Nocks breaking off

[Richie]

I just shot my Montana L/B for the first time and I had problems with the nocks on my arrows breaking off. The string serving seems a little thick. Has anyone else ever had this problem?

[Buckeye Trad Hunter]

Originally posted by Richie:
IThe string serving seems a little thick. Has anyone else ever had this problem?

There is your problem and yes it has happened to me.  You can re-serve your string, change nocks or you can sand/file or boil and stretch your existing nocks.

[ncsaknech1ydh]

I had an ear break off of a nock during one of my shots this summer while practicing, first time ever, not sure what caused it, it did not seem like a dry fire at all, the arrow just flew about 10 feet ahead and off to the side and fell on the ground.

As far as the nocks fitting to tight on the string, is not a good thing in my opinion, I use a very small flat file on all of my nocks when new, the file just fits into the nock tight, I then pull the file through until the nock just bairly snaps onto my string.

I have read where others say the nock should fit loose enough to where if you point your bow to the ground with the arrow nocked and tap on the string the arrow should fall off, that for me is a bit to loose, you can just experiment  filing your nocks until you find what works best for you. DK.

[ncsaknech1ydh]

Buckeye, I can't vouch for this myself, but I have been told by a few arrow makers that boiling nocks will make them brittle making them break easier. Again, not my experience, just what I have been told.

[Richie]

My nocks do seem a bit brittle. I will get some new nocks and see what happens.

[Buckeye Trad Hunter]

I've never tried the boiling but had talked to people who have.  I sand or file nocks myself if I need to.  It is very possible that it may make them brittle.  I never heard that before but that doesn't mean anything.  I'm sure that the arrow makes are right so I wouldn't try it.

[straitera]

Had way too many problems w/cheap nocks bought on flea-pay. Trashed 'em. Buckeye is right w/options.

[lpcjon2]

Sanding (120GT)them a little at a time and keep checking the fit on the string till it's perfect.JMHO

[jrstegner]

I would not boil nocks. Scalding hot water does bad things to plastic. A cup of hot water, about as warm as you would use to wash dishes, works well. I would probably just buy some nocks that fit a little better, or have a string made to fit the nock. I don't make strings, but everybody I have bought strings from always asks what kind of nock am I using.

[sstewa]

Try a new string or nocks.

[Bjorn]

custom string-you are risking a dry fire.

[Richie]

I have filed the nocks and now they work great.

[luvnlongbow]

What nocks are you using? What kind of arrows are you using? I use Speed nocks and Bonning Classic nocks and have not had this problem.

Joe