How To Fletch TAC 15 Arrows - Bitzenburger Jig

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Andy Backus

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The Bitzenburger Jig is a simple, solidly constructed, reasonably priced tool that works really well for fletching TAC 15 arrows.

I've noticed there's not much good info out there about what parts and pieces are required to accomplish this task.

Here's what you'll need to fletch your TAC 15 arrows using the Bitzenburger Jig:

Bitz-how-to-1.jpg
  • Bitzenburger Jig Body
  • Straight Clamp
  • "Secret" Nock Receiver for 60 degree x 120 degree 4-fletch
Buy Bitzenburger Jig kit for TAC 15 arrows at LRH Gear Shop - CLICK HERE

The Bitzenburger Jig body typically comes with a standard Nock Receiver installed (the kit sold at the LRH Gear Shop has the "Secret" Nock Receiver for TAC 15 arrows already installed). The standard nock receiver allows for 3-fletch 120 degree, 4-fletch 90 degree or 4-fletch 75 x 105 degree. The Secret nock receiver provides for the 60 degree x 120 degree 4-fletch on TAC 15 arrows.

The Secret Nock Receiver for TAC 15 arrows can be special-ordered through a dealer if you are starting with a jig containing the standard receiver. If so, you'll need to remove the standard nock receiver and replace it with the Secret Nock receiver.

To replace standard nock receiver with the Bitzenburger Secret Nock Receiver:


Bitz-how-to-2.jpg

  • Loosen the small straight-edge screw to the right of the nock receiver.

  • The nock receiver will drop out the bottom of the jig.

  • Be careful to catch the 3 small springs and 3 ball bearings that will fall out at the same time.

  • Push the Secret Nock Receiver up into the jig body.

  • Tighten the small straight-edge screw.

  • Remove the 3 small hex screws from the housing that the Nock Receiver fits into. These are called "nock receiver index setting screws".

  • Drop 1 ball bearing into each of the 3 holes followed by 1 small spring.

  • Replace the nock receiver index setting screws.

  • Leave the top 2 index setting screws backed almost all the way out, and tighten the bottom index setting screw to just below flush with the outer surface of the housing.

  • There are 4 dimples machined into the Secret Nock Receiver. The spring-loaded ball bearing beneath each index setting screw drops into each dimple as you turn the nock receiver which holds the nock receiver at the correct number of degrees for your 4-fletch 60 x 120 degree arrows.

Now that your Bitzenburger Jig is set up, it's time to fletch some TAC 15 arrows.

Buy TAC 15 Arrows And Bare Shafts At The LRH Gear Shop - CLICK HERE


  • The nock receiver is oversized and self centering so any diameter arrow will fit, from small-diameter carbon to large-diameter crossbow arrows.

  • Whether starting with a new bare shaft or re-fletching an arrow, always work as hard as you can to start with a clean shaft free from grease from your fingers, old glue residue, dust, etc.

  • I clean new shafts with alcohol and then I am careful not to touch the rear of the arrow until the glue is set. I also clean the edge of the vane with alcohol before gluing.

  • There are many different tools and techniques for cleaning up old arrows before re-fletching. I find that most of them work fine. Just make sure you're thorough.

  • The consensus seams to be that the Norway 3" 3-D Duravanes work the best for TAC 15 arrows for both durability and accuracy. These are the vanes that come on TAC 15 arrows from the factory.

Buy Replacement TAC 15 Duravanes at the LRH Gear Shop - CLICK HERE


  • TAC 15 arrows come with nocks glued-in from the factory.

  • If you have one, use an existing TAC 15 arrow as a reference for how far the tail end of the vanes should start from the nock.

  • Drop your fletched arrow into the nock receiver and make sure it sits all the way in the bottom. Don't expect the nock to snap into the receiver as it would onto your bow string. It just sits down in there with gravity.

  • Spin the nock receiver and it should snap into the next position. If it doesn't, check to make sure the lowest of the 3 nock receiver index setting hex screws is tightened to just below the surface of the nock receiver housing. If it is, try tightening it more. As a last resort, back out the lowest index setting hex screw and make sure there's a small spring followed by a ball bearing inside.

  • Place the flat side of the Bitzenburger Straight Clamp onto the 2 magnets on the Bitzenburger Jig Body.

  • Open the Bizenburger Straight Clamp as you slide it over the first vane and up to the shaft.

  • The bottom edge of the clamp should be resting on the flat surface around the top of the nock receiver.

  • Mark the tail end of the vane onto your Bitzenburger Straight Clamp with a pencil or marker.

  • The distance from the tail end of a TAC 15 arrow shaft to the tail end of the vanes is approximately .75 inches.

Bitz-how-to-3.jpg
  • Now drop a clean TAC 15 shaft into the nock receiver.

  • The 2 shiny chrome adjustment nobs should be lined up so the marks above and below the nobs are in line with the marks on the Bitzenburger Jig frame.

  • When clamping the first Duravane into your Bitzenburger Straight Clamp, make sure you don't touch the edge you're about to glue.

  • Spread a VERY THIN layer of glue onto the vane. The thinner the better with full coverage.

  • Slide the clamp holding your Duravane up against the TAC 15 arrow shaft and make sure you have even, full pressure of the Duravane up against the shaft.

  • The instructions on your tube of glue will tell you how long you need to leave the first Duravane clamped for full adhesion.

Buy The Glue We At The LRH Gear Shop Recommend- CLICK HERE


  • While the Bitzenburger Straight Clamp is still attached to the magnets, open the clamp while you turn the nock receiver and sort of pull the clamp away to clear your vane.

  • Turn the nock receiver to the next position.

  • Install your 2nd Duravane in the same fashion.

  • If you're using 2 different Duravane colors, then simply alternate colors at each position.

  • Continue until finished.

  • We've been applying a dab of glue to the leading and trailing edge of each Duravane with good results.


This has been a straightforward description of how-to fletch TAC 15 arrows using the Bitzenburger Fletching Jig, a simple, solidly constructed, reasonably priced tool.

Buy Bitzenburger Jig kit for TAC 15 arrows at LRH Gear Shop - CLICK HERE


This method of fletching TAC 15 arrows is appropriate and effective for the typical shooter/hunter who wants to take there effective range well past any other crossbow on the market.

To stretch their range to their absolute limits, additional arrow tuning techniques can be appropriate. To learn more about the TAC 15 crossbow, including additional arrow tuning techniques -

Visit The TAC 15 Discussion Forum At LRH - CLICK HERE
 
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