EASY TO SEE ACCURACY KILLER that’s so easy to fix!

Here’s a video showing you something that’s easy to see and easy to fix but has a HUGE impact and accuracy. Nock pinch is a serious problem and there’s many reasons why. Although there’s tons of options out the for arrow nocks they aren’t all the same. Different brands have different thickness, different throat depths and different stiffness in materials. Your bow may have been set up one way for a nock you had at the time and it worked great. But what if you change to a new arrow brand, a lighted nock or change your string and have a new loop??? The answer is you could be affecting your accuracy for the better or for the worst. This explains it really quick! What’s important for this videos isn’t to explain what nock may or may not be better, what matters is,
DOES YOURS FIT CORRECTLY??

[@royhoglund1322]

Such a simple thing. Love this arrow series John. Anyone that has watched your bow build videos of the past knows this already. Great reminder. Thanks for posting!

[@HuntZoneAmerica]

Absolutely agree on this one. Nock pinch is such an underrated issue, but it truly can be an accuracy killer. Ensuring that the nock has a perfect fit is essential for consistent releases and optimal arrow flight. Thanks for highlighting this often overlooked aspect of archery! 🎯🏹"

[@smau990]

You mentioned Beiter in podcast with Dan. Those are nice as you can tie nock sets right against the nock and the shape just prevents any pinching issues.

[@Matt-jl8xf]

Beiter hunter nocks do this, yes.... I use them and they are fantastic. You should still leave about 1 strand of serving of extra room tying in the nock points though. After a few shots the nock points will usually move in a bit and you will have a perfect fit. They also make asymmetrical nocks which can be brutal for nock pinch and lifting the arrow off the rest... but, they can also be super accurate if the nock point is done well. I do a ton of target shooting with my father and he uses asymmetrical with no issue. I used to use them too, but have since switched to the hunter nocks and like them more. They are symmetrical and definitely help prevent nock pinch. They have good sized cut outs top and bottom to allow nocking points to sit in them just perfectly. They cost a bit more but I will always take a beiter nock over any other brand.

[@jackfowler1030]

Excellent point ! I actually stopped using lighted knocks because it cost me a buck of a lifetime because it fit to tight on my string and when I drew back the arrow fell off my string at full draw. I like to hear the snap sound when I knock a arrow. The lighted knocks I was using never did that. I'd rather lose a arrow then not get a shot at a trophy buck at 10 yards like I did.

[@jackfowler1030]

I have a question: Is there a way to move my bottom D lope knot without starting over ? I checked mine and all my arrow raise up. no doubt its to tight.

[@rockylopez1371]

​@jackfowler1030 it's very easy to tie a new nock set and dloop.

[@eyesupoutdoors5684]

Great timing Ive been trying to figure out why my lighted nocks are flying terrible compared to my standard nocks

[@JoeBeck-y5r]

Only time I’ll be first with something involving JD and archery!

[@Supagremlin126]

Gluck Gluck Gluck

[@hamidniakian3653]

You are an excellent bow man. I learned so much from you. It really help me to be more accurate. Love u man😊

[@ringerahn]

Great timing. I'm about to change over to lighted nocks for the season . Great advise thank you .

[@hmongwild]

Found out the hard way this season. Started shooting smaller diameter arrows and never crossed my mind. Arrows hit around my target but never exactly were i aim. My gap is about an1/8 from knot to arrow to other knot. Smh will find time to adjust.

[@DeficatingBum]

I'm still pretty new to archery hunting (couple years) I've watched countless videos and spent hours a day practicing. I switched to lighted arrows nocks last year. Every practice shot was off. So i got ride of them. No one EVER mentions this issues or even advises this in bow tending videos. This.. video is the most underrated archery video out there right now.

[@tjones8994]

I have a question unrelated to nock pinch. I have seen this many times though! my question is trajectory at high altitude. Im from southern MO and will be going on my first elk hunt next month. I am dialed in out past 100 but im curious how much difference you notice on point of impact when you go to these high elevations? i will take a target to confirm but i am wondering what to expect? Most of where we will be hunting is 10,000'-12,000'. Thanks and keep up the great content!

[@Vintage-406]

Late reply but with arrows it will not make a substantial difference or any at all. The thing that will be a big difference will be your performance at high altitude. Fatigue will be biggest difference

[@richardsanchezjr.2273]

Ha. This helped me just realize why my arrow comes off my shelf plate on my longbow 🤙 thanks for this short video.

[@greekmaster1001]

What about the the short Ata bows they have a very sharp angle so the nock points need to be far apart when using a lighted nock which at rest there will be alot more movement between the nock points

[@aaronflanagan8983]

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely look for this.

[@robertm7848]

At what distance would be too much space in nock fit and how would you diagnose the problem on the target?

