Arrow Inserts: Types, Materials & FOC Guide

Arrow inserts are small threaded sleeves installed inside the point end of an arrow shaft. They anchor screw-in points and broadheads, add forward weight that shifts balance toward the front of the shaft, and let you swap point styles without re-gluing.

Aluminum vs. Brass Inserts

Most archery inserts are made from aluminum or brass, and the difference matters for tuning. Aluminum inserts weigh roughly 16 grains and pair naturally with carbon shafts, which are already light. Brass inserts can reach 100 grains, improving front-of-center (FOC) balance and durability — they are commonly paired with aluminum shafts. Note that excessive front weight weakens effective spine, so insert mass should be factored into your arrow spine selection relative to draw weight.

Types of Arrow Inserts and Outserts

Standard (Lipped) Inserts

The most common design. A lip stops the insert flush at the shaft face once seated, and they work across most carbon and aluminum shaft diameters.

HIT (Hidden Insert Technology)

HIT inserts seat entirely inside the shaft, hidden from view. Originally engineered for small-diameter shafts where a lipped insert is no longer compatible, they require epoxy and a dedicated seating tool. The .204 Standard HIT uses 8-32 threads; the Micro HIT for 4mm shafts uses 6-40 Deep Six threads.

Half-Out Inserts

A hybrid design — part internal, part external. Easton's 5mm Half-Out inserts come in 25-grain aluminum or 75-grain steel and extend roughly half an inch beyond the shaft to provide a flush fit with 5/16" points and broadheads.

Glue-In vs. Screw-In

Inserts for arrows in carbon shafts are bonded with epoxy; hot melt is correct for aluminum and A/C shafts only — heat damages carbon fiber and should always be avoided with carbon. Screw-in inserts thread directly into aluminum shafts with larger inner diameters and are easy to remove, though they can loosen over time.

How to Install Arrow Inserts

1. Square the cut end of the shaft so the insert seats at a true 90-degree angle.
2. Clean the shaft interior and the insert with acetone or denatured alcohol — no adhesive bonds well to oily surfaces.
3. Apply adhesive to the insert and press it into the shaft, rotating one full turn to distribute coverage evenly.
4. Use an insert-seating tool to push the insert flush with the shaft end.
5. Allow epoxy to cure fully — let arrows rest horizontally for 24 hours before threading on any point.

Getting your aluminum arrow inserts or brass inserts right is one step in a broader tuning process. Understanding how carbon arrow construction affects flight mechanics helps ensure all components work together for consistent results.