Regardless of whether you're a target archer or a bowhunter, the right arrow-insert glue will significantly impact the success of your shots and the lifespan of your arrows. With many different types of adhesives available on the market, it is crucial to identify the best arrow insert glue that suits your personal needs.
In this detailed post, I aim to provide you with the ultimate guide on this subject, allowing you to make an informed choice by comparing all the variables in detail.
Quick Answer – What is the best arrow insert glue?
For more information, Let’s dive right in…
Key characteristics to consider in arrow insert glues
In essence, there are certain features we expect from the best arrow insert glue. While the priority of these features may vary from person to person, the qualities that need to be taken into consideration are as follows.
Durability: At the end of the process, arrow insert glue enhances the overall durability of the arrow by providing a stable connection.
Secure Attachment: Arrow insert glues should create a strong bond that withstands high forces and tensions without allowing even the slightest loosening.
Vibration Dampening: High-quality arrow insert glues are also about absorbing vibrations and making your shots smoother and quieter.
Compatibility: They are crafted to get along with different kinds of arrow materials, such as carbon, aluminum, or wood, ensuring that the adhesive works effectively without causing damage to the components (for details see below sections).
Environmental Resistance: Some of them are designed to resist environmental factors like temperature and humidity, ensuring the bond remains strong in outdoor conditions.
Drying and Curing Time: Different glues (especially different types of glues such as epoxy and hot melt) have varying drying and curing times. Solvent-based super glues ensure a much quicker and complete bonding, whereas the curing times for adhesives like epoxy can take up to a full day under optimal conditions, and for some, it might extend to weeks.
Viscosity: The viscosity of the glue refers to its thickness and flowability. Low-viscosity glues can penetrate tight spaces better.
Ease of Application: One of the simplest methods for attaching arrow inserts is to use super glue. Compared to hot melt, which requires additional equipment and must be applied within the correct temperature range, or epoxy, which demands precise pre-mixing, super glue is definitely easier to use.
Gap-Filling Properties: If there are slight size variations or irregularities between the arrow insert and shaft, a glue with good gap-filling properties may be beneficial.
Weight: The adhesive, even if in small amounts, will add some weight to the arrow. While this added weight may be overlooked by some archers, if you are sensitive to this aspect, prioritizing an adhesive with a lower density might be a sensible choice.
Reversibility: If you anticipate the need for removal or replacement, it would be wise to opt for an adhesive that is suitable for such purposes. Typically, epoxy adhesives tend to be the most stubborn in this regard.
Safety: A solid connection between the arrow shaft and insert is essential for safety. Picking the right glue reduces the chances of cheesy surprises.
Types of Arrow Insert Glues
Choosing a compatible arrow insert glue impacts the effectiveness and reliability of your arrows, contributing to a better overall shooting experience.
In general, three different types of adhesives are commonly used for attaching arrow inserts.
Epoxy Resin
Epoxy is a versatile adhesive material formed by mixing resin and hardener. When combined, they undergo a chemical reaction that results in a durable, strong, and rigid substance widely used in archery for bonding applications.
Under normal conditions, epoxy is a complex process that involves mixing in a specific ratio and requires a long curing time. While there are simple solutions in the market to streamline this process, it's a fact that some brands, in their pursuit of ease with 1:1 formulations, may compromise the strength of the bonding connection.
Pros:
Cons:
Best Arrow Insert Glue for Carbon Arrows
When choosing the arrow insert glue according to the shaft materials, epoxy resin takes the lead, especially for materials other than wood. Considering the widespread use of epoxy in hardening various carbon fiber engineering materials, it becomes particularly noteworthy in the bonding process of carbon arrows due to its overall strength, durability, and compatibility.
Cyanoacrylate (CA)
Cyanoacrylate, commonly known as Super Glue, is a popular choice as an arrow insert glue due to its specific characteristics that make it suitable for this application.
Pros:
Cons:
Pro Tip!
Cyanoacrylate glues have a more brittle nature, and they can be softened or dissolved with the application of certain solvents, such as acetone. Epoxy, on the other hand, tends to form a stronger and more resilient bond, making it more challenging to remove. If you intend for future removal or adjustments, choosing a cyanoacrylate adhesive might be a more practical option.
Warning!
CA glues are the ones that have the fastest curing time. But remember, the faster the glue dries, the more brittle it is.