[@dennyvillemure1088]

Good thumbnail. I need to make my nocks looser on ALL of my bows. I know it's a simple fix but every shop has made my nocks TIGHT, especially on a severe string angle like my Triax. Do-It-Yourself time...

[@nockonarchery]

Sounds great!

[@dennyvillemure1088]

@@nockonarchery thanks coach. I'm a huge advocate for D Loops. :)

[@jacobbradley7134]

I might not be into bow hunting enough to see why you'd use anything other than a wisker biscuit for an arrow rest. Great info on setting the knock knot, but a biscuit keeps the front steady at all angles.

[@crusher8017]

Too much wear and tear on the arrow vanes and the fibres of the biscuit. Drop away is the preferred method for non beginners.

[@tomrhodes7845]

Definitely will test this.

[@richb8303]

Watched video, and had to go out and check. No lift. Thanks for the info.

[@jarisneilson1165]

What about the tightness of the nock on the string?

[@nockonarchery]

Awesome you asked!!! That’s coming next. Spoiler alert

[@jarisneilson1165]

@nockonarchery Nice! I'm loving the short videos with these great overlooked tips

[@GMONEYFIFTYFOUR]

I never looked! Pro tips!

[@kylemacdonell1450]

I am finding the .204 Firenocks are VERY tight fitting and also cause arrow lift due to that.. Sooooo many details

[@lsxfbodygen3]

Dude. That’s nock good.

[@johnschreier8150]

I’ve got serving tied on next to the d-loop knots like you have and my gap at rest is ~1mm, but when I draw back I get arrow lift. I removed the added serving and it still lifts. What else could be causing it?

[@chadpinder6864]

Great info as always thank you brother

[@Blaine.W.A]

Thanks for calling this out, my nocks have a death grip on my centerserving. So which Nockturnal model and what size serving?

[@ryanmaragh8209]

Wow 😯 Thanks Mr. Dudley! Nock on!

[@dewboy910]

Sometimes it's hard to tell. A good test is to draw your arrow without a point. If it doesn't lift off the launcher without the point, you're good.

[@AlexandStuff]

If it doesnt lift with the point on, even with a pinch, wouldnt the weight of the point keep it down on the launcher anyway? Assuming enough weight on the point that is.

[@brandonrodarte3658]

Good to know when I just changed to a lighted nock

[@brody4890]

How does to much space effect the arrow flight? Is it just not as consistent

[@jc7997aj]

Im assuming the metal nock loops prevent this ? Over ordered a set so ill be experimenting soon.

[@robertdavis1102]

Good demonstration on nock pinch and also how it effects accuracy! I have one question, do you shot enough where your center serving wears out and you have to reserve it or do I shoot to much or a nock problem? I use the "h" nocks in my 6mm Eastons. I am 99% sure the center serving is .021 on the gas bowstrings I use.

[@nockonarchery]

Servings certainly wear but the tighter the fit the more the wear. If you start to develop a flat spot you know it’s too tight

[@wish2fish37]

Thanks for the video..I am dealing with a bad tear to the left and will check this.I have tried moving rest and doing a yoke tune and also tried a lighter field point to no resolution.I did notice some slop in my upper wheels axle when loosening sting to do yoke tune.Is this normal?Bow is 12 years old,Mathew’s z7

[@jimjessie2704]

there use to be a company that made a release called gator jaws--have 4 of them to last rest of my bowhunting life--you don't have a d loop and no nock pinch -- have been using them for 40 yrs and would use nothing else

[@Inner-cityoutdoors]

I shoot the same bow it seems like after 30 yards the arrow comes out funny I’m shooting 400 spine what do you shoot ?

[@rootrriddr6181]

As JD said, adjust the D loop! NOT a good decision to try and grind, sand, or modify the nock, could make for a bad day

[@dukevonflankenheimer9430]

Brilliant, thanks!

[@jcarry5214]

I happened to be looking in the right spot and man that sticks out like a chubby in sweatpants. Not good. Does a tiny amount of slop have a negatve impact, like not quite a 16th? of total space?

[@jonathansnyder8686]

would one be able to slide the top knot up, or is a new d-loop needed?

[@richmandis7398]

Thank you< saved me from buying a crossbow.

[@archeraction6]

Awesome

[@toddr5732]

oh crap I may have this issue !

[@ВладимирПрименко-о5б]

I abandoned the saddle inside the d-loop because over time the d-loop shifts the saddle tighter and it begins to clamp the nok. I just have a d-loop that doesn't clamp anything.

[@ritualghost]

Any idea why this would happen with a Black eagle spartan stock nock but not with a nocturnal x on it (which is bigger)?

