Nock Set: Archery Glossary | Legend Archery

A nock set is a small clip or tied point attached to the bowstring that gives the arrow a fixed, repeatable position every time you nock up. Without one, consistent arrow placement is nearly impossible, and accuracy suffers as a result.

How a Nock Set Works

The nock set consists of two small pieces fitted to either side of the bowstring, creating a snug channel around the arrow's nock — the groove at the arrow's rear end that connects it to the string. This channel provides a consistent reference point so the arrow sits at the same height and angle on every draw and release.

Types of Nock Sets

• Crimp-on: The most widely used style. A brass or metal clip is slid onto the serving and crimped in place with nocking pliers or a dedicated crimp tool — ordinary household pliers can nick the serving and weaken the string.
• Tie-on: A thin cord knotted directly onto the bowstring. Common among traditional archers; position is adjusted by retying the knots.
• Snap-on: A newer plastic design that clips onto the serving without crimping or tying, and slides for easy repositioning.

Materials and Sizing

Plastic nock sets are lightweight and simple to install. Metal versions — brass is the classic choice — are more durable under repeated shooting. Size matters: a bowstring nock set that is too small won't grip the arrow securely, while one that is too large creates excess friction and can disrupt the release. Match the nock set size to both your arrow's nock throat width and your string's center serving diameter.

Positioning on the Bowstring

Use a bow square to find the 90° reference point at your arrow rest, then set the upper nocking point roughly ¼–½ inch above square as a starting position — the exact height depends on your bow type, rest style, and shooting form. From there, fine-tune through paper or bare-shaft testing until flight is clean.

A properly placed archery nock set works together with a well-matched quality bowstring and correctly spined arrows to form the foundation of a consistent, accurate setup.