SCALES

[Justin Snyder]

snakes always look their best after a shed.  I prefer to give them that last shed.  Duct tape has worked fine for me.  I found that my python/boa skins were way more difficult to get that last shed off when compared to rattlers.  Shoot the rattlers I could just rub my hand down the skin and they flaked right off.

I do the same also. Duct tape works great on diamond backs and gopher snakes. I cant imagine not taking the dry skin off. It makes the colors so much nicer, and the scales set smoother on the skin.

[Eric Krewson]

I have skinned at least a dozen bows possibly many more, I don't remember all of them. I would make every effort to get all the scales off. On some of my earlier skinning jobs I would miss an occasional scale and like Dano said, its coming off somewhere down the road and leaving an unfinished white spot.

I use duct tape on rattlers and masking tape in copperheads. Careful application and removal of the tape is required, I have never torn a skin. I also do the scale removal after the skin is glued on and dry, not much chance of tearing a skin after it is glued on.

[El Destructo]

I have a Freezer full of Rattlers and have done at least 20 Bows backed with them....and the best tool I have found to use to remove Scales it a Big Yellow Gum Eraser that you use to clean Sander Belts with....they are soft and they grab the Scales beautiful too...but I still prefer the Alcohol...it kills two birds with one stone....loosen the tough scales....and degreases the Hide at the same time..

[zeNBowyer]

This  is a  longbow  I  did a  few  year  ago in rattler (lighting too  poor  for clarity)




[attachment deleted by admin]