How to Build Crossbow Bolts
- 1). Measure the crossbow from the arrow nocking point to the arrow rest. The arrow rest is the point where the arrowhead rests on the crossbow. The nocking point is the point where the end of the arrow attaches to the string. Add 1/2 inch to the measurement. This will be the length of the bolt. Most bolts are between 8 and 12 inches long, depending on the size of the crossbow.
- 2). Cut 5/16-inch or 1/4-inch diameter dowel rods to fit your measurements. Slowly rotate the dowels over a fire without allowing the flame to touch or burn them for about an hour. This will flame-harden the dowels.
- 3). Cut a 1/2-inch V-shaped nock into the end of the dowels.
- 4). Split goose or turkey feathers down the feather spine for fletching to stabilize the bolt in flight. Place horn and hoof glue onto the dowel and attach the feather halves. Space three feathers out 120 degrees apart on the dowel diameter. Allow a day for the glue to dry.
- 5). Clamp or twist on the iron bolt tips. Use horn and hoof glue to fix them in place.
