The Nock and the String Loop

The nock of an arrow is made of plastic and serves as the attachment point to place an arrow on a bowstring. Snap-on nocks lightly snap onto or grasp the bowstring to prevent unintentional separation of the arrow from the bowstring.

Prior to shooting, check nocks for cracks, nicks, or any other damage. A damaged nock may not absorb the energy from your bow properly, causing it to “dry fire.”

A nocking point (nock locating device) is most popular on recurve bows, longbows, or bows that are not using a release aid for shooting. It can be as simple as a small wrap of string or as elaborate as a rubber and brass band pinched onto the string at the appropriate spot.

The D-Loop is a cord or string forming the shape of a “D” and positioned at the nocking point on the bowstring. Archers using a mechanical release attach their release to the “D-Loop.” This results in a more accurate arrow flight, as the string is pulled back and released in a straight line from the nock position.

Styles of Arrow Shaft Nocks

Style A

Two-piece arrow shaft nocking systems include a shaft insert (bushing) and nock that are made specifically for several types of arrow shaft materials (such as carbon-fiber, aluminum, or aluminum/carbon-fiber combination). Depending on style, bushings can receive an insert-style nock or a pin-style nock as shown.

Style B

This one-piece arrow shaft nock is made to fit directly over the swaged shaft.

Style C

Called a push-in or insert nock, this popular type of one-piece nock is inserted into the end of the arrow shaft and fits tightly inside the shaft so that glue is not needed.