How to Tie a Nock Loop

Using a release without a nock loop can damage the string.

Using a mechanical release improves consistency and precision when shooting a bow. However, a release placed directly on the bowstring can pinch the arrow's nock, causing it to roll off the arrow rest during the draw. The metal jaws of the release also can damage the main bowstring over time. Tying a nock loop onto the bowstring at the nocking point (the place where the arrow nock meets the bowstring) prevents these issues.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• A lighter
• Needle-nosed pliers
• A 4-inch piece of tightly woven, 1/8-inch diameter parachute cord

Instructions

1. Fray one end of the cord and melt it to form a knob at the end. Allow the knob to cool and harden.

2. With the bow lying on its side, run the cord underneath the bowstring about 1/2 inch below the nocking point. Start the knot by wrapping the cord toward the bow's bottom cam.

3. Make a loose wrap back toward the top cam of the bow, then insert the tag end through the loose wrap and tighten into a knot around the bowstring. Make the knob at the end of the cord snug with the body of the knot.

4. Bring the loose end of the cord up the bowstring, to about 1/2 inch above the nocking point. Allow enough slack to form a loop about 1/4 inch from the bowstring.

5. Begin the second knot by running the cord over the bowstring and wrapping it toward the bow's top cam.

6. Make a loose wrap back toward the bottom cam of the bow. Insert the end of the cord through the loose wrap, tighten the knot slightly and cut the tag end about 1/4 inch from the knot.

7. Fray the tag end and melt it to form another knob. Allow the knob to cool and tighten until the knob is firmly seated in the knot.

8. Insert needle-nosed pliers between the cord and the string at the point where the arrow will rest. Open the pliers to form and tighten the nock loop.

Tips & Warnings

• Shorten your bow's draw length by ½ inch to accommodate the extra room the nock loop will take in your shooting form.

• Be very careful when drawing the bow until you're sure the knots will hold. If a knot slips, it can cause your hand to fly back into your face.

• Make sure the knots used on each side of the loop are facing in opposite directions. If they pull from the same side of the string, the loop will cause the string to rotate when drawn.

References

• "Arrow Tuning and Maintenance Guide 2nd Edition"; Easton Archery; 1999
• Bowhunting.net; Benefits of a D-Loop; Dave Conrad; Jan 2007
• "The Nuts and Bolts of Archery: A Guide to Shooting and Tuning Compound Bows"; Archeryhistory.com; 2010

Resources

• Bowhunting.com; Tying a bowstring nocking loop; Bill Winke