Epoxy for tip repair

Arrowflngr · April 22, 2026, 10:47:24 AM

The top tip overlay popped off my longbow and I can't get in contact with the bowyer. Is there an epoxy available at a big box store to repair this. I'd hate to buy over $60 in Smooth On just to fix the tip.

Crooked Stic · April 22, 2026, 11:49:43 AM

The 5 minute epoxy will work fine. Just be sure to sand both glue surface with 120 grit. And getting that back on perfect may be a pain.using super glue would be okay I guess. Although that's the reason it's popped off now. Epoxy so much better.

Jeff tech · April 22, 2026, 08:32:37 PM

Devcon 2 Ton Epoxy is what I use. That's if I don't want to mix up Smooth-On.
2 Ton is a slower set, very strong. If you can't wait and in a hurry,Devcon makes a 5 minute also. Gorilla Glue also makes a 5 minute epoxy.

Arrowflngr · April 23, 2026, 05:28:16 AM

I picked up some 10 min set gorilla glue epoxy. Sanded everything with 120 and clamped it down. The 10 min set gave me plenty of time to adjust everything perfectly. I'll let it sit until my 7 day stretch at work is done, then polish it up and try it out. Thanks.

Rob DiStefano · April 23, 2026, 08:31:00 AM

I use BSI (Bob Smith Industries) or 3M Marine - both are slow set epoxy and thus waterproof.

Pat B · April 23, 2026, 09:46:12 AM

A good way to hold the overlay on the tip after gluing is by wrapping it with a rubber band until the glue sets. It won't mar the finish and holds well around uneven surfaces.

Rob DiStefano · April 23, 2026, 10:47:28 AM

Quote from: Pat B on April 23, 2026, 09:46:12 AMA good way to hold the overlay on the tip after gluing is by wrapping it with a rubber band until the glue sets. It won't mar the finish and holds well around uneven surfaces.

I use a wooden closepin.

Arrowflngr · April 23, 2026, 10:57:28 AM

I used some small Harbor Freight clamps with some dense foam padding to help conform to the shape. Seems to be working fine. I'll clean it up with some ultra fine paper and steel wool. Then, hit it with a little spray finish in a few days.

kennym · April 23, 2026, 11:44:01 AM

A Q tip works pretty good to find any string eating rough spots...

Kirkll · April 23, 2026, 04:15:32 PM

I have been using a thick viscosity CA ( super glue) for coming up on 20 years, and the only time I've had them pop off was using antler material without properly sealing the antler first.

If you sand both surfaces flat you can use the gorilla brand , blue cap impact resistant super glue with no worries. I buy my CA in 16 ounce containers and use it a lot on bows. This is what I use.

https://www.amazon.com/Starbond-Thick-Glue-Complete-Refill/dp/B00C32ML9Q/ref=sr_1_3_pp?crid=3DD9CMQ54VW4C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NdNUdqVAbL2Ljm9VlFEaGIb0spA_M3arGYWKbM0OdgQS0E3mlP0FpZZonO7ehsXjHbJ_2E1jn8Q2NtOq07pW1RohCrQ6Xw_MXc06x_KpwYDuSvf7YRW3XoAdZychAXHaSnxsEtv3bjjChTg_8Ku07XXAYfM_RfmgQYwp-2axaTMmMvLfneS8XThaKU70pj6_aprILAsE9x4u1ZgLwqoadfcUaDOc_zhg4NdezVJFDyo.naS3OowA8vejcV4wu3lVyFWKwAgI_ciGU1T16wcL9YU&dib_tag=se&keywords=Super%2Bglue&qid=1776975210&sprefix=super%2Bglue%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-3&th=1

But.... Epoxy will work if you dont mind waiting over night and sanding the squeeze out.

Btw ... CA works on horn material too. I rough sand with 80 grit, and use the thick viscosity.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/FgMLhQyyMMTKbKV38