Learning bow hunting can be challenging, especially when trying to understand the equipment and various arrow-related issues.
One thing that can hunters struggle with about what glue to use for an arrow insert.
Epoxy-based glue is an all-rounder glue for arrow inserts. Being the strongest, it yields great results for all kinds of arrow shafts. But if you are looking for the quickest drying glue, opt for superglues. Classic hot glue can also be an alternative if you are under a tight budget.
Inserting an arrow with glue is a delicate aspect. So, this brief answer won’t be enough for you. Just stay with the article to know about the different factors of different types of glue.
What Is Arrow Insert Glue?
An arrow insert is a small metal sleeve used to screw the arrow tip on top of the shaft. It is mainly made from aluminum or brass and has a slightly low diameter than the shaft to be placed inside perfectly.
Gluing the insert inside the shaft is a fundamental art of building your own arrow. An arrow insert glue is an adhesive specially designed for the purpose of bonding arrow inserts inside the top part of the shaft.
Applying adhesive ensures the insert stays in place without moving. Without glue, it will fall out of the shaft along with the arrow tip. Depending on the diameter of the arrow whether 4mm or 5mm, you also need to choose the correct size of the insert.
Generic glues are not long-lasting. So bowhunters use specific types of bonding glues to ensure the best shooting experience.
How Important Is Arrow Glue Quality for Hunting Performance
The arrow insert is a vital part of your arrow to ensure good penetration. But the quality of the glues used to bind it to the arrowhead is often neglected.
Using cheap and regular glue from households hurts the overall experience of hunting. Repetitive shooting shakes the interior bonding of the arrow.
So good bonding makes sure the inserts won’t come out at all even after repetitive shots.
Also, loose inserts will create vibration and noise during the throw causing distraction and error in the shot. So adhering insert with the best glue is essential for the aerodynamic function of your arrow.
Factors to Look out for in Glue for Arrow Insert: A Quick Overview
There are some important key factors to keep in mind while buying glue for inserts. Epoxy-based glue, hot glue, or cyanoacrylate (super glues) are the most common types of glue used for this purpose.
Let’s have a sneak peek into the common factors that determine the quality of various types of glue.
| Factors | Types of Glue |
| Thickness (viscosity) of the glue: | Epoxy: High (2300 cps)Super Glue: Medium (1000 cps)Hot Glue: Low (150 cps) |
| Strength of the glue | Epoxy: Strongest (6000 psi)Super Glue: Strong (3000 psi)Hot Glue: Weak (500 psi) |
| Best for arrow material: wood, aluminum, carbon, fiberglass shafts. | Epoxy: Carbon, aluminum, wood, fiberglassSuper Glue: Wood, CarbonHot Glue: aluminum |
| Dry time | Epoxy: Slow (60 minutes)Super Glue: Super Fast (2 minutes)Hot Glue: Fast (10 minutes) |
| Price to quantity ratio | Epoxy: ModerateSuper Glue: ExpensiveHot Glue: Cheap |
Factor 1: Thickness of the Glue
Viscosity is the estimation of thickness and internal resistance of a flow, measured in centipoise (cp) at 75°F. Epoxy has a thickness like molasses while superglue is closer to honey. Hot glue is thin like maple syrup.
It is important for the glue to penetrate the surface and flow into the glue gap. So, a low-viscosity glue can easily go inside the small gap of the shaft and arrow insert. While a thicker one can get stuck while putting the insert into the shaft due to high viscosity.
Regarding the thickness of the glue, hot melt glue is the clear winner here. It is a classic when it comes to attaching arrow parts to the shaft.
Ferr-L-Tite from Bohning’s is the best hot glue out there in the market.
Factor 2: Strength of the Glue
Strength of glue is determined by the pressure it can withstand. It is measured by psi (pounds per square inch), where a higher number indicates better strength.
It’s an important factor because arrows repeatedly go through pressure in every step of shooting. If good bonding is not created during the setup of the insert, they will move out of their place causing arrows to wobble in flight.
Epoxy-based glue is the strongest type of glue currently available, hot melt being the weakest one. Superglue sits kind of in the middle of these two. So go for the one with the most strength to ensure longer-lasting performance.
AAE Epoxy from Arizona Archery Enterprises is a fine choice for arrow inserts.
Factor 3: Best for Arrow Material
Hunters use different kinds of shaft material according to their preferences. The common types are carbon, aluminum, and wood. Fiberglass shafts are also used nowadays for their lightweight quality.
Depending on what arrow material you use, the choice of glue varies. Epoxy-based glue is an all-rounder for every kind of arrow. Super glue can be used for wood and carbon but not for aluminum. Also, hot melt is not advisable for wood, and fiberglass surfaces.
So, epoxy glue is best for every kind of arrow material. You can easily use it without worrying too much about the shaft’s build.
Multi-Purpose Epoxy from Loctite is a great choice for gluing arrow inserts into any kind of shaft.
Factor 4: Dry Time
This is one of the most vital factors for hunters when it comes to choosing the glue for the arrow insert.
If you need time to enhance the fit of your components, thicker glue tends to dry more slowly without any accelerating agent. In the opposite circumstances, thinner glue is appropriate as it sets very fast.
Dry time also affects adhesive cure time, after which the adhesive performs the best. Epoxy glue has a cure time of 24 hours, so you have to wait at least one day before you can use the arrows. Hot melt glues cure fully after 12 hours while it takes 8 hours for the cyanoacrylates.
The superglue dries up within a minute or two. Hot glue takes around ten minutes while epoxy takes up to an hour. So super glue is the perfect choice when it comes to swift bonding.
Super Glue from Gorilla is the go-to adhesive for the quickest dry time.
Factor 5: Price to Quantity Ratio
A glue should always be budget-friendly. When it comes to expenses, hunters usually adhere to the cheaper ones.
An ounce of super glue can cost up to 40 dollars, while epoxy will cost 14 dollars per ounce. Hot glue, being the cheap one, costs around 7 dollars per ounce. So, hot melt glue has the best price-to-quantity ratio.
Hot Melt Insert Glue from TradGear is a great value for money for arrow inserts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you use fletching glue for inserts?
You can use fletching glue for inserts without any doubt. In fact, it is a very budget-friendly glue made for points, vanes, forge nocks, and outserts. It performs great on carbon, wood, fiberglass, and aluminum arrow.
How do you use hot melt glue?
You need to squeeze the trigger to apply the glue after plugging in the gun and giving it some time to warm up. Now tightly press the components to be bonded together and hold until they’re fully set. Be cautious since melted glue is extremely hot and will rapidly damage the skin.
Can I use hot glue instead of epoxy?
Of course, you can use hot glue if you’re running out of epoxy glue. Hot glue also works as permanent glue. Altogether, hot melt glue produces a strong adhesive that is ensured to last when cooled below its melting point.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the discussion was helpful for you and you’ve got a clear vision of what glue to use for the arrow insert.
For inserting arrows, you should choose the glue very carefully. Otherwise, the whole process of hunting can mess up.
Thank you for being with me in this interesting yet helpful discussion. Have a great hunting day!
