What is the best way to remove feathers?? I have some nice arrows I want to refletch and need to know how to get the old feathers off without damaging the shaft. Any help will be appreciated
Wood, aluminum or carbon? Tape or glue?
I use a dull knife blade to scrape off old ratty looking feathers from my 2212 aluminum arrows. I scrape gently and the old feathers come off without damaging the aluminum. I also take my time. The black anodized color is still on the arrow too.
What about carbon?
Razor knife on carbon just don't hold it at too steep of an angle or carbon will come off (which I've done and they are fine after 3 yrs of shooting)
aluminums use a razor knife
woods,, yeah a razor knife but even more gently this time and finish with light sandpaper and then spray with poly and after it drys give it a few rubs with 0000 steel wool, wipe with clean cloth and wallah..
And then when you're done stripping the carbons put arrow tape, which can be had for about 7$ for a roll that will last forever on an online auction site.
I know it's not relevant right now in your case, but if you're ever in need to remove the fletchings from wood arrows to save the feathers, you can break off the part of the shaft with the fletchings and throw them in the microwave for fifteen seconds and they peel right off.
I too use a knife, both with aluminum and carbon. There is also a feather stripping tool that is sold in most archery stores that is made for the job.
QuoteOriginally posted by stujay:
I too use a knife, both with aluminum and carbon. There is also a feather stripping tool that is sold in most archery stores that is made for the job.
I've seen this tool too, and I almost bought it but I decided that the tool was just a funny shapes knife and I could just as easily remove the feathers with one of the many knives I already have and save money and space in my archery tackle box.
I wasn't really clear about the arrow tape, but once you get it on there removing fletching takes like 30 seconds. And no chemicals to clean the old glue off. When stripping old arrows I usually use acetone to remove the glue remnants.