I am having problems using fletch tape recently. It sticks to the shaft fine but some of the feathers are letting go after a while. Reworked serveral and some are letting loose again. Any suggestions on how to make the feathers stick better?
Thanks in advance.....Mike
Never had that problem- after you remove them from the clamp are you running your finger over them? Occasionally I'll add a drop of glue on the fronts and backs but most of my arrows I just use the tape alone and have had one come off in about 5 years.
Yep, I press them down. The last ones I did I took a rounded knife handle and really rubbed the tape onto the feather while still in the clamp.A couple of those are coming loose.
They usually start to come loose in the middle not the ends. Looks like the feather is expanding and pops up in the middle.
So no prep to the feather?
Be careful not to stretch the tape while in the clamp applying to the feather. I run my finger on them in the clamp and after they are applied to the shaft. Sorry I don't know what else it would be, I've used the stuff for a long time and have not had any issues, I guess I've been lucky.
MIke,
I have had that very problem. It got so bad I gave up the tape. I know it is used by professionals so maybe it is something I am doing wrong. It never lets go right away but two, three months later it lets go big time.
Maybe it is oil in my hands.
Just understand your not alone.
Pip
i had some trouble wiyh carbons.use some alcohol on shafts before appling feathers.seems to clean off dust or residue.i also run finger down them after they are on,and drop of glue at the ends.no troubles....chris
:campfire:
Wish I had the answer for you gents. I've been using fletch tape for a few years now on my practice and hunting arrows and haven't had one feather come off, even after the arrows have passed thru deer.I would think that the problem is when your putting the tape on the base of the feather. Don't stretch the tape. As I put the tape on the feather, bottom first, I run my nail over the tape I just stuck on the base of the feather. I only unroll about an inch of tape before I push down with my nail. When I completely cover the base, I run my finger nail a few times up and down the base while the feather is still in the clamp. Once I stick the feather to the shaft, I push down on the feather itself a few times and then I add a drop of glue at each end.
Hope the info helps!!!!!
I tried the tape once a few years ago. I left the arrows in a backquiver. When I decided to shoot with that setup again, maybe a couple weeks or so, the weight of the arrows had pressed against each other and the fletches were all bent over and had actually moved on the shaft. It turned into a mess for me and my son. For that reason, I won't use the tape again.
Make sure you are not getting oils from your hand on the quill, I use basically the same method as hawgslayer.
Pip, sounds like exactly the same problem that I have sometimes 2/3 months and then some feathers will let go. I dont think I am stretching the tape while applying it, but maybe I do..sometimes. Hate that you have the same problem but glad I am not the only one that cant do it right.
I always try not to touch the base of the feathers with my hands. Tape sticks to the shaft fine really hard to get off the shaft.
Thanks....Mike
I use like hawgslayer and have no problem, in fact even after a few months of sitting in the back yard (broken) the feathers are still on just fine. Perhaps wiping the shafts down with alcohol might ensure there is nothing on the tape. I assume you are using the red tape. I found some white tape once at a compound shop and it just didn't work.
I love fletch tape.The only time I've had it lift was after spraying the feathers with a water repeller.I don't care for the powder,so I don't use anything on the feathers.The tape holds up just fine now.
Leland
I have had a bad roll of tape years ago, It wasn't bohning brand.
The next name brand roll was just fine.
I'm not in a hurry any more so I prefer glue.
Ron
Could it be the feathers themselves and not the tape. Perhaps something got on them or storage area too humid.
I have had no problems with the tape.
I use the tape and glue both> I find the tape keeps the feathers on better. I also put a dot of glue on the front and back of each feather, press the tape to feather and then run the back of a small knife along the base of the feather after taking from the clamp. No problem
What kind of finish are you using on the shaft? Is it a wood shaft? I had some arrows I got on the St. Jude's auction once and they had a high gloss finish so bad that I could not get feathers to stick with glue or tape. Even used the platinum glue and let the sit half hour each feather. When the arrows first arrived the fletches were half off already. Could be the finish. Sand them a little, clean with alcohol, and keep the tape totally clean. Good luck
sam
Raising in the middle may be caused from your jig setting. It may not be getting the feathers lined up right on the shaft. Something to check anyhow.
I've never had feathers come loose with fletch tape. I do think the Bohning tape is a step above the other brands.
What feathers are you using? Trueflight, gateway, amg? Very curious problem. I've had the tape lift from the shaft and had feathers drift after fletching but never have had the tape lift from the feather. Wonder if it is the fletch. dino
Maybe it's the feathers?Are they old?Maybe try some fresh ones if they are.Perhaphs you got a bad lot# of tape.I say that because others have had the same problem.I haven't had any issues with the tape that weren't caused by me.
I have had the center of the feather, between the fletch tape and the arrow, raise when fletching over wraps, numerous times. I started putting a dab of glue (super glue) on one side, at the center of the feather, as well as the ends and haven't had any problems since. This also stopped the sliding/movement of that I had with some feathers. If it wasn't for the fumes. I would go back to using glue only.
I tried the tape when it first came out and couldn't get it to stick so I gave it up. When I glue feathers on they stay on. I have to cut them off. Gary
I have had this happen with several lots of feathers and several different rolls of Bohning tape. Not all feathers will lift. I guess I am doing something wrong I just dont know what it could be. May try wiping the quills with alcahol before applying the tape.
Thanks again...Mike
I've never had a bit of trouble with it, but I always use it over wraps.
When I re-fletch the feather will actually rip away before the tape will let go.
Maybe it doesn't like certain finishes.
I think the problem is bad tape. Just because you buy new tape doesn't mean its good. It does have a shelf life and I've had "new" tape fail to hold the feathers. Tried another roll and it worked fine. A dab of Fletch Tite on each end and good to go. ,...Lloyd
Had the same problem, gave up on the tape and use fletch tite glue now, no more problems.
Danny
In my case, I have used both trueflight and natural turkey feathers. I apply it to the feather, slowly with out streatching and I do use the back edge of a knife to make sure of the contact with the shaft, so I know it isn't a clamp setting issue. I use casket lacquer as my sealing coat, some times three dips but I always steel wool the gloss off.
I think, in my case,it could be not glueing the front and rear of the arrow after I am finished, not sure.
I would much rather use tape, no waiting, I just need to figure out the mystery.
Thanks for the input.
Pip
I use feathers that I grind myself and always wipe the quill off with a rag before applying tape. That removes any remaining dust from the quill.
Dennis