Finding The Recurve Bow's Knock Point

Locating the knock point on a recurve bow is essential to ensure accuracy and consistency in archery. The nocking point marks where the arrow is clipped to the bowstring, keeping it in place during the draw and shot. While a single nocking point is functional, having two nocking points – one above and one below – ensures the arrow remains stable throughout the shot. Nocking points can be made of plastic or metal, but many archers opt to tie their own using thread and hot-melt glue.

Nocking points can be made of plastic or metal

Nocking points are essential to achieving consistency in archery. They mark where you clip your arrow to the bowstring, ensuring it stays in place as you draw and shoot. While some archers prefer to tie their nocking points with serving string, others opt for the convenience of clamping on a nocking point made of brass.

On the other hand, plastic nocking points offer a lightweight alternative. They are often made of durable plastic materials, such as nylon, and can be tied onto the bowstring with dental floss, cotton thread, or specialised nock-tying threads. While plastic nocking points may be more challenging to put on, adjust, or remove, they cause less wear on finger tabs or shooting gloves compared to metal options.

Ultimately, the choice between plastic and metal nocking points depends on personal preference and shooting style. Both materials serve the same function of providing a consistent nocking point, but the specific characteristics of each can influence an archer's accuracy and comfort.

You can tie knots of thread to make your own nocking points

To locate the knock point on a recurve bow, you need to position your nocking points correctly. The nocking point marks where you clip your arrow to the bowstring, keeping it in place as you draw and shoot. This ensures that the arrow is propelled from a consistent position and with consistent force.

• Prepare the thread: Run the thread through the stick of hot-melt glue. This step is optional but will help bind the thread to the string.
• Position the bracing height gauge: Clip your bracing height gauge (also known as a T-square) onto the string, resting it on the arrow rest.
• Mark the top nocking point: Choose a mark above the bottom line of the gauge to define where your arrow sits on the string. A good starting point is 3/16ths of an inch (about 5mm) up.
• Tie the initial knot: Loop the thread around the string and tie a knot to secure it in the chosen place.
• Tie alternating knots: Tie a second knot below the first, with the bulk of the knot on the opposite side of the string. Then, tie a third knot above the original knot and facing the same direction. Continue alternating knots above and below on the string or on top of previous knots until you achieve the desired size and shape.
• Cut and heat the thread ends: Cut the loose ends of the thread to around 5mm in length. Carefully heat the ends with a lighter to melt them down slowly. Be very careful not to burn your string.
• Seal the nocking point: Once the excess thread has burned away, press the molten ends down onto the nocking point to seal it.
• Repeat for the bottom nocking point: Nock an arrow to the string and repeat the entire process for the bottom nocking point, leaving enough space to avoid pinching the arrow when you draw back.

With your nocking points tied and secured, you can now shoot your recurve bow with improved accuracy and consistency.

How to tie a nocking point

To tie a nocking point, you will need:

• A bracing height gauge, also known as a T-square
• Hot-melt glue (optional)
• Serving thread
• A lighter
• Super glue

The nocking point is essential to consistency in archery. It marks where you clip your arrow to the bowstring, ensuring it stays in place as you draw and shoot.

Step 1: Initial Nocking Point Height

Set the nocking point height by clipping the bow square onto the bowstring. Slide the bow square until it just touches the arrow rest. Tie a single overhand knot to mark your starting location.

Step 2: Alternating Double Overhand Knot

Tie a double overhand knot on the opposite side of the serving from your single overhand knot. Then, tie another double overhand knot, this time opposite of the knot you just tied. Alternate back and forth until you’ve tied six double overhand knots on each side of the bowstring.

Step 3: Finish the Nocking Point

Cut the excess string. Tie a single overhand knot and another on top of it to secure your serving material. Cut the excess material and melt the small tag ends with a lighter.

Step 4: Tying the Bottom Nocking Point

Clip your arrow or just the nock onto the string, ensuring the nock is pressed against your nocking point. Take your length of serving material and tie a single overhand knot about 1/16 inch below the nock to prevent nock pinch. Repeat the process described in Step 2.

You can leave your nocking point at the suggested starting point or tune it. Once you find your ideal nock height, secure it with a drop of super glue.

How to attach a lower nocking point

To attach a lower nocking point, you will need to use a bow square, also known as a T-square. This is a metal measuring device with a long horizontal arm and a shorter vertical arm with clips at the top and bottom. It will help you attach the nocking point at the correct location and is considered an essential piece of equipment.

Once you have your bow square, rest the longer arm on the arrow rest of the bow. Then, use the two clips on the vertical edge to attach the device to your bowstring. This will allow you to measure the correct place on the string to put your nocking point.

The lower nocking point should be placed about 0.4 inches (10 mm) below the upper nocking point. This will keep plenty of room to avoid arrow pinch.

To attach the nocking point, you can use serving wire or string, or brass nocking points. If you are using serving wire, cut about 15 inches (40 cm) of wire and place it around the string. Check that you are in the right position and make your first knot. Move the two ends of the wire to the other side of the string and make a second knot. Repeat this process about 7 or 8 times to make the nocking point thicker and more secure. Make sure that all of your knots are as tight as possible.

If you are using brass nocking points, you will need a set of nocking pliers and a package of brass nock sets. Place the nocking point in the right spot and use the pliers to crimp it on. When experimenting with different nock locations, don't crimp the nocking point too tightly at first. Once you find the ideal location, crimp it on firmly.

• If you are using a thumb draw, place the nocking point above the arrow.
• If you are using a finger nock, place the nocking point below the arrow.
• For barebow archers, start the nocking point a half-inch high, unless you are using a drop-away rest, in which case start at 1/8 inch high.
• For Olympic recurve and traditional archers, start the nocking point at 3/8 inches high.
• If you are using string or wire for your nocking point, tie it in place each time you try a different nocking point measurement and adjust as needed.

How to install brass nocking points

Brass nocking points are clamped onto the bowstring, whereas other nocking points are tied on with serving string. Both styles work, and the choice between them is a matter of personal preference.

To install brass nocking points, follow these steps:

• Place the nocking point in the correct spot on the bowstring. Brass nock points come in a "U" shape, with the black liner on the inside. Slide the point onto the string.
• Lightly crimp the nocking point in place with a nock point crimp tool. If you don't have one, you can use pliers, but be careful not to damage the soft brass, as this can lead to cutting and gouging of your tab or glove. You should be able to move the nocking point up and down on the string at this point.
• Use a bow square to find the level point to your shelf or rest. Position the nock point about 1/4"-3/8" above the centre and use the tool to firmly crimp the point in place.

If you are setting up your nocking points for the first time, it is important to get the correct placement. The upper nocking point should be placed at a different height depending on whether you shoot your bow with a release or with your fingers. If you shoot with a release, the upper nocking point should be 0.2 inches (6mm) above the arrow rest. If you shoot with your fingers, place the upper nocking point 0.4 inches (10mm) above the centre of the arrow rest.

Frequently asked questions