Best way to remove fletching

I'm curious on how to properly and efficiently remove the feather fletching from my CA arrows. I did some searching on the site and found some threads from '08 but I'm wondering if simply using a semi-dull knife and acetone are still the best way for removing the feathers and glue. The intent is to apply some NAP 2" QuikSpin Quickfletch to my arrows because I'm tired of having chunks of feathers flying everywhere when shooting multiple arrows at the same target. Any input is greatly appreciated, as always.

 

I've always used a new very sharp utility knife to remove feathers and vanes.
OLD SAYING: a sharp knife goes where you want it to. A dull knife will go where it wants to, probably your hand.

 

I personally do not use anything extremely sharp. I'd rather have to work a bit to get the old off then risk ruining a $12 arrow. Myself, I use a dull razor blade and slowly get the fletchings off. I can have one done in less than a few minutes. Then I finishing cleaning them up with denatured alcohol.

On a side note, I use arrow wraps on all of my arrows and it makes arrow cleanup and refletching far easier. The dull razor blade removes wraps along with all the glue and fletching with ease. No worries about ruining an arrow.

 

I used a new razor blade. If you lay it on its side along the shaft, it'll act as a guide to prevent cutting into the arrow. Be carefull and you have nothing to worry about.

 

I just peel the tape off and rub any residual stickiness off with my thumb. Then I can replace just one fletch if needed.

On a side note: What will you do when you have plastic vane bits flying everywhere when shooting multiple arrows at the same target?

 

I don't anticipate half of my plastic fletching to come off as my feathers do. I'm down three arrows because the 4" feathers are nearly gone and I had them refletched about a five weeks ago.

As for the tape, is that something I should consider with 2" blazer vanes instead of the quickfletch?

 

I used to rip vanes in half or punch holes in them. Arrows don't act well with messed up vanes.

Tape only works on feathers. I have pulled arrows through the bag target and the tape and feathers did just fine. I fletch my own so, if one feather gets too bad, I can just replace the one. Plus, when using the tape I can shoot the arrow as soon as the last fletch is on. No waiting for glue to dry.

 

I use a knife to remove feathers.
Just hold the blade so you're not cutting into the shaft.

 

If busting up feathers is you main problem you might want to rethink the quick fletch. Cause you mess up one of the vanes on those you'll have to put a whole new one on. And that can get really pricey. Personally I love them but I only shoot one arrow per dot so I never get contact with my vanes.... Just food for thought.

 

I would prefer to shoot more than one target; however, I only have a 3-D and it's becomes rather tiresome pulling out one or two arrows before shooting again. Honestly, I just don't have the funds to buy another target. I would love to get one of those Field Logic block targets but they're kind of pricey. My local pro-shop charges $13 bucks to shoot the indoor range and that's only for a couple of hours, which gets pricey as well. Maybe next season when the hunting fund is replenished.

 

I quit shooting my arrows at each other years ago. What do you hope to achieve by tearing them up shooting groups? Use a sharpie and make separate marks on your target to shoot at with each subsequent arrow or shoot only one arrow at a time during target practice which is far more realistic anyway.

 

Bruce, thanks for the information! I'm starting to consider your method rather than worrying about tearing up a quickfletch and having to replace the whole fletch.

 

you can build a target with Burlap sacks and some old clothes pretty cheep.
Make your 3-d a variety target. you can get stickers that you can shoot at too and place them on there.
Also if you can get our hands on some DOCK FOAM. that will also make a great cheep target with a lot of room to shoot.
If you like Feathers, go with the tape suggestion.

 

When I was fletching arrows, which I don't anymore since quick fletch, I took the old vane off with an exacto knife and then wiped them down with adhesive remover to get the left over glue off. The adhesive remover works absolutely great but then you've got to make sure you get it all before trying to reapply the new fletching. I gotta tell you though, the quick-fletch, and other products like it, are the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Blessings........Pastorjim

 

I use a narrow putty knife, with a round groove filed in the end of the blade the same size as the shaft. Then acetone or denatured alcohol on a scotch brite to get off the residue. Rinse with water, let dry and re-fletch.

 

Rodney, thanks for the info. Never thought about using a stuffed burlap sack. That' a great idea. One question, though: does it have to be stuffed really tight or somewhat loose?

Many thanks to everyone that provided input. Greatly appreciate it!

 

i always used a sharp utility knife and was careful to not damage the shaft in the process, (you never wanna damage your shaft, might not work to its full capabilities) lol

 

I either use my pocket knife (razor sharp), or a brand new utility blade. I guess I have a Zip Strip too, but it doesn't get used very often.

 

i use a utility knife.. that zip strip looks nifty but can't see myself spending that much money when i can get a utility knife for $3.

 

Been using the same zipstrip for years and have done hundreds of arrows with it..still as good as new!