Nock "grip"

eelgrass · Jun 19, 2007

I'm experiencing my first compound bow. I'ts about a month old now. I think I'm getting quite a bit of noise as the arrow leaves the string. (I think). When I nock an arrow it makes a "snap" as the nock grips the string and I'm thinking that noise is compounded as the arrow is released at speed.

My question is how much "grip" is needed? I know I want some to prevent the arrow from falling off (with devistating results if it causes a dry fire). Is there a way to measure it? Is there a way to adjust it?

Thanks!

COLO3D · Jun 19, 2007

Most people will tell you that if you point your bow straight down with an arrow on the string and tap the string the arrow shold come off.

As for adjusting nock fit there are two ways; try different nocks or try an thinner center serving.

Lien2 · Jun 20, 2007

I agree with COLO3D.
I would find it hard to believe you can hear the nock/arrow come off the string. With all the other noise from the limbs, string, etc. hearing the nock "unsnap" from the string would be very difficult. I think it may be something else that is loose or hitting something if it is creating that much noise. If you are shooting a drop away rest, it is probably the rest hitting the riser.

Lien2

eelgrass · Jun 20, 2007

OK. Thank you. I tried that test. The arrow will not budge. I have to literally push on the end of the nock with my thumb or pull the arrow off the string. When I pull the arrow off it makes a distinct "twang". And it takes quite a bit of force.

I did not know there were different sizes of nocks. I will take it into the shop and see what he says. They sold me the arrows.

Lien2, no drop away rest. I have a "still shot". Kind of like a Whisker Biscut.

Eel

COLO3D · Jun 20, 2007

The easiest way to accomplish a looser nock fit is to remove the bulky center serving that most factories use and replace it with a thinner serving.

eelgrass · Jun 21, 2007

I came up with an idea at work today. I don't know if this is a very good idea but I took a piece of sandpaper and folded it over enough to fit snuggly in my nock and sanded out a bit. I got the nock to fit but not so tight on the string. And I noticed a slight reduction in noise at release. Not a huge difference though. But a difference for sure.

I only did one arrow because I want to see about a thinner serving when time permits.

Eel

COLO3D · Jun 21, 2007

The problem will be with consistency. Any pro shop will reserve your string for very little money.

grizzlyplumber · Jun 22, 2007

Do you have rubber peep tube? Alot of times extra noise comes from that. Other culprits I have found are limbs not cranked all the way down ( 70 pound bow set at 62 pounds).

eelgrass · Jun 22, 2007

grizzly, no rubber peep tube. It's one of those that doesn't require a tube. However.... my bow is 60lb. and is set at 55lb. I've shot it a couple hundred times now and I'm sure I can handle the max. (I'm almost 59 with a shoulder issue.) That will give me incentive to work hard. Thanks! I've heard that bows are most "efficient" at their maximum poundage, but didn't know about the noise issue.

Man, have I got a lot to learn!

Eel

eelgrass · Jun 24, 2007

I took my bow to a local shop. The guy said my nocks fit fine.(?) Oh, well. He also told me once you put a nock on a carbon arrow you can't take it off. He said my serving was fine the way it is.

I adjusted my poundage to max. I think that made it a little quieter.

Steve

COLO3D · Jun 24, 2007

I would try a different "Pro" shop. What kind of carbon arrows are you shooting? I have never heard of a carbon arrow that did not have interchangeable nocks....unless they are glued in.

What kind of bow are you shooting? I have not found shooting at max weight to be a big factor in noise, that is why I was wondering what kind of bow you're shooting.

MOUNTAIN_HUNTER · Jun 26, 2007

I had an old pro tell me to take and warm some water in a bowl and to heat the nock up with the hot water then seperate and the nock. He also said that every nock will grip a little different. So he always does this. I have not tryed this yet but maybe try it.
MH

COLO3D · Jun 26, 2007

That is why I shoot Beiters, they are all made on the same jig. There is no variance from different jigs, they all fit the same.

eelgrass · Jun 26, 2007

I took my bow (2007 Black Ice by Diamond) to another shop. He put a new thinner serving on. Cheap! Problem solved. The nocks are still a little snug but a lot better. He was happy.

My arrows are Beman ICS Hunter 400. 8.4 grains per inch.

This archery thing is pretty interesting!

Steve

BlackTimber · Jul 3, 2007

Glad you got your nock fit problem solved. Now, what pro shop told you that you can't remove the nocks from a carbon arrow? Truth be told you can remove any nock from any arrow. That is pure BS. new hunters to the sport of archery take everything in like a blank book and it really gripes me when they are told crap like this.

At least you came here to find out the truth.