Nock Set: Types, Sizing & Bowstring Placement

A nock set is a small clip or tied point attached to the bowstring that gives every arrow a fixed, repeatable position each 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 on 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: A brass or metal clip 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 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. 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 your arrow's nock throat width and your string's center serving diameter — it is the finished serving diameter, not bow poundage, that determines the correct fit.

Positioning on the Bowstring

Use a bow square to find the 90° reference point at your arrow rest. For recurve finger shooters, set the upper nocking point approximately ½ inch above square as a starting position; for compound-release shooters, ¼ inch above square is the standard starting point. Fine-tune through paper or bare-shaft testing until arrow flight is clean — if the arrow porpoises vertically, the nock height needs adjustment.

A properly placed archery nock set works together with a well-matched quality recurve bowstring and correctly spined arrows to form the foundation of a consistent, accurate setup. Pairing it with a properly tuned arrow rest ensures the reference point the nock sets creates translates into repeatable arrow flight.