Never have used wraps before and I know to clean the arrow first but do I need to clean the wraps before gluing the feathers on? Thanks.
I like to give mine a quick wipe with denatured alcohol first. I also use a q-tip and clean the base of the feather with the alcohol. Had a batch of feathers that would not adhere in about a 1" spot for some reason, cleaned that batch with alcohol and tried again and never had a problem with them since.
Never cleaned mine. Just glued feathers and rolled on, but nothing wrong with the extra preparation.
Since I've probably handled the wraps while applying them, I use a little alcohol on a piece of paper towel to wipe them and also wipe the base of the feather after it's in the clamp. Probably not necessary, but I have never had a feather come loose and I use fletch tape.
If your hands are clean while you're handling them I wouldn't bother.
I never gave cleaning the wraps a thought until now. I crest mine and apply water based poly over them. Probably why I did not think about cleaning them. But I do have some "customs" so will keep this mind when I make wife's next arrows.
Thanks for bringing this subject up.
Tom M
I do, but don't know if it's needed. But my feathers always stick forever, but I have had problems with wild turkey, maybe I'll clean the feathers too like was mentioned!
The wild turkey feathers most likely have more oil in them than the man made feathers do.
I like to wipe my wraps with a damp paper towel before fletching.