How to Fletch Arrows

Last Updated: June 13, 2022 References

If you’re new to archery, you may be under the impression that this sport is all about sending arrows all over the place. But as you progress as an archer, you’ll learn that adjusting your equipment and fine-tuning your gear to suit you best can gain you major advantages! In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about fletching arrows so that you can hit your mark and master your bow.

1

Prep the arrow.

Rub down the arrow shaft with denatured alcohol on a clean rag.^{[1]
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2

Choose your fletching.

Decide whether you want straight fletchings, off-set fletchings, or helical fletchings and adjust your jig accordingly.
- Straight fletchings are those which sit on a straight line along the arrow shaft. Off-set or helical fletchings grasp the shaft at an angle or twist along the shaft, introducing torque in the arrow's flight for increased range.

3

Set the arrow in a jig.

Fletching by hand is incredibly hard, so use a fletching jig. Adjust its position depending on the type of fletching you've decided to use.^{[2]
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4

Measure your cut.

You’ll want to mark off 1 ¹⁄₂ inches (3.8 cm) from the end of the shaft. Use a grease pencil or marker to mark the spot.

5

Line the fletching up.

Position the fletching in the jig. Use the jig's measurement feature to line up the fletching with how far it will be from the end of the arrow shaft.^{[3]
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6

Lock the shaft in place.

Line everything up in your jig. Take particular care to line it up evenly and at the appropriate measurements so that the fletching will adhere evenly and in the right spot.

7

Apply glue.

Add glue from the spot you measured to the opposite end of the arrow shaft. The glue should be in a line equal to the length of your type of fletching. Adjust the direction of your glue line for off-set or helical fletchings.^{[4]
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8

Fill in the edge of the fletching.

Apply glue to the rim where you’re going to fletch the arrow. Do not use too much glue, as this will spill out and affect the flight of your arrow.^{[5]
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9

Tighten the clamp.

Lower the clamp onto the jig and the arrow. A magnet built into the jig should keep the clamp tight without you having to hold it.

10

Let the clamp sit.

Wait at least 5 minutes to give the glue time to cure. It shouldn’t take too long for the glue to harden.^{[6]
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11

Remove the arrow.

Test the strength of the fletching when you take it out. Gently push on the fletching to ensure that it doesn’t move.

12

Add glue to the feathers.

Add a small dollop to the front of each feather. Do this at the end of each arrow tip.

13

Wait 2-3 hours.

You can use and shoot the arrows after a few hours. It doesn’t take super long for the arrow to become usable.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I determine if you should shoot right or left helical?

Jerzy „Xinef” Redlarski

Community Answer

You can choose either, there's no right or wrong choice here, since all it affects is whether the arrow will turn clockwise or counterclockwise in flight. Your handedness and shooting style doesn't matter, you can choose either left or right helical just fine. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind: Use only left-wing feathers for left helical and right-wing for right helical. Vanes are neutral and can go both ways. For screw-in arrowheads, some people recommend right helical because when the arrow is spinning fast when it hits the target, left-helical arrows may loosen the screw, while right-helical will tighten it. Other people just add glue/wax to secure the screws.
Question

For a right handed shooter, should the helical be on the left or right?

Community Answer

It shouldn't matter, as the helical is a curved fletching, just so long as you have the one fletching pointing away from the bow.

Warnings

After rubbing the shaft down with alcohol, refrain from touching the area of the shaft where you will be applying the fletching. Skin oils can cause your fletching to adhere unevenly.

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Only attempt to fletch an arrow with off-set or helical fletchings if you have been instructed beforehand in how to operate your specific jig for that purpose. An inaccurately measured or positioned off-set or helical fletching can impede your arrow's progress rather than improve it.

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