Common Arrow Building Mistakes That Cost You Accuracy

Building your own arrows is one of the most effective ways to improve consistency and accuracy — but only if you avoid a few critical mistakes. We see it all the time: archers invest in quality components, then unknowingly lose performance during the build process.

Whether you’re building hunting arrows in your garage or tuning a target setup at home, here are the most common arrow building mistakes that cost you accuracy—and how to fix them.

1. Cutting Arrows Inconsistently

The mistake: Cutting arrows to slightly different lengths from shaft to shaft or making jagged cuts. 

Why it matters: Inconsistent cuts = inconsistent arrow flight.

How to fix it:

• Use an arrow saw with a solid rear rest (like the modsaw) 
• Measure once and cut every shaft the same way
• Square both ends after cutting

Consistent cuts set the foundation for the rest of your build. 

2. Not Squaring Both Ends

The mistake: Skipping squaring after cutting—or assuming factory ends are square.

Why it matters: If both the ends of the shaft aren't perfectly square:

• Inserts won’t seat flush
• Nocks won’t seat flush
• Broadheads won’t spin true
• You’ll introduce wobble

How to fix it: Always square both ends of every shaft before installing components. This ensures inserts and nocks align perfectly. 

3. Poor Insert Installation

The mistake: Rushing insert installs, using uneven glue coverage, or not fully seating inserts.

Why it matters: Misaligned inserts cause broadhead wobble and unpredictable flight.

How to fix it:

• Clean the inside of the shaft with alcohol or acetone
• Use a consistent adhesive method
• Fully seat the insert and let it cure undisturbed
• Spin-test every arrow after curing (you can use the SpinEX for this)

If it doesn’t spin perfectly, it won’t fly perfectly.

Pro Tip: Stray away from using super glue. Super glue has a tendency to “break loose” upon any type of shock from an impact.

4. Ignoring Arrow Weight Consistency

The mistake: Assuming arrows from the same components automatically weigh the same.

Why it matters: Weight variation affects:

• Arrow speed
• Trajectory
• Grouping, especially beyond 30–40 yards

How to fix it:

• Weigh bare shafts before building
• Weigh inserts, nocks and field tips/broadheads
• Weigh finished arrows
• Match arrows into sets for hunting or competition

Even small grain differences add up at distance.

5. Fletching Mistakes

The mistake: Inconsistent spacing, poor adhesion, or misaligned vanes.

Why it matters: Fletching stabilizes the arrow. If it’s inconsistent, your arrow flight will be too.

How to fix it:

• Clean shafts before fletching
• Use a reliable jig
• Apply even pressure and proper cure time
• Check vane spacing after drying

6. Skipping Spin Testing

The mistake: Assuming an arrow is good to go without spin testing.

Why it matters: Spin testing reveals:

• Crooked inserts
• Bent components
• Broadhead alignment issues

How to fix it: Spin-test every finished arrow with the point installed. Fix or rebuild anything that wobbles.

Accuracy Is Built, Not Bought

Great arrows aren’t an accident—they’re the result of repeatable, precise processes. 

If you’re serious about accuracy, treat arrow building with the same attention you give your bow setup and shooting form.

Build consistently. Test everything. Eliminate variables.

That’s how you get the most out of every shot.

Want to start building your own arrows, but unsure of how? Head to our tutorial and pick up a modsaw today. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Building Accurate Arrows

Do small arrow building mistakes really affect accuracy?

Yes. Even minor inconsistencies, like slightly uneven arrow length, crooked inserts, or weight differences of a few grains, can cause noticeable changes, especially at longer distances.

How precise do arrow cuts need to be?

Ideally, all arrows in a set should be cut to the exact same length and weigh within 3 grains of each other. Differences as small as 1/8 inch and a variance of 3 or more grains can cause problems. 

Is squaring arrow shafts really necessary?

Absolutely. Squaring ensures inserts and nocks seat flush, reducing wobble and improving broadhead and field point alignment.

Why do my arrows spin fine without broadheads but wobble with them?

This usually indicates insert misalignment or an imperfect or bent broadhead. Broadheads can exaggerate alignment issues that field points may hide.