How to Install Inserts in Carbon Arrows
Modern carbon arrows are much slimmer than traditional aluminum designs. Thus, carbon arrows require proportionately slimmer inserts to accept screw-in field points and broadheads. Careful insert installation is critical to ensure shooting accuracy and consistency. Improperly installed inserts can cause field points and broadheads to seat at an angle, resulting in erratic arrow flight.
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Things You'll Need
- Arrow shaft
- Arrow insert
- Sandpaper
- Cotton swab
- Denatured alcohol
- Slow-drying epoxy
- Paper towel or rag
Instructions
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Installing Inserts in Carbon Arrows
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1
Select the proper insert for your arrow shaft. Inserts are not universal. In fact, a single company may offer several arrow shaft models, each with its own specific insert. Check the packaging to make sure the insert is compatible with your shaft.
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2
Rough up the inside of the arrow shaft where the insert will go. This provides more surface area and better adhesion. This can be done by wrapping fine sandpaper around a small-diameter object, such as a field point shaft or even the arrow insert. Be careful to avoid scratching the smooth outer skin of the arrow shaft.
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3
Degrease the inside of the shaft and the outside of the insert with denatured alcohol. A cotton swab works well. This step will also ensure good adhesion.
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4
Apply a slow-drying epoxy to the outside of the insert. Make sure the insert is fully coated to ensure a good seal. Avoid using fast-drying epoxies. Use a specially made archery epoxy, available from archery supply stores. Avoid getting epoxy on the threads inside the insert. Hold your finger or thumb over the end of the insert to protect the threads.
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5
Push the insert into the arrow shaft and twist it a few times to ensure the shaft wall is fully coated with epoxy. Press on the end of the insert to make sure it is firmly seated in the shaft.
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6
Wipe off any epoxy that squirts out of the joint immediately with a paper towel or rag. Again, make sure none of the epoxy gets into the threads.
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7
Stand the arrow shaft on end with the insert end down. Allow the epoxy to cure per the manufacturer's instructions before installing components and shooting.
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Tips & Warnings
Check to make sure the insert seats properly in the shaft and that there is a uniform amount of insert projecting just slightly from inside the shaft. Make sure no epoxy gets in the insert threads.
