lacquer thinner, AAE Max Clean, Ajax powder
This was one of the adhesives I found at the Walmart and as I have had very good results with other Loctite products in other industries and had received so many suggestions to use the Ultra Gel I decided to include it in the testing. It is also a thin, watery viscosity Cyno-acrylate adhesive. This was one of the lowest costing adhesives used in the tests. It came in a large container (.71 fl oz) was easy to work with and fast setting. However, using some of the prepping solvents the bonds there were complete failures “popping” during the clamp shear regimen. However, when the shafts were prepped using lacquer thinner, AAE Max Clean and Ajax powdered cleanser the bonds were excellent and survived the clamp’s shear, tensile and cut/tear tests. Cutting the bases from the shafts was the only way to get them free.
I can recommend Loctite Pro for archery fletching applications as long as the solvent used in prepping is lacquer thinner, AAE Max Clean or Ajax powdered cleanser.
Grade: A (in the noted cases above)
Hobby King Maxi-Cure Extra Thick Cyno-Acrylate:
Solvents: Comet, denatured alcohol, lacquer thinner, AAE Max Clean
This adhesive was indeed higher n viscosity than the other related super glues; however, the term “extra thick” seemed a bit of a stretch. It was not quite as runny as its cyno-acrylate brethren but was by no means “thick” when compaired to the Loctite Ultra Gel. The best bond I could attain with the Maxi-Cure amounted to what I would call a 50/50 bond. One of three vanes was easily pulled off during the clamp test while approximately 50% of the adhesive remained along the length of the other vanes’ bases while the other 50% stayed with the shaft. I received the 50/50 results while performing the cut test and then peeling the vane backwards off of the shaft. While this may sound like partial success at first blush, it was not. The effort required to peel the vanes off of the shaft was minimal and the tearing force required to pull the vane from its base seemed inordinately low as if the adhesive had weakened the thermoplastic vane itself. One must bear in mind that this was the adhesive recommended by the large archery supply house to be used in combination with the AAE Max Clean.
I can not recommend Maxi-Cure for archery fletching applications.
Grade: C-
Gorilla Super Glue Impact Tough Formula (baby blue cap)…
Solvents: Comet, denatured alcohol, lacquer thinner, AAE Max Clean
This is also cyno-acrylate type glue exhibiting typical low viscosities and clarity. It was one of the adhesives suggested by my friends on the internet and I found it on the Walmart shelf (also low cost and .53 fl oz). This was one of the better adhesives I tested. It passed the clamp test with only one vane coming off; however, it just did not have the tenacity of the other successful “low cost” adhesive tested (Loctite Professional Liquid).
Reviewing my notes shows my impression of the Gorilla a consistent “B”. Considering its price, availability and strength I can recommend the Gorilla for archery fletching.
Grade: B
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