How snug should a nock be?

[Krex1010]

I recently watched a vid on tuning arrows and the gentleman speaking nocked an arrow pointed the bow to the ground and lightly plucked the string (maybe pulled it back an inch or two) and the arrow cane off the string. He said that if your arrow doesn’t come off the string that easy you should lightly sand your nock to open it up because too tigh of a nock can cause flight issues......I’ve never heard this before, my nocks hold to the string much tighter than this gentleman’s.....I’m no expert and I know that I have improvements to make across the board....is this an issue that a lot of people see? Do many of you have to sand your nocks To open them up? Or is this just another instance of bad advice being spread online?

[LBR]

I like a light snap.  How much it can affect arrow flight will depend on lots of variable like how tight is the fit, draw weight, draw length, arrow weight, release, bow performance, etc. etc. etc.  A tight snap will also add to noise at the shot.

That being said, sanding the nocks is, IMO, bad advice.  Serving comes in many different sizes--the best fix is to use the correct size serving for the type nocks you are using.  Sanding a nock can be inconsistent and will weaken the nock.  Will it be enough to matter in either case?  Back to all those variables.  Is it worth the risk?  Not to me.

[Terry Lightle]

There is not a correct answer to this question,lots of variables.If they have to snap on try to tell the Mercury or self nock users to change,it will not happen.
Terry

[dragonheart]

Not bad advice, known for years.  Too tight a nock fit can effect accuracy.  

 https://eastonarchery.com/nocks-the-vital-connection/

[dragonheart]

If you do not want to sand your arrow nock groove and you are close to the right size, reserving the bowstring with smaller diameter serving can help with fit.  Too loose bigger serving material.

[Mike Mecredy]

what works for me; I should be able to pick up the arrow with the bow, but I shouldn't be able to pick up the bow with the arrow.

(the nock shouldn't be so tight it could hold the physical weight of the bow, but it could hold the physical weight of the arrow)

[Pat B]

I prefer a loose nock. I nock over and hold the bow in my lap when sitting on stand or ready to shoot while standing. I've never liked snap nocks. All my arrows are self nocks.

[mec lineman]

Exactly what Mike said!

[YosemiteSam]

Nothing like a dry fire to make me err on the tighter side.  Loose nocks, well, come loose.

Was less of an issue when shooting split finger.  But for 3-under, it's a big issue.

[mahantango]

What Chad said.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Mine fall off too easy. Sux dropping them from the stand because they unfailingly hit every step on their decent

[Orion]

Agree with LBR and MM.

[Sam McMichael]

I like to have a nock that comes loose with a light tap, but not loose enough to just fall off without pressure. Just enough to avoid the dry fire.

[Krex1010]

All good stuff, I appreciate all the replies....So my takeaway is that is something to pay attention to but maybe sanding isn’t the best way to address it? I’m thinking I should learn how to replace the serving on a bowstring.

[TDHunter]

No right answer, I like really loose, been shooting them that way for years with no issues, but I'd never let an inexperienced archer shoot my rig.

[the rifleman]

I've always sanded mine with no problems at the nock end and no problems at the string end.  I figured---don't nock it till you tried it---couldn't resist that one.

[Roy from Pa]

Agree with Chad and Mike. Also if you shoot three under, you want the nocks tight enough that the arrow doesn't come off the string when you draw the bow.

[Matt Fowler]

I prefer a tight fit. What accuracy issues can you directly attribute to tight fitting nocks?

[LBR]

I've had instances where getting good arrow flight was pretty much impossible.  Get the nock fit fixed, problem solved.  Had others tell me about the same problem, especially on lighter draw weights.  'Course the better/more consistent your release, the more you can get away with.  Even with good flight you get more noise.

[McDave]

Originally posted by YosemiteSam:
Nothing like a dry fire to make me err on the tighter side.  Loose nocks, well, come loose.

Was less of an issue when shooting split finger.  But for 3-under, it's a big issue.

+1

I’ve had 2 dry fires happen because of loose nocks.

Another thing that can cause dry fires is cracked nocks. If you nock an arrow and it feels looser than usual, check the nocks closely for cracks. You may get one or two chances before the nock explodes.