I'm sure that I should but I have never cleaned shafts before using tape. I've used it on cedar and carbons and the only feathers that have come off are the ones I pulled off to replace after they get worn from alot of shooting. I have torn feathers from shooting through tough stuff or hitting them with another arrow on the target but the tape held the quill on tight. I do put a drop of glue on both ends of the feathers. And like  Bear said above, it's easier than glue to refletch. Unless something changes, I don't think I'll ever use glue again.

Hi All,

This is the stuff I go to when my Boy Scout unit is making arrows!!

Thats it. where is my phone? where is my credit card?

Other than the Internet, The Wonder Bra, and twist off beer tops, fletch tape is maybe the greatest invention in my life time.

Good Stuff !!!

DD

Well I tried it once and my feathers didn't just fall off-I think they were jumping off!!  Cleaned the shafts with alcohol after lightly sanding them.  I don't know what to say, I wish it worked for me.

the chef

1st i've heard of this
always used glue

QuoteOriginally posted by wasapt:
I use the tape exclusively now, it is so fast. I have heard it cannot be used for vanes so i am hoping to hear somebody refute that. I want to fletch up some arrows for wet weather bear hunt with vanes.

I tried fletch tape with duravanes and they peeled right off after a few shots. I was using wraps but the tape wouldn't stick to the vanes. However, I didn't try cleaning the vanes at all. I was really hoping the tape would work with vanes as well, so much easier than glue.

Bohning actually calls it "Premium  Feather Fletching Tape", so I reckon it isn't intended for vanes and would explain your poor results.

Fletch tape is "da bomb" with feathers over wraps, good stuff!    

Calgarychef, were you using Bohning brand or something else?  I'm hearing there is another brand being sold that leaves a lot to be desired over the Bohning product.

I watched this thread for a while now and Have decided to chime in.
  I used the tape for a long time and thought it was the best. I still have arrows that I made with the tape years ago and they are still going.
  I have fletched a few dozen arrows over the last year(or so) and the all have fallen off overnight. I am confused to say the least.
I did not change anything in my set up so I am not sure what is going on. I hope somebody can tell us. I have used wraps, no wraps, cleaned with all of the cleaners to include soapy water. yes everything was clean and dry. used over a couple different finishes(for wood) and carbon and alum.  Very puzzeling.

Two Tracks, the tape does have a shelf life of sorts, it will get "old".  Was your tape old or were you using a new roll?

Not usually a problem since you can only get about 3 dozen arrows or so out of a roll.  Some guys buy extra rolls but keep them in the fridge until they need them to make sure they stay fresh.

Do any of you guys ever shoot in hot weather?The tape always lets the feathers lean over when it gets hot around here.Sure you can rub them and make them stick back up but they sure do not hold up well in a covered tube quiver for me.They don't come off but sure get all out of shape.

I too hunt in HOT!      weather and I have noticed that the feathers will take to their natural curve over time even with glue on tips .This does not seem to affect accuracy but I didn't care for the look so I use gel super glue on wraps and it is just as fast and not as hard to work with (big hands with calluses)although it can be messy if your not careful.Tape works but I prefer the glue YMMV ,Bill

I have used tape for last ten years. Hunted hot 120 degrees and cold -30 and never had a feather fall off yet. For many years just wiped shafts with isypro alcohol and stickem on. Now I use wraps majority of time. I always run a dull broadhead down the quill to make sure feather is on good and glue front and back.

ONLY advice I have is don't use aerosol water proofing spray on feathers taped on! Glue turns to liquid and you can watch your feathers drip off.

If you are having bad luck with tape I would suggest it's old tape or sun damaged in store. Perhaps you are using chemical to wipe shafts that is leaving some residue the tape glue does not like. Recently I have seen another brand of tape but reluctant to use anything but the bohning I have always used.