How to Make Money with Fletching in OSRS: A Complete Guide

Fletching is one of the most versatile and accessible skills in Old School RuneScape (OSRS). Not only is it a fast skill to train, but it also offers several profitable methods to make gold (GP) while leveling up. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this guide will walk you through the best ways to make money with Fletching in OSRS. From low-level methods to high-level profit-makers, we’ve got you covered with practical tips and strategies to maximize your earnings.
Fletching stands out in OSRS because it combines quick experience gains with the potential for profit. Unlike some skills that require heavy investment or combat, Fletching can be trained passively while doing other activities, making it ideal for multitasking players. Plus, the items you craft—like bows, arrows, and bolts—are in constant demand due to their use in Ranged combat and High Alchemy, a popular Magic training method.
Low Initial Investment
Many Fletching money-making methods require minimal startup capital. Basic materials like logs, feathers, and bowstrings are affordable and widely available on the Grand Exchange (GE), making it easy to get started even with a small bankroll.
Scalable Profits
As your Fletching level increases, so do your profit margins. Higher-level items like Magic Longbows or Toxic Blowpipes offer substantial returns, allowing you to scale your earnings as you progress.
Essential Tools and Requirements for Fletching
Before diving into the money-making methods, let’s cover the basics you’ll need to start Fletching efficiently. These tools and requirements are simple but crucial for success.
Basic Equipment
- Knife: Used to cut logs into arrow shafts, unstrung bows, or crossbow stocks. Available for a few coins at any general store.
- Chisel: Necessary for cutting gems into bolt tips or crafting items like Toxic Blowpipes.
- Bowstrings and Feathers: Key materials for stringing bows and fletching arrows or bolts. Buy in bulk from the GE for cost efficiency.
Level Requirements
While some methods work at level 1, the most profitable options unlock at higher levels (55+). Don’t worry—Fletching is one of the fastest skills to train, so you can reach these milestones quickly with affordable methods like making headless arrows or shortbows.
Top Low-Level Fletching Money-Making Methods
If you’re just starting out or have a low Fletching level (1-54), these methods will help you earn GP while building your skill. They’re simple, low-risk, and perfect for beginners.
Making Headless Arrows (Level 1+)
Headless arrows are a staple for low-level Fletchers. They’re made by combining arrow shafts (fletched from logs) with feathers, and they sell well due to their use in crafting tipped arrows.
- Requirements: Level 1 Fletching, knife, logs, feathers
- Method: Cut logs into arrow shafts (15 per log), then use feathers on the shafts.
- Profit: Around 5-10 GP per headless arrow, totaling 50k-100k GP/hour with bulk production.
- Tip: Use regular or oak logs for affordability, and buy feathers in bulk from fishing shops or the GE.
Stringing Willow Longbows (Level 35+)
At level 35, you can start stringing willow longbows for a small profit. This method is semi-AFK and offers decent XP alongside earnings.
- Requirements: Level 35 Fletching, willow logs, bowstrings
- Method: Cut willow logs into unstrung longbows, then add bowstrings.
- Profit: Approximately 20-30 GP per bow, yielding 50k-80k GP/hour.
- Tip: Check GE prices to ensure the cost of logs and strings is less than the selling price of the finished bow.
Profitable Mid-Level Fletching Methods
Once you hit level 55, Fletching becomes significantly more lucrative. These mid-level methods balance profit and XP, making them ideal for players looking to grow their bank while training.
Stringing Maple Longbows (Level 55+)
Maple longbows are a sweet spot for mid-level Fletchers. They’re in demand for High Alchemy and offer a solid profit margin.
- Requirements: Level 55 Fletching, maple logs, bowstrings
- Method: Fletch maple logs into unstrung longbows, then string them.
- Profit: Around 100-150 GP per bow, netting 200k-320k GP/hour.
- Tip: Stringing is faster than cutting unstrung bows, so focus on this step for maximum efficiency.
Cutting Gem Bolt Tips (Level 58-65+)
Cutting gems into bolt tips is an AFK-friendly method that turns a profit while requiring minimal effort. Diamond and ruby bolt tips are especially popular.
- Requirements: Level 58 (emerald), 63 (ruby), or 65 (diamond) Fletching, chisel, cut gems
- Method: Use a chisel on cut gems to make 12 bolt tips per gem.
