Can you reuse arrow inserts?

In archery, you can reuse arrow inserts as long as they are not smashed up. You can reuse these arrow inserts, provided that they are still concentric. It would be fine.

You would still want to reuse your arrow inserts for several reasons. It could be because you think it would be a waste to dispose of it immediately. It could be because it can be expensive in the long run.

Whatever your reasons, it would be a relief to know that you can reuse these arrow inserts.

You can only reuse them if these inserts still need to be that smashed up. It should be concentric.

So, how do you determine whether the arrow insert is still reusable?

You can inspect the end of the arrow. And when you do, make sure to check it long enough to make sure that they are reusable.

When removing the inserts, you pound them out. And sometimes, when you pound the inserts out of the shaft, the process can damage the carbon inside the tube. Check if the carbon is already damaged.

If not, your arrow insert should still be reusable.

Can you superglue arrow inserts?

Installing is a straightforward process. You can use super glue when installing inserts. All you have to do is to smear the insert with fast-drying superglue, push the insert into the shaft, then wipe off the excess glue.

Are you all set to build your set of arrows?

If you are, please know that the process is straightforward. You can install arrow inserts in a jiffy.

The most significant part of the process is ensuring that the arrow ends are flat and level well with the insert. Aside from this vital reminder, everything will be a breeze.

It is a task you can do at home.

There are two significant types of arrow inserts. These arrow inserts work well with modern carbon and aluminum types of arrows.

The first type of arrow insert is that which slides inside the shaft. A lip is at the top of the insert. The purpose of the lip is to stop the insert and let you know that the arrow insert has perfectly settled.

The second type of arrow insert is without the lip. You bury the arrow insert inside the shaft. No material is visible from the outside of the shaft.

These days, all arrows come with their appropriate inserts. If you buy an arrow with no insert, consult your local archery shop. The local shop can get you the arrow inserts that you need.

The shop can also help you correctly match the size of the insert with the diameter of your arrow.

The first step involves cutting the arrows.

The arrows should have a length that is comfortable for you to use. It would be best to use an arrow squaring tool to determine the perfect size. The device should ensure that the ends of your arrows are flat and level.

The tool’s primary purpose is to remove the excess material from the shaft. It also makes sure that the cuts are uniform and even.

If you skip this part, you risk having a misaligned arrow and insert.

It is crucial to complete this step. Your point should be in perfect alignment with the shaft of the arrow.

The goal should be to make your arrow ends form a perfect 90-degree angle. This angle should be attainable when the shaft sits on a table.

The arrow insert should also be at a 90-degree angle. Unless, of course, you are using sunken inserts called HIT inserts.

If using HIT inserts, your broadhead or field point should sit against the shaft at a 90-degree angle.

Once you have this settled, the rest of the process should be easy.

Now that the shafts are cut and squared, you need to get that fast-setting glue.

Apply the fast-setting glue to the non-HIT insert. Once you have this done, push the insert into the shaft. Right after making it inside the shaft, wipe the excess glue.

The insert should already be set within a few seconds. However, waiting a few more minutes before installing the points is ideal. It is also advisable to wait a few more minutes before shooting those arrows.

If you are using HIT inserts, the process is slightly different.

HIT inserts usually come with a unique tool. It also comes with epoxy and not glue.

The tool will help you in pushing the insert down the shaft. The device will also let you determine the perfect depth for point installation.

Another slight difference is the use of epoxy instead of a fast-setting glue.

When you use epoxy to install the arrow inserts, the first step is to remove the installation tool. Then, set the arrows on a table or any flat surface. This process should allow the epoxy to cure.

While doing this, ensure you hold the insert at the perfect depth determined at the start. This step is essential.

If you stand the arrow prematurely, the arrow insert can slide out of the shaft. The reason could be that the epoxy has yet to be fully cured.

When doing this, make sure to let the epoxy cure.

Can I use hot glue for arrow inserts?

You can use glue for your inserts. If you are using hot glue, it should have a low melting point. A hot glue that is too hot can damage the arrow and the shaft.

As you already know, installing an arrow insert uses super glue or epoxy. Whether you use glue or epoxy depends on the type of arrow insert you use.

The most popular way to attach a part to an arrow is by using a hot melt.

