There is a recent thread about superglue and feathers. I have always used fletch tite platinum with good results. My only complaint is once opened and used the shelf life is short as it becomes "stringy" .
I am thinking about trying The loctite ultra control gel as recommended by onestringer.
I have always used a bead of fletch tite covering the entire feather base. And then a drop at each end after I finish.
For the guys using superglue, do you use the same amount? The directions say one drop per inch of surface. I am sure I am using more than that on fletch tite.
I am a more is better type guy. Lol I just don't want to overdo it.
I've used the Loctite ultra control gel and found that it works pretty good by just dabbing it onto the fletch stem as you go down. The small bottles really don't go very far though and my big a$$ fingers didn't fit the small bottle very well. Don't know if there is a bigger bottle or not...haven't seen one anyway. I also tried the Gorilla Super glue. It was easier to apply but seemed really sensitive to temperature pertaining to curing time.
I use the Locktite gel and you do not need very much. It bonds fast and holds tight. I put just enough glue on to wet the entire length of the quill that I am gluing. Try a few and you will get the hang of it quickly. Good luck.
I use the Loctite gel all the time and I just run a bead down the quill, just make it a small bead so that when I press on the feather with the clamp I don't have too much excess. Yes it sometimes leaves a white residue after drying, but this wipes off with some alcohol. Regular superglue works fine too but is runny so you have to be careful. Some have criticized superglue being too tenacious and it being difficult to refletch arrows once used, but if you use cap wraps or just carefully scrape your uncapped shafts clean this is a non issue.
I also just run a thin bead.
I now use the CA glue from Grizzly Tool store, where,I bought my bandsaw.
Larger bottles, easier to hold and the overall value is better.
Was in JoAnns fabric store with my wife last week and saw a very large Loctite bottle but didn't price it or check the type.
I make small dots about every 1/2" then use a toothpick to spread it evenly across base, then drop at each end to finish up. Loctite super control or gorilla.
If your going to go the super glue route I definitely recommend using it with arrow wraps. It is a pain to remove it off of an arrow shaft.
Less is more with super glue, it holds quicker, dries faster and you don't have to deal with excess dried glue. I apply it like bwhntr247 does a little drop spread it out another drop spread it out.
I use gorilla super glue impact tough it has a light blue top. You can do a ton of arrows with it. Also if you need gel super glue because its running down your quills, you're using way too much glue.
I clean my quills and wraps with denatured alcohol before I glue them on. I have never had a feather get loose or come off. When your done with the glue store it in the fridge. Good luck
Store your glue in the fridge.
Thanks for the responses. I am going to try some superglue on the next batch I build
I have been using Gorilla Super Glue with the blue top. They list it as impact tough with rubber particles, whatever that means. I do know that it holds up really well even in sub zero temps. I haven't tested it in warms temps though as I just started using it this winter. And have only shot a few times inside. Mostly been shooting these arrows outside in temps from 30F down to about -5F.
I just run a continuous bead down the quill and stick it on the arrow. I do find that it needs about a minute before it is completely set. I tried 30 seconds at first, but they seemed a little soft still.
I've been using superglue for years. And the arizona heat doesnt seem to bother it at all . I don't leave them in the jeep of coarse.
Ive shot them in 135 degree temps down to negative 7. Only time I had problems with the glue was when it was getting a little old.
135 F ???? Crikey!!! That is hot. Were you shooting it in a vehicle, or was this an actual outside temp?
135??? wowser.
You guys might try this stuff some time.I've been using it a long time and its good stuff.
"Goat Tuff"
http://www.goattuffproducts.com/index.php?op=11
Outside in the shade. Phoenix AZ In the summer time. Just glad work lets me put my bow in the office.
I just tried the Gorilla SG in the blue cap bottle. I learned a little goes a long way. To much does not dry for awhile.
M60, less is more when it comes to Gorrila Sg. if you can get quill to just shine in the light, not see the glue but know it's on there because the quill is shiny. You can stick the quill to the shaft count to 15 and it's there. Go to the next quill and do a arrow in about 2 mins.
I think the trick to keeping the glue from drying in the tube is before you put the cap back on, squeeze the tube so it runs up the tip to where it either is about to come out or just does, then put the cap on right away. When I want to use it again, I take the cap off, wipe off any residue from the previous usage, run a straight pin down the tip and wah lah, it's ready to go. I pretty much get total usage out of a tube, and my glue lasts a long, long time !
The hottest temperature on record in Ariz. was 128 June 29, 1994 in Lake Havasu. Hottest ever in the US was Death Valley at 134.
I won't be shooting in those conditions.
I like Super glue and use it often. I like the Ultra gel a lot. Kirk mentioned the goat tuff. It is awesome but has a price tag to go with it.
Personally I vote for throwing the glue out completely and using fletching tape. Keep it in the refrigerator when you're not using it so it stays fresh, but I've found it to hold as well as any glue and easier to apply. And it doesn't stink like super glue.
I shoot at work in the back lot we temped it there one day at 167. We did not shoot till the sun went down. The super gkue still held and it was just a smal bead that I brush with a business card to keep it thin before I put them on the arrow. Currently trying the tape though. Wel see in a few months how it goes.
The first time I used tape, I was convinced it was the best stuff ever, until I left my arrows in the car on a hot day. Now three drops of Gorilla Super Glue on the taped fletch seems to be the easy ticket for bare aluminums and my fiberglass. Have not lost a feather since.