Hot Fix: Nocking Point - the Nail Knot

Something we've touched on before is the nocking point. Put simply it’s the point on your string where you want to nock your arrow consistently so the arrows come off the string every time in exactly the same orientation hopefully perfectly aligned. There are techniques for finding the right point on your string but today we just want to look at how you "define" that point on your string. Two methods which we won’t cover today is the brass nocking point (beginner/convenience/tuning) and dental floss (we already have a guide for this one). The third process uses serving (preferably the stiffer nocking) thread to create a nock point which is better suited to big fat cheating aluminiums*. One of the most popular is the Nail Knot .. but what is the nail knot?

Nail Knot Tool .. and can probably get boy scouts out of horses hooves as well

The nail knot is a deceptively simple knot that once on properly, is not coming off .. ever! This link to a video will show you the basic technique how to tie it. At its simplest .. you lay the serving thread along your string. Wind it back over itself 4/5 loops using something like a pen as a spacer to create loops. Feed that end back through the loops just made and when you pull it tight that puppy isn't going anywhere. That's the reason the loops need to be spaced out with something - could be a pen, pencil or a small piece of arrow shaft! Just don't pull it tight till you get it where it needs to be. To improve the grip to godlike, pull the thread through a stick of hot melt a few times before tying. Once tightened, a few wafts with a lighter will seal the thread tighter than a Scotsman with a locked in, long term, high yield ISA.  However, we aren't the only pastime using the nail knot and this particular hobby likes their accessories which we are more than willing to pinch.

Fishermen like their quality of life improving tools. Fishermen tie many knots. Therefore, it’s kinda predictable they have a tool to help them tie knots and here's the one they have for the nail knot. Costing just 3 squids on Amazon**, this puppy allowed our editor who can make some very untidy nail knots tie a perfect one first time. So how does it work?

First cut your length of thread mibi 15cm long (6" in old money). Optionally, pull the thread through a stick of hotmelt a few times first. Lay the thread on top of your string (either on a string jig or strung bow) and have the thread and string on top of the nail knot tool (NKT).
Lock the thread and string in place with your left thumb (assuming you are a righty) on the handy shelf at the front of the NKT.

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Take the right thread end making sure it goes down into the groove at the tools point then wind it back along the NKT for four or five loops (right to left) keeping the thread taut.
Lock the loops in place with your left hand finger or thumb.

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Now feed the thread end you are holding through the loops you just made (left to right). This might care a couple of attempts as it just like threading a needle. Don't be afraid to scrap it and start again. You want the knot tidy and it takes a little practice.
That's the knot made but don't pull it tight yet.

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Slide the knot carefully off the NKT and keeping the knot loose, slide it to where you want it. Taking the loose ends pull gently till the knot starts to tighten up but not all the way. Get it into its final position then slowly and carefully pull the ends tight (making sure to keep the knot tidy). Once sited perfectly and semi-tight - HEAVE each end symmetrically! (Pliers can help here) This will lock the knot in place.

Trim the ends to about 3mm long then burn them with a lighter to melt them into a sealed end. If you pulled the thread through hot melt before starting, a few wafts under the knot with a lighter will seal the thing forever.

This sort of nock point is much better for ali's as unlike the floss nock point, it doesn't get crushed easily. It's better than the brass nocks which will tear your tab up and cost you 3 or 4 feet/second on your shot speed. So definitely an upgrade on brass and works quite happily for slim carbons as well. Getting the knot off the string when it needs replaced (see the stitch ripper) will be a problem for your future self but as they think (to them) past you is an idiot who procrastinates and always leaves them with things to do at the last second, sucks to be them! ;o)

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Note: There are lots of YouTube videos on this tool but they are pretty much all for anglers so be prepared to watch and modify what they are doing for our specific needs.

* Or so John calls Geo's X7 aluminiums
** If you have to have a nail knot tool right now ... Geo has a couple going spare for a low low price!
The editor apologises for the less than stellar photography ... he says its hard taking pics with your nose cause your hands are busy.