Arrow Nock Tight

[Capt]

This has probably been asked before but I can't find it in a search: if the arrow nock is too tight will that make the arrow fly stiff?  I shoot with a thumb draw off the knuckle and actually have been shooting really well lately.  I changed strings and the serving is a little thicker and arrows tighter.  I was getting some really interesting arrow flight.  I just opened them a little and it seemed to take care of the problem but I was just curious.

Also wondering what are the methods you use to open the nocks?

[chris amos]

I use a small file to open up the nocks on my goldtips. If its to loose you can bite it but opening it up by "streching" it always seems to go back to tight again.

[Terry Green]

Tight nocks carry a host of problems. I sand mine to custom fit.

[bshunter]

they make my bow louder and my arrows hit stiff, there is alot of info here on nocks.

[Rob DiStefano]

a tight nock will give an inconsistant release off the center serving as some of the energy from the limbs, via the string, will be lost as the nock tries to free itself from the serving.


for a split finger shooter (3 finger mediterranean or 2 finger flemish), the nock can and should be loose - that's a benefit of those styles of string grip.  unless you have a need for the arrow to not fall off the string of its own accord.

all other forms of string grip need to have the nock grip the center serving loosely, so that a suspended arrow will hang on the string and a tap of a finger to the string drops off the arrow.

[Jim Curlee]

Just reserve your string with 3 1/2 braid, I think it's still available.
Very small, way tuff.
Jim

[leftybearfan]

Not sure if it makes the arrow fly stiff or not, but it really makes mine fly erratically. A few passes with a small file open mine up enough for good flight. If it's extremely tight you might want to think about re-serving your string. There's only so much you can do with sandpaper/file before you weaken the nock too much and it becomes dangerous.

[Zenzele]

I still think the best way to 'loosen' nocks is to boil some water and dip each nock until it's hot then put them on and off your string til they're cool. I tried filing them once and had one snap on release! (hate a dry fire - don't you?)Using boiling water doesn't compromise nock strength IMHO!

[billy shipp]

Folded up sandpaper....work each nock until it fits.....easy, and only takes a few swipes on each one.

[Capt]

Thanks for the info. Some good advice.

[xtrema312]

Originally posted by Zenzele:
I still think the best way to 'loosen' nocks is to boil some water and dip each nock until it's hot then put them on and off your string til they're cool. I tried filing them once and had one snap on release! (hate a dry fire - don't you?)Using boiling water doesn't compromise nock strength IMHO!

Same for me, but only on the solid color ones.  Many times I can just spread them by hand or pinch them and they are fine.  If not I use the boiling water.  

The see through plastic nocks I just pull off and replace.  I have found then to be too weak for my taste.  One bump by another arrow and they break or crack.  I had a dry fire with one I didn't catch with a crack.  I just don't trust them to spread or sanding them.  

I don't like to sand out the catch part of the nock so it will not have at least some holding power.  I am not for a loose nock shooting split finger.  I like a light snap that I can knock off with a light hit to the string.  I have had a couple dry fires from loose nocks shooting spit fingers.  Some tab or glove types can make it hard to get a good grip on the nock and if you don't, a loose nock can fall off or get bumped off if you let down on your draw a little then draw again.