You start by heating the hardware. A hot melt glue stick comes next. However, the glue stick should have a low melting point.

Once melted, you run the glue stick over the surface. Make sure that you have the right amount of adhesive.

It should be enough to create a lightweight bond. It should also be enough to create a strong bond between the hardware and the part.

When you want to master archery, several resources can teach you how to attach shafts and hardware. Whether the material is aluminum, carbon, or something else, there is a right way to bond them together.

Hot melt might be the superior adhesive of choice, but leave this to the experts.

If this is your first time installing an arrow insert, try doing it with super glue or epoxy – whichever is appropriate.

But if you know anyone who can handle hot melt well, take that advantage and have someone do it for you.

The trick is only to determine the perfect temperature for the hot melt.

Again, it should be pretty hot to damage the shaft.

The Rules for Hot Melt in Archery

Generally, when using complete carbon shafts, you must use low-heat hot melt. It is because the direct and high heat can damage your shaft.

It is the same rule you follow when you have a shaft made of combined aluminum and carbon materials.

Once damaged, you can never use the hardware anymore.

When attaching an insert, you must ensure a low melting point. It should be soft enough not to damage the shaft. However, it should also be high enough to provide the hardware and the part bonds.

In short, it should have the perfect temperature.

Some arrow components are delicate. A 24-hour epoxy or super glue is advisable if you use a fragile arrow component.

You can use that instead of hot melt.

If you have an aluminum shaft, it is sturdier than carbon or mixed shafts. However, the hot melt should also not exceed 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit).

Going beyond this temperature can result in crystallization. It can permanently damage (or soften) the metal.

How do you do the adhesive test?

The adhesive test involves:

• Holding the top of the nock
• Pressing it against a flat surface
• Bending it at an angle

If it does not break, your adhesive is perfect.

Taking the adhesive compatibility test is essential to determine whether the nock adhesive is compatible.

In this process, you measure the compatibility against the different nock materials you use.

You start by choosing a test nock.

Using the adhesive of your choice, distribute it evenly on the nock shank. Wait for about ten minutes or until the adhesive sets.

Once set, grab the top of the nock. This part is the one that fits outside the arrow. For this, use a pair of pliers.

Then press the nock shank against a table. While pressed, try to bend it to about a 45-degree angle. You can also do this on a flat surface.

Check if the nock shank bends without breaking to determine whether you got it. If it does, you have got it right.

However, if the nock shank breaks, you must repeat the process. Do this until you can bend the nock shank without breaking.

Installing Points and Arrow Inserts Using Hot Melt

It would help if you had 91% isopropyl alcohol, cleaning materials, cotton swabs, and your hot melt. You would also need a torch, a burner, or a heating element.

Before you start, there is a critical reminder for you.

Handle this with care. When installing a point, ensure you keep the end of the shaft intact. Do not overstress.

To help you during the process, screw a field point into the insert before heating and inserting.

And like the previous recommendation, use less than 200 degrees Celsius heat on your aluminum shafts. Doing so can soften or damage your aluminum shafts.

The process starts by cleaning the inside of the shaft. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. This step should remove debris inside the shaft.

Once cleaned and dried, use a small flame to apply enough heat to the end of the shaft. This step should allow you to melt and apply a ring of the hot melt adhesive on the internal parts of the shaft.

Hold the point. Use a pair of pliers.

It is at this point that you start heating the shank end. Heat this part enough that you can quickly push it into the shaft. Push it to about 6mm inside the shaft. It should be around ¼ of an inch.

Next, heat the exposed part of the point or arrow insert. Heat it just enough to easily put another thin layer of hot melt adhesive. Once done, heat the adhesive on the shank of the insert. This step should re-melt the glue.

While the adhesive has yet to be set, slowly push the insert into the shaft. Do this until the insert seats against the end of the shaft.

Wipe off the excess adhesive. Do this immediately before the adhesive melts.

The steps to take are similar no matter which type of shaft you use. It could be an aluminum shaft, a carbon shaft, or a mix of both – the steps are similar.

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In summary, you can always reuse arrow inserts.

If there is one thing you have to know, it is that you remember to check the insert before reusing it.

Look for any damage.

Removing the insert from the shaft can sometimes damage the arrow insert.

If you remove the arrow insert without causing any damage, you can reuse it.