re-attaching one loose vane.

[grouse]

One of the blazer vanes on a Black Eagle Zombie Slayer I put through a deer last week is about half detached. There is no visible damage to the vane, the front half is just torn loose. The arrow is otherwise unscathed. Can I just glue it back on or should I take it to an archery shop to be re-fletched? What kind of glue should I use if gluing is the way to go? I want to salvage this arrow and put it back in the quiver for another hunt.

Thanks in advance.

[Coon Gravy]

You think the shop will charge you to set one vane back for you?

[paulaboutform]

Hi Grouse. I've reattached some partially detached fletchings in the past. It's never quite perfect. If you look closely you'll see the glue either came off at the fletch or the arrow. Both surfaces will still have to be properly cleaned and prepped before reattaching. I recommend removing the fletch and scraping off all glue residue on the shaft, cleaning it with acetone and attaching a new vane. If you haven't fletched arrows before I recommend going to a shop as it can be a challenge to match the vane orientation if you're inexperienced.
I do recommend buying an Arizona Rim E-Z Fletch Bolt fletching jig. With help from right here on the forum you can be guided through what to do and you'll be making up and repairing your own arrows in short order. It's really quite easy so don't feel intimidated. You'll have the expense of the Bolt fletching jig and the glue (I use G5 Blue Glue) as well as acetone for cleaning and prep...that's it. If you go this route I'm confident you'll be pleased. If you need help further shoot me a pm and I'll be happy to talk to you.

Paul

[Pasidewinder]

I fletch my own arrows at home as many on here do, I think it would be hard to get the vane back on the exact way it was before damage. Especially if it had any offset or helical.

Nothing says you can't try, but I would Deffinately shoot it afterwards to ensure it hits with your others. Also I find it easier to just take all vanes off and refletch with all new, even with a jig sometimes it's hard to index one vane perfect with the 2 remaining unless you use the exact same jig that was used in the initial fletching process. Someone else may be able to guide you through it though, there are Alot of knowlegable guys on here that are amazing with their skills.

[grouse]

I would expect to pay them something.

[Coon Gravy]

I was curious about the price at the shop because I'm with the other guys, if you're going to pay anything for it you might as well put that money back in your pocket by spending it on a jig that you can use forever. Pays for itself after a while. I just thought you might know a guy that would throw you a bone if it was a one time deal.

[wabi]

You could try to re-attach it with super glue, but I would test it by shooting it several times before hunting with it. A fletching that comes loose can cause some weird arrow flight!

[grouse]

My question is answered. I either need to have it professionally re-fletched or take up a new hobby and get some equipment so I can do it right myself. After reading what you all have advised, I would have no confidence in the arrow if I just glued it back on. I'm glad, I asked and I thank everyone for steering me away from a mistake.

[Pasidewinder]

All the guys on this forum are very knowledgable, and good people. They have answered many questions that I have asked.

I'm just glad that every now and then I can chime in and also help someone.

[IroquoisArcher]

Please don't take this response the wrong way. When asking if the shop would charge for 1 vane...do you work for free? Not being funny that way but do help at a shop and the sheer volume of people through who have something done (1 vane, peep sight served in, asking for help sighting in, etc. etc.) does take the owner/employees time and if never charged even for a single vane just multiply that over a year.
Hope no hard feelings with this response but just a fwiw.

[wabi]

Didn't mention it before, but I use the Arizona "Bolt" tool for my crossbow arrows. With it you can easily replace one fletching if it gets torn off.