Hot Melt Adhesives
Hot melt is a type of adhesive that comes in solid form and is melted to a liquid state for application. It quickly solidifies upon cooling, creating a strong bond, making it commonly used in various archery bonding applications.
Pros:
Cons:
Comparison Table: Best Arrow Insert Glue
Characteristic | Epoxy | Hot Melt | CA (Cyanoacrylate) |
|---|---|---|---|
Curing Time | Longer (hours) | Rapid (seconds to minutes | Fast (minutes) |
Strength | High | Lower than the others | Moderate (some high-impact options) |
Flexibility | Moderate (vibration absorption) | High | Low (more brittle) |
Ease of Use | Requires mixing, dual syringes available | Easy (glue guns or a simple lighter commonly used) | Easiest (quick application |
Temperature Sensitivity | Enter your text here... | Weak (Susceptible to heat. May be soften. Can become brittle in cold) | Moderate (Sensitive, may be less effective in extreme heat) |
Environmental Stability | Stable across a range of conditions | Susceptible to temperature changes | Sensitive to temperature and humidity |
Cost | Relatively more expensive | Cost-effective | Affordable, various price ranges |
Reversible Bond | Low | High | Moderate |
Gap-filling | High | Low | Moderate |
Weight | Density 1.1 to 1.4 g/cm³ | Lightweight – (Density 0.9 to 1.2 g/cm³) | Density 1.05 to 1.2 g/cm³ |
Best Brand in the Market |
Warning!
Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations. While trying to find the best arrow insert glue you might miss the right choice of yours. Adhering to the suggested application methods and curing times will help ensure optimal performance.
For instance, you can review the images of the recommendations, along with their links below, which you can find by conducting a simple search on the pages of some shaft manufacturers.
For details click Easton's website.
For details click Gold Tip's website.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Arrow Insert Glues
The most crucial factors to consider when trying to find the best arrow insert glue for your arrows are the arrow shaft and insert material, along with your shaft diameter.
Warning!
Remember that the information I provided here is general guidance, and you should always refer to manufacturer specifications and technical data sheets for accurate details.
Type of Arrow and Insert Material
Wooden Arrows
Traditional wood glues, such as carpenter's glue, are often suitable for bonding wooden arrows and inserts.
Plus, wood is a relatively flexible material. So, the glue that will be used should allow for some degree of flexibility. PVA (Polyvinyl acetate) wood glues are known for their flexibility and are a common choice for wooden arrows.
Among the commonly used arrow glues, cyanoacrylate (super glue) is known to work well on wooden surfaces. Fletch-Tite Platinum, designed for both carbon and wooden surfaces, is especially worth considering.
Tip!
Wood will absorb moisture, so choosing a glue that offers resistance to environmental factors is critical.
Aluminum Arrows and Inserts
Cyanoacrylate-based (CA) glues work well with aluminum. Most superglue adhesives claim high durability on metal surfaces.
Tip!
Ensure the glue is compatible with the aluminum surface to prevent corrosion.
Carbon Arrows and Inserts
We are not as flexible as others in choosing adhesives for carbon arrows. They generally require special glue designed for carbon material. Due to its unique nature, opting for epoxy-based adhesives is much more suitable than general-purpose glues.
Hybrid or Composite Arrows
Epoxy-based glues are commonly used for composite arrows due to their ability to bond well with various materials and offer a flexible yet durable bond.
Fiberglass Arrows
Fiberglass material is, in a sense, reinforced plastic. Therefore, among commonly used plastic surface adhesives, Super Glues can be considered more suitable for fiberglass.
Since fiberglass is a flexible material, it is advisable to choose an adhesive with high flexibility.
General Tip!
Before applying the glue to the entire arrow, conduct a small compatibility test in an inconspicuous area to ensure that the adhesive works well with the specific arrow material.
Brass and Steel Inserts
According to your priorities (curing time, strength, ease of use, etc.), it will be sufficient to proceed with an adhesive suitable for metal surfaces. My recommendation is to use hot melt or super glues, which are the perfect choice for brass and steel inserts.
Titanium Inserts
Most adhesives produced are multi-purpose. While there may not be a specifically manufactured adhesive for titanium arrow inserts on the market, generally, epoxies or superglues designed for metal surfaces will provide satisfactory results for titanium as well.