- Profit:
- Emerald: ~200k GP/hour
- Ruby: ~180k-200k GP/hour
- Diamond: ~250k-300k GP/hour
- Tip: Buy gems in bulk when prices dip, and sell bolt tips during peak demand (e.g., after PvM updates).
Stringing Yew Longbows (Level 70+)
Yew longbows offer higher profits and XP than maple longbows, making them a great step-up for mid-to-high-level Fletchers.
- Requirements: Level 70 Fletching, yew logs, bowstrings
- Method: Fletch yew logs into unstrung longbows, then string them.
- Profit: Around 200-250 GP per bow, yielding 300k-400k GP/hour.
- Tip: High Alchemy can boost profits further if you have 55 Magic—alch them for 768 GP each.
High-Level Fletching Money-Making Methods
At higher levels (70+), Fletching unlocks some of the most profitable methods in OSRS. These require more investment but offer massive returns, especially for dedicated players.
Stringing Magic Longbows (Level 85+)
Magic longbows are one of the best Fletching money-makers, thanks to their high alch value and steady demand.
- Requirements: Level 85 Fletching, magic logs, bowstrings
- Method: Fletch magic logs into unstrung longbows, then string them.
- Profit: Around 300-400 GP per bow, totaling 390k-500k GP/hour (or more with High Alchemy).
- Tip: Combine with Magic training by alching the bows for 1,536 GP each, netting extra profit and XP.
Making Toxic Blowpipes (Level 78+)
Crafting Toxic Blowpipes is a high-investment, high-reward method that requires patience but delivers huge profits.
- Requirements: Level 78 Fletching, chisel, Tanzanite fang
- Method: Use a chisel on a Tanzanite fang to craft a Toxic Blowpipe.
- Profit: Approximately 140k-150k GP per blowpipe, yielding up to 5.8M GP/hour (40 blowpipes/hour).
- Tip: Sell in bulk overnight on the GE, as blowpipes can take time to move due to their high value.
Tipping Onyx Bolts (Level 73+)
Tipping onyx bolts with runite bolts is the pinnacle of Fletching profits, though it’s click-intensive and requires significant capital.
- Requirements: Level 73 Fletching, onyx bolt tips, runite bolts
- Method: Combine onyx bolt tips with runite bolts to make onyx bolts.
- Profit: Around 1,000-1,200 GP per bolt, potentially exceeding 1M GP/hour with fast clicking.
- Tip: Enchant the bolts into Onyx Bolts (e) with 87 Magic for even higher profits (up to 10k GP each).
Tips to Maximize Your Fletching Profits
To get the most out of your Fletching money-making journey, follow these expert tips to optimize efficiency and earnings.
Monitor Grand Exchange Prices
OSRS prices fluctuate daily. Use the GE tracker or in-game price checker to ensure your inputs (logs, strings, gems) cost less than the output’s selling price. Buy low, sell high!
Combine with High Alchemy
For bows like yew and magic longbows, High Alchemy can boost profits significantly. Train Magic alongside Fletching to double-dip on XP and GP.
Use Bank Presets
Set up bank presets to quickly withdraw materials (e.g., 14 unstrung bows and 14 bowstrings). This saves time, especially for methods like stringing bows that require frequent banking.
Table: Profit Comparison of Fletching Methods
Method | Level Required | Profit per Hour | AFK Level |
---|---|---|---|
Headless Arrows | 1 | 50k-100k GP | Moderate |
Stringing Maple Longbows | 55 | 200k-320k GP | Semi-AFK |
Cutting Diamond Bolt Tips | 65 | 250k-300k GP | High |
Stringing Magic Longbows | 85 | 390k-500k GP | Semi-AFK |
Making Toxic Blowpipes | 78 | Up to 5.8M GP | Low |
Note: Profits vary based on GE prices and your efficiency. Always test small batches before committing large investments.
Final Thoughts on Making Money with Fletching
Fletching in OSRS is a goldmine for players willing to invest time and a bit of GP upfront. From humble headless arrows at level 1 to crafting Toxic Blowpipes at level 78, there’s a method for every skill level and playstyle. Start small, scale up as you level, and keep an eye on market trends to maximize your profits. With this guide, you’re well-equipped to turn Fletching into a steady income stream while enjoying one of the fastest skills in the game. Happy fletching—and happy earning!