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How to Do Detachable Antlers on a Moose Head

Animal mounts are desirable room decor for many hunting enthusiasts. However, the antlers of several species, including moose, present a handling issue for those who wish to store or transport moose head mounts. Detachable moose antlers can be removed and attached at will, with the aid of powerful magnets.

Things You'll Need

  • Preserved moose head with intact antlers
  • Handsaw
  • Clean white cotton cloth
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • 4 thin neodymium magnets (as large in diameter as possible, relative to antler size)
  • Cyanoacrylate glue
  • Eye protection: goggles/safety glasses
  • Rubber gloves
  • Newspaper or other disposable material
  • Rotary-bit tool (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1
      Remove the antlers from the moose head

      Cover your work area with newspaper or other disposable protective material of your choice. Put on eye protection. Use a handsaw to remove the antlers, one at a time, from the head at the base. Be certain that the antler is removed as close to the skull as possible without cutting into or disturbing the fur on the head. Work slowly and carefully. The cut should be as clean as possible.

    • 2
      Clean the contact points.

      Wipe the exposed surfaces of the antlers and the exposed bases, using isopropyl alcohol, to remove all traces of debris. Several passes with clean cloths may be necessary. Allow the surfaces to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.

    • 3
      Attach magnets to the bases and the antlers.

      Put on rubber gloves. Carefully apply cyanoacrylate glue to the flat side of a neodymium magnet. Push the magnet onto the center of the base where the antler was removed and hold it in place for at least 30 seconds or until the glue has set.

      Repeat on the other side of the skull and on the exposed area of each antler. Be sure that the magnets are centered. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly for two or more days. If the antlers are particularly large, necessitating a thicker magnet, a hollow can be made with a rotary-bit tool to allow the magnet to be inserted nearly flush into the bases and the antlers.

    • 4
      Assemble the antlers onto the moose head.

      Align the centers of the magnets on the bases and antlers. The strong magnetic force will securely hold the antlers onto the skull for display.

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