Nock fit?

[wisconsinteacher]

Okay, I have a question about nock fit.  What is too loose and what is too tight?  I have some new nocks that are very loose.  If I put the arrow on the string and turn the bow so the arrow points down, the arrow comes off the string.  My fear is that when I draw, the nock will come off the string.  Thanks

[JRY309]

That would be alittle loose for me,if the arrow will just fall off the string.Too tight would be if I could pick my bow off the ground with the nock.I like to able to pick my bow off the ground and it will hold for alittle and then slip off.I make my own strings so I serve to fit my nocks.There are all kinds of different diameter servings available these days.You could build up your nock area to tighten it up with alittle dental floss.Nocks too loose you can have a dry fire pretty easy.

[moebow]

I started out with the old Mercury "speed" nocks that had NO grip on the string at all.  So for me, I like a loose nock and certainly nothing more than a light tap on the string that will release the arrow.

Yes, for those that started out with snap on type nocks, a loose nock is a recipe for a dry fire but I respectfully submit that that is a case of not paying attention, or having so much "finger protection" that you have no feel for the arrow on the string.

Obviously,  3 under requires a snap on nock.

If it takes noticeable effort to place or remove the nock on the string, that is too tight, IMO.

Arne

[wisconsinteacher]

I do shoot 3 under.  I will try to build it up with a little floss.

[Flying Dutchman]

The arrow should not come off the string when you are holding your bow like that. That's an invitation for dry- firing your bow. The nocks should have such a fit that they just don't fall off the string. Too tight isn't good either.
I use a pair of pliers with gentle pressure on the nock to make a slightly tighter fit. Easy done. Check every now and then because serving wears too.

[katman]

Good info above, usually one layer of floss is enough. If one gives a nice fit cover it with thin super glue to increase durability.

[wisconsinteacher]

I just put one wrap of floss on the string and they are prefect.  Thanks for the help.

[LBR]

I agree with Moebow.  Use the proper size serving and it shouldn't be a problem.

[mahantango]

I prefer to re-serve with a heavier serving, easy to do and holds up better. You can also carefully heat your nocks in hot water and squeeze them tighter using a finish nail or piece of wire for a "form" to keep them consistent.

[RAGHORN 3]

I had this same problem.. I bought .025 braided serving, and with the help of the "How to section" I reserved with thicker serving... A lot better now!

[Hawken1911]

I learned on TG years ago that a good test is to nock an arrow, hold your bow horizontal with the string up and arrow pointing down.  If the arrow falls of from its own weight the nock is too loose.  When you moderately tap down on the string the arrow should come off.  If it doesn't, the nock is too tight.

[Sirius Black]

Arne's right. I like my nocks to just clip the string. I use Easton 3D Super nocks, and shoot 3 under.