[@it_is_what_it_is_brotha]

Question Dud, what realistic difference can someone expect to see if they switch to a nock that is lighted right before season? I don't want to spend $70 on 6 nocks and then use them all year for practice and depleting the batteries and would like to just add them before season so for an average Archer would there be any point of impact change that would cause you to have to tweak sight tapes or would you say you're pretty much good to just swap out and go as long as the nock fit it good?

[@JamesBond-oc4gm]

That really depends on the distance, up close, not much

[@limjahey3119]

In my setup, no noticeable difference up to 40 yds. Past 40, forget it.

[@bcompton53]

higher FOC will fix it! It'll keep it on the rest. (joking around, but......kinda true, might mask the issue)

[@blaketurner731]

😂😂😂

[@nockonarchery]

“Mask” or bandaid. it may keep it down but it won’t correct the flight at launch

[@Fbarts]

That's why I use a metal loop.

[@gs637]

good stuff!

[@lucasbouwman8589]

John, I'm trying to find the right nock for my .204 shafts that snap nicely onto my string, but am not having very good luck. I re-served with .018 Power Grip Serving and the only nock that snaps on without any effort is a Nockturnal for .204 shafts. I've tried Easton X, AAE IP, Gold Tip, Bohning, and Nockturnals. I don't really want to run the Nockturnals. Anyone have any advice?

[@nockonarchery]

You can try a halo serving because you can got down to a .015 depending on your bow type try the nock fit down on the cam serving. Most likely that’s halo and it will give you an idea if it will work!

[@2012lucasb]

Will try that! Thanks!

[@stonefly7158]

Also it’s because you seem to be struggling with drawing your bow back lower your poundage down little bit ! Or can’t you see that your shaky drawing it back!

[@michaelyork7844]

Do you got a green alien coming out your bushes?

[@lifeofarchery6565]

Hey dose anyone know if this would cause a difficult time paper tooning? I work working on the guys bow and it would always be, tip high no matter what I did so we went back down to the basics and still couldn't get this guys bow shooting built holes we spent 3 hours looking at it but nothing worked dose anyone have any idea why this bow did this? Or have any idea to try next time?

[@nockonarchery]

That sounds like a rest bouncing back up. Try a different rest and if it changes quick that would be my guess. Some bows limbs travel more than other when the bow is fired. I refer to it as “overtravel” of the limbs. When that happens it can cause the rest to bounce back up and do that. Also tail high that doesn’t correct is a example of a weak spine which is a result of improper arrow spine or too much front weight

[@lifeofarchery6565]

@@nockonarchery okay thanks man I will try that I'm a newer bow tech so I have a ton of room to grow and a lot to learn!! Hope you have a good evening!

[@chrismacomber9727]

Knock pinch 1:10

[@herdbull]

⚡️

[@michaelswenson8399]

I’ll never understand why the major nock companies don’t just make their own lighted nock using the (mostly) same mold. Problem solved.

[@rancher011]

Wait…. But I thought less contact with your arrow rest was a good thing? Jk of course lol

[@FISHUNTREECOUNTRY]

John, for the amount of shooting you do, you must be getting massage therapy on a regular basis... no?

[@JamesBond-oc4gm]

When it comes to women, you definitely want a tighter fit With your arrows, loosy goosey lol

[@michaelvstheworld3680]

Another problem in the microcosom of many more serious issues you have had lately. Try bumping up the FOC. Weak sauce son. 🤪

[@tomtankyou1282]

no i dont see it so stop asking

[@waynestevenson9613]

One of the MOST over looked accuracy killers!

[@tannerk45]

I'm wanting to try some different lighted nocks...I know the first two are nockturnals, but what is the last nock? Looks like the Halo?

[@nockonarchery]

It is a halo. I personally like it better and will be reserving to use it for season. I’ll use a .018

[@coreyedwards187]

Bump

[@tannerk45]

perfect, thanks man! @@nockonarchery

[@Chuston77]

I check my nock pinch EVERY time I nock an arrow! It’s like a step in my shooting process. Nock arrow, wiggle up and down to double check it has a slight amount of room, draw back. It makes a HUGE difference in accuracy as you covered. I’ve learned from experience lol

[@timsizemore6793]

Great onfo for every archer,Tim Sizemore,Tims archery THANK YOU.

[@eddiealvarez5493]

Wow john, your a mechanic Nock - On Meastro. 👊

[@it_is_what_it_is_brotha]

Mind the gap. Keep calm and nock on 😂

[@davidmadison5582]

New to archery in general.

[@petebaker2576]

Thanks again John, your videos have really helped me iron out issues with my accuracy.

[@rontruocchio5744]

my simple fix was done thirty years ago when i went to an aluminum loop. that fixed wear, stretch, pinch and lost seconds fitting the release on.

[@janosbajusz4680]

Dudes! LOT OF FREE XP👌

[@40beretta1]

John thank you very much for the simplest of troubleshooting. I just can't believe you have done two videos on nocks...I am fighting nock