Setting A Nock Point: Bow Square Alternatives

Setting a nock point without a bow square is possible, but it may be more challenging to achieve the desired 90-degree angle. One method involves using a target face with a piece of electrical tape running straight across it. Set up the bow and place the arrow on the bow at the same height as your eye level, ensuring it's horizontal from the nocking point. Look down the centre of the string and the riser through your rest, and align the string with the centre of the arrow. Place the target 10 yards away, then walk back and shoot at the tape. Move your sight until you're in the middle of the tape. Repeat this process at 20 yards to confirm if your nocking point is at the correct height. If the arrow hits below the line, your nocking point is too high, and you'll need to adjust your nocking loop.

Use a regular speed square to place the arrow straight against the rest

A speed square is a triangular carpenter's tool that can be used to set a nock point without a bow square. It can be used to make sure everything is perpendicular and square while building.

To set a nock point without a bow square, you can use a regular speed square to place the arrow straight against the rest. This will ensure that the arrow is straight and true during flight.

• Place the speed square on the string of the bow, ensuring that it slides down and rests on the arrow rest.
• Set the nocking point at the correct height. For finger shooting, start the point at a height of 1/4-inch. For release aids, start at a height of 1/8-inch.
• Tie a single overhand knot to mark your starting location.
• Tie alternating double overhand knots on both sides of the bowstring. Create six double overhand knots on each side.
• Secure the nocking point by tying two single overhand knots on top of each other.
• Cut the excess string.
• Repeat the process for the bottom nocking point, tying a single overhand knot about 1/16 inch below the nock.
• Test the nocking point by nocking an arrow and shooting at a target.
• Adjust the nocking point as needed. If the arrow waves up and down during flight, raise or lower the nocking point accordingly.

Using a speed square to set a nock point is a straightforward process that can help ensure consistent and accurate shots. It is a useful tool for any archer to have, as it can also be used for other measurements and adjustments on your bow.

Use a protractor to get a 90-degree angle on both sides of the arrow

To set a nock point without a bow square, you can use a protractor to get a 90-degree angle on both sides of the arrow. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Draw a straight horizontal line on a piece of paper. This will serve as the reference line or the first ray of your angle. The length of the line doesn't matter, but drawing it the length of the protractor's edge can make it easier to line up with the base line.
• Place the protractor's centre point (the small hole or vertical line at the bottom centre) at one end of the line you drew. This point is called the origin and will be the vertex of your angle, where the two lines meet.
• Line up the bottom edge of the protractor with the horizontal line you drew. The protractor's base line should be straight and flush with the line. This ensures that your angle is exact.
• Identify which set of numbers on the protractor to use. Most protractors have two sets of numbers, an outer and an inner set. The set of numbers to use depends on whether your angle opens to the right or to the left. If your angle opens to the right, use the inner set of numbers. If it opens to the left, use the outer set.
• Look for the 90-degree mark on the protractor. Starting from the 0-degree mark, move in the anti-clockwise direction to find the 90-degree mark.
• Draw the second ray of your angle. Using a ruler or the straight edge of the protractor, draw a line from the origin point to the 90-degree mark on the protractor. This line should be straight and connect the vertex to the 90-degree mark.
• Check that the angle is 90 degrees. Place the centre point of the protractor over the vertex of the angle, with the bottom edge of the protractor lined up with the second ray. The first ray should now align with the 90-degree mark on the protractor.
• Repeat the process on the other side of the arrow to get a 90-degree angle on both sides.

Set the nocking point at 1/4-inch height for finger shooting

Setting the nocking point is crucial for achieving accurate and consistent arrow flight. The nocking point is the specific location on the bowstring where you attach the arrow's nock. A properly positioned nocking point ensures that your arrows leave the bow at an optimal angle and are released consistently, resulting in improved accuracy and tighter groupings.

For finger shooting, the nocking point should be set at a height of 1/4-inch. This measurement is taken from the nock set's bottom portion to an angle of 90 degrees on the bowstring. This means that the nocking point is slightly above square for most archers.

To set the nocking point, you can use a bow square or a regular speed square. First, place the bow square on the string, sliding it down until it rests on the arrow rest. Then, set the nocking point at the desired height. For finger shooting, this would be 1/4-inch. Mark the position with a pencil or marker. Finally, attach a metal or string nocking point to the marked position using nocking pliers.

It is important to note that setting the correct nocking point may involve some trial and error. The best place for your nocking point will depend on your individual preferences and how your bow behaves. You can experiment with different nocking point positions and observe the arrow flight to find the optimal position for your setup.

Set the nocking point at 1/8-inch height if using a release aid

Setting the nocking point is crucial to achieving consistent, accurate shots. If you use a release aid, you can set the nocking point at a height of 1/8-inch. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you set the nocking point accurately:

Firstly, ensure your workstation is clear and clean. This step is important as it ensures precision when placing the bow square. Next, take the bow square and carefully place it on the string, sliding it down until it rests on the arrow rest. This step requires patience and a steady hand. Once the bow square is in place, attach a movable nock set to the string.

Now, it's time to set the nocking point. Using the measuring scale on the bow square, set the nocking point at the correct height. If you're using a release aid, start with a height of 1/8-inch, measured from the bottom portion of the nock set to a 90-degree angle on the bowstring.

You can fine-tune this position by experimenting with test shots. Pay attention to the arrow's movement during flight. If the arrow flies straight and true, your nocking point is good. However, if the arrow moves up and down, you may need to adjust the nocking point slightly. Make small adjustments of 1/4 or 1/2-inch at a time until you find the perfect position.

Remember, the ideal nocking point will vary depending on your personal preferences and bow behaviour. The key is to find a position that allows for consistent, accurate shots with a straight and true arrow flight.

Tie the nocking point with a knot and seal with superglue

To tie a nocking point with a knot and seal it with superglue, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, you will need to gather your materials: serving thread, a lighter, and super glue. You may also want to use a bracing height gauge (also known as a T-square) or a bow square to help you measure the correct position for your nocking point.

Now, take your serving thread and run it through the stick of hot-melt glue. This step is optional, but it will help the thread bind to the string later on.

Next, you need to find the correct position for your nocking point. If you have a bow square, place it on the string, sliding it down until it rests on the arrow rest. If you don't have a bow square, you can use a ruler or a protractor to help you find a 90-degree angle.

Once you've found the correct position, tie a single overhand knot to mark your starting point. For barebow archers, this should be about half an inch high. For Olympic recurve and traditional archers, start the nocking point at 3/8 inches high.

Now, tie a double overhand knot on the opposite side of the serving from your first knot. Then, tie another double overhand knot, alternating back and forth, until you have six double overhand knots on each side of the bowstring.

Finish the nocking point by tying two more single overhand knots on top of each other to secure the serving material. Then, cut the excess material and melt the small tag ends with a lighter.

At this point, you can tune your nocking height by sliding the knot up or down the string serving. When you are happy with the position, secure it with a drop of super glue.

Finally, repeat the whole process to tie another nocking point below the first one. Make sure you leave enough space between the two nocking points for the arrow to move freely.

Frequently asked questions