Making smooth nocking points

[smokin joe]

A number of my fellow Trad Gang members have asked me to post a how-to on the way I make my nock points so smooth and clean looking. So here goes.

I make them with tape that I coat with super glue. They turn out to be smooth, clean, durable, and waterproof.

First you need the right kind of tape. A high-quality, pressure-sensitive, paper tape -- one that is made out of good materials is best. I use white "artist's tape" because it is so easy to get. Any art supply store will have it. So will Michael's craft stores and A.C. Moore craft stores.

Here is what a lifetime supply looks like>

 

[smokin joe]

Take a 5 inch long piece of the tape and put it down on a smooth, clean, dry surface.

Then measure some 1/4" wide pieces, draw the lines with a straight edge and pencil; and cut them with a straight edge and an X-Acto knife.

Here is a photo:

   

[smokin joe]

Next, just wrap the tape around your serving where you want it. Be careful to get it on straight, and squeeze it onto the serving a bit.

 

[smokin joe]

Then just wrap your 1/4 inch wide piece until you like how thick it is and cut off the excess. Usually 4 times around the string is thick enough for me. you might like yours thicker or thinner.

   

[smokin joe]

Finally, press the tape down well. I do this by just rolling it into the surface of the serving with my fingers. Then give it a couple of coats of super glue making sure that the tape is completely coated with each layer of super glue.

This makes a tidy, smooth nock point that will be water proof and that will stay put. I always use two nocks, one above and one below, and I use this process for both.

Mine always last as long as the string I put them on.

If I have to remove them, for example if I am changing arrow diameter and need  to move my nock a bit. I just carefully cut them off with an X-Acto knife.

Feel free to PM me if you have questions.

That looks good, but I have no issues with my tied on nock points, and I like the fact that I can easily move them on the every once in a while when I need to make an adjustment.

Bisch

[Hermon]

Can you post a picture of the finished product?

[smokin joe]

Bisch:
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I went to this method because I didn't like the shooting glove wear I was getting from the squeeze-on nock points, and I was trying to develop a nock point without the knot lump of my tie-on nocks.

Of course, I don't glue these down until I am certain that I like the nock height tune for the bow.

[smokin joe]

Herman:
Will do.

[Sota]

Rats

[smokin joe]

here is a photo of the finished product. This set of nock points has been on on this string for about 3 years. It's holding up fine.

 

[smokin joe]

....and here is a set on a new string before adding the coats of super glue.

 

[the rifleman]

Nice.  Always good to see different ways of doing things.  Thanks for sharing.

[Tedd]

Looks nice. Can you twist them up and down as needed?
Tedd

[MCNSC]

I like those, never really liked the brass nocks, or the tie on ones. I usually end up with a brass on top and tie on on the bottom.  I have used tape in the past for a temporary nock point and they last surprisingly long. Will be using these on a Bear TD I am getting set up.
Thanks.

[Bud B.]

Looks good, Joe!

[olddogrib]

Just because inquiring minds want to know, lol, what do artists use artist's tape for?

[smokin joe]

Olddogrib:
Artist's tape is non-acidic so it won't damage art paper. So, artist's use Artist's Tape mostly to tape artwork into the cut out of matte board during the framing process. There are lots of other miscellaneous uses like making resists for airbrush work, but I am willing to bet that more yards of artist tape get used in the framing process than for any other purpose.
Joe

[smokin joe]

Tedd:
Nope. You can't twist them, the glue on the tape is too good. So, what I do is put on a set to tune, and I move that set up and down as needed just by removing and reusing the tape. Once I am happy with the tune, I measure with my bow square and put fresh ones on, then coat the fresh ones with super glue. Works perfectly every time.
Joe

[stickandstring]

I use tape but only temporary, for tuning and set up. Coating with superglue however turns this into a more permanent situation. Thanks for the advice, nick