For the past 13 years I have been using the Cartel fletching tool as my primary fletching jig, so I thought it would be a good time to write a review of my thoughts.

I’ve just bought a third one to set up permanently for 4 fletching. This way I don’t have to worry about changing the setup from 3 to 4 fletchings.

The jig cost £17.99 from Merlin archery. For this price you get the main jig, clamp, and  2 Allen keys for adjustments of the jig

I’ve found the tool to be a sturdy metal construction. It comes with a couple of holes in the base so you can mount it with screws onto a board or worktable. I have chosen not to do this as I keep the different jigs in one large box so I use a G clamp to hold it steady on the tabletop.

As the video shows, the jig can be set up for either 3 or 4 fletching via the adjustable screws at the base. I’ve marked mine 3 and 4.

There are 2 screws for alignment adjustment of the clamp so you can ensure your fletching is straight on the arrow shaft. I don’t have a helical clamp, just a simple straight one

Clamp itself has an adjuster screw that ensures you don’t crush the fletching, very useful if you are using feather fletchings.

The magnets that hold the clamp are surprisingly strong and caught me off guard when I first started using the clamp. So be warned when getting the alignment of the fletching to the arrow. If you are using glue you will have time to slide the clamps down, but if like me you are using fletching tape you need to be a little more careful when aligning the fletching.

As I said I already have 2 of these that I’ve had over 13 years now, pretty much since I first starting making arrows.

I’d like to offer a couple of tips based on those years of use.

Tip number one is I’ve marked the point of the index feather, just to make life easier.

The allen keys that come with the tool are easy to lose, yes I have lost or rather misplaced one over the years, so I have added a couple of zip ties to the base of the clamp where I can slip them in.

Since I make mostly wooden arrows, I’ve added a little bit of tape at the top of the jig where the arrow sets to ensure it doesn’t scratch the wood of the arrows.

I’m a fan of these clamps as I’ve found them both robust and easy to use. I also like it’s all metal construction, which makes them durable and easy to clean when I’ve got glue on them in the past.

As always thanks for reading and listening.