I saw the rough estimate that if you tap the string by nock it should fall off. Well, I have 2 main bows, a 2011 Bear Mauler & a Tomahawk Diamond SS. Is there a precise number gap for certain amounts of strands? Does a tight nock hurt accuracy? Should I be slightly filing nocks to allow them to be tapped off of a string or buy better fitting nocks? I really need a day with an expert. I'm in Saylorsburg, PA if any volunteers are out there. I'd trade a great hunting spot for however many seasons it takes you to get the Deer you want. for information, as I'm into targets only anymore. thank you kindly in advance.

No. It depends on the nock, strands in the string, material of the string, serving, etc. Plus - some nocks are designed to grip and some aren't.

I use a bamboo shis-ka-bob skewer and some 220 grit sandpaper folded over it to work the nock to the string.

So a tal drops the arrow. ;-)

I don't like messing with the nocks and potentially reducing their strength. I change the serving size instead.

However, if you must change the size of the nock, better to hold it in boiling water for a half minute or so and then fit it to the string, either press closing or opening the ears of the nock to fit the string.

Heating them in the hot water and adjusting them is the way to go. Sanding or filling weakens the nock.

Yes, overly tight nocks can affect accuracy and noise level especially on low poundage bows. I think it's hard to file or adjust nocks consistently, so I prefer to change serving size instead.

I pick a nock, use it on all my arrow across all types and have my strings served to that specified diameter. You don't have to even know what it is, just tell the string maker what nock you're using...they'll do the rest. It's not an uncommon request. If they can't deal with it, I'll find another string maker. If you make your own, even better....I just don't go through that many strings per year.

+1 For boiling water fit.

Here's is what I do, measure the diameter of string at your nock point. Make a small wedge of wood the same diameter. Nuke a cup of water...dip just the end of the nock in the water to soften it . Do not submerg the entire nock. Now slip the wood wedge into the nock, let it cool. Perfect fit, and strong. They only break when I accidentally strike the end with another arrow. Always test and inspect nocks when you are shooting tight groups. Hope this helps.

My personal opinion is I dont like tight snap on nocks and I prefer a slip fit. I like to "adjust" a snap on nock so it is just a little snap. Tap the string and it falls off.

You don't need feeler gauges if you have the bowstring in front of you.

Don't overcomplicate this process. There was rarely an issue with nock fit until the populraity of low stretch string material. One of those things that make you go hmmmmm.

Sanding weakens the nock but hot water that changes the structure of the nock won't. I would and go with sanding, it just takes a few passes.

I use 18 strand string &.30 serving with classic nocks works great.

Wow, all these year's I've just been using dental floss if it needed more fit, or opening slightly is it was too tight. I'm just a simpleton.

When you alter the size of a nocks groove you will never have all of them the same. Heating or sanding. Why not do a one time fix. CHANGE THE SERVING SIZE!!! Its simple and easy.

And yes it can change arrow flight which will effect accuracy.

Bob

I agree. I think messing with thenocks as designed is a bad idea. Just introducing another variable and possible creating a dangerous situation. On my short bows a loose nock will slip off the string at fulldraw-that is, the serving is at the mouth of the nock rather than fully engaged inside. I had an exploding nock/dry fire happen once like that.

Never had a problem either sanding the nock or using boiling water. Doesn't seem to affect strength at all. It's not like I've ever had to remove a lot of material, just a bit. However, the newer nocks used on carbons don't seem to move much with the boiling water trick. Those i have to sand.

So FDP - nocks always fit a dacron string just because it is Dacron and not because of the number of strands and serving used? Now that is something to make you say hmmmmmmmmm.

Never sanded, boiled, bit, chewed etc a nock. Simply use the right size serving and pad slightly if needed under the nock.

What Red Dogs said X2.

Not rocket science all of the above work fine. I have several different serving sizes + teflon tape or dental floss will pad up the serving. Take a few wraps on the string check the nock fit. go up or down in size as needed. For folks that buy strings and don't serve, hot water or a little sanding has worked for years.Just don't get carried away with either. Make sure you don't create rough edges to abrade the serving. MAKE THEM FIT >>---> Ken

I prefer to make the string serving fit my nock,I have many different size servings.I measure my finished string serving with a caliper.I like it in the .108 to .110 finished diameter.My nocks are lg G-nocks with a .098 throat and Easton 3D Super nocks.Easton 3D Super nocks are different then regular Super nocks.The 3D Super nocks have the largest and smoothest throat of your S-type nocks that fit GT,Beman ICS,Carbon Express 150 and larger andany other carbon with a .246 ID.

Push the nock slowly onto a spinning #32 drill (.116") at about 600 RPM.

-Joe

Lot's of good info. I'll try the boiling water fit first, just like fitting a mouth guard. Thanks!

I use fine grit sandpaper. If you arrow does not fall off your string and drop from your treestand twice a season and cost you a shot your nock is too tight.

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