Arrow Shaft Diameter
For smaller-diameter arrow shafts, using low-viscosity, thin cyanoacrylate (super glue) is the best option. This ensures that the glue can penetrate tight spaces.
If there are slight variations in diameter or irregularities between the arrow insert and shaft, opt for a glue with good gap-filling properties, like certain epoxy resins.
Best Arrow Insert Glues on the Market
In this section, I have tried to provide as much detailed information as possible about adhesives commonly preferred by archers and bow-hunters in the market.
Except for adhesives developed by bow brands themselves, most adhesives are multipurpose, so I cannot claim to have examined their features solely based on archery performance expectations.
For your final choice, I recommend determining 2-3 critical features you've identified (such as material compatibility, ease of use, quick curing, etc.) according to your needs.
Warning!
Before we choose the best arrow insert glue for you I want to draw attention to a specific issue: arrow cleanliness. Any kind of dirt, oil, grime, or dust inside the arrow shaft will significantly impair adhesion strength and diminish adhesive performance. Remember, properly cleaning the arrow is as crucial as choosing the best arrow insert glue.
Best Epoxy Resins
Gorilla Epoxy
For details: Gorilla Epoxy
AAE Epoxy
Tip!
Easton Archery recommends this product.
For details: AAE Epoxy
Bob Smith Industries BSI-205 Clear Slow-Cure Epoxy
See Technical Data Sheet: https://bsi-inc.com/sds_pdf/sds_slow_cure.pdf
For details: BSI-205
Loctite Epoxy Five-Minute Instant
See Technical Data Sheet: https://dm.henkel-dam.com/is/content/henkel/TDS-1365868-1715208-US-Loctite-Instant-Mix-5-Min-Epoxy-Carded-Syringe-0.47-fl-oz-2016-08-30pdf
For details: Loctite Epoxy
J-B Weld ClearWeld 5 Minute Epoxy
See Technical Data Sheet: https://dynamix-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/jbweldcom/jbweldcom_821927297.pdf
For details: J-B Weld ClearWeld
Best Cyanoacrylate Glues (Super Glues)
Gorilla Super Glue
See Technical Data Sheet: https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/576542.pdf
For details: Gorilla Super Glue
Loctite Super Glue Liquid Longneck Bottle
See Technical Data Sheet: https://dm.henkel-dam.com/is/content/henkel/TDS-230992-US-Loctite-Super-Glue-Longneck-Bottle-Carded-Bottle-5-g-Carded-Tube-10-g-2016-08-26pdf
For details: Loctite Super Glue Longneck
Bohning Insert Iron
See Technical Data Sheet: https://www.bohning.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Insert-Iron_USA_English.pdf
For details: Bohning Insert Iron
Bohning Platinum Fletch Tite
Technical Data Sheet:
https://www.bohning.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2024_Bohning-Catalog.pdf
For details: Bohhning Platinum Fletch Tite
Easton Dr. Dougs Quickbond
Technical Data Sheet:
https://eastonarchery.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Easton-Hunting-2024.pdf
For details: Easton Dr. Dougs Quickbond
Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control
See Technical Data Sheet: https://dm.henkel-dam.com/is/content/henkel/TDS-1363589-1699233-1739050-1801751-Loctite-Super-Glue-Ultra-Gel-Control-Carded-Bottle-4-g-5-g-2016-08-30pdf
For details: Loctite Super Glue Ultra Gel Control
G5 G-Lock Blu-Glu Adhesive
Gold Tip Grip Arrow Adhesive
For details: Gold Tip Grip Adhesive
Best Hot Melt Adhesives
Bohning 1309 Ferr-L-Tite
For details: Bohning 1309 Ferr-L-Tite
Bohning 1308 Ferry-L-Tite Cool Flex
For details: Bohning 1308 Ferry-L-Tite Cool Flex
EASTON Hot Melt
Tip!
Easton's guide for arrow assembly gives details about how to properly use Easton hot melt for your arrows.
Conclusion
The topic of insert glue is quite complex and the answer can vary based on different expectations. Additionally, the abundance of brands in the market can be confusing.
In summary, my advice is to determine your priorities and proceed with an option that is widely accepted and has been thoroughly examined. The choice you make in this way will more than adequately fulfill your needs.
