string diameter and nock fit

[TMRtrad]

Hi Folks - I need some help with my recurve. I just ordered a new string and the nocks fit very loose on it. I've measured it at 0.103 inches dia. My old string is 0.117 inches and nocks fit pretty well on it. I've never had a string with a poor fit so I have never given this topic much consideration until now. When ordering a string, how do we know what diameter of the serving area is? None of the strings ever list their diameter which makes me think that there is a standard diameter. Is mine just defective?

Thanks.

[passion for knowledge]

Making your own strings is not that hard.

There are a number of 'how to' videos on youtube.

Get yourself some B50 for starters and some serving thread and make yourself a string jig and serving jig - both pretty simple tasks. I'm assuming you have some string wax.

With a bit of practice you can make a Flemish twist and serve it in less than an hour at a cost of a couple of dollars.

Get a two or three colours of B50 & serving and go nuts.

[Pat B]

With plastic nocks you can dip them in hot water to soften the plastic and open or close to the string fit you want.

[bigbob2]

other thing you can do is wind a layer of dental floss over the serving near nock. This will make for a good fit.

[KenH]

String isn't too narrow; the notches in the nocks are too big.... and the glass is half full.  As OPatB sez, hot water and pinch then closed a skosh.

[LittleBen]

The stri isn't too narrow, and the nocks aren't too big, the fit is too loose    :D  

I've never tried modifying the nocks ... But a lot of people seem to do it.

I have had a similar problem, I like the skinny strings, but can't go below maybe 10strands of BCY 8125 or the nock fit is loose. That's using the largest diameter halo serving I could find.

I've also found that a large serving diameter relative to the string diameter seems to result in crappy serving.

[EwokArcher]

I'm gonna second the building your own strings thing. I think it's an invaluable tool to have in your box. Give yourself a couple hours and you will be pumping out strings in now time. Once you have it down its like riding a bike.   I've done endless loop style for the last 10 years cause I was intimidated by flemish twist seeming complicated, now that I made the switch over, built myself a good jig and bought a serving tool, I'll never go back.
All that being said squishing your knocks down seems easier.

[Roy from Pa]

Just dip your nocks in boiling water for about 10 to 15 seconds and the nocks compress like butter.

[mwosborn]

To answer your question:

Your string is not defective.  It was just not made for the nocks you are using.  If you order from a string maker on here you can tell them which nock you shoot and they will adjust so that they fit the string.

String material, number of strands, and serving material will all affect string diameter.

If you want to use this string, do as already said and narrow your nocks. Or you could re-serve the string and pad it so that it is the correct diameter for your nock.

[jess stuart]

You could wrap a little floss around the serving to get the diameter you need.  Loose fitting nocks  could lead to a dry fire if one isn't careful.

[Mad Max]

Originally posted by bigbob2:
other thing you can do is wind a layer of dental floss over the serving near nock. This will make for a good fit.

x2
modify the string
not the nocks

[Roy from Pa]

Hate to say this maxi boy but I agree with ya..  

[Krasus]

Make your own. You can then add " padding" to your main serving area to change the diameter. You can also shave your nock points to play around with the fit.

[LBR]

I keep a ton of different nocks on hand to check the fit.  If I get an order for one I don't have, I call a shop and ask.

For anyone interested in making their own strings, I usually have extra stuff on hand at a big discount...string material, serving, serving tools, wax, etc.

I'm no fan of "skinny" strings, but the solution to get a good nock fit is double serve, or Power Grip serving comes in sizes up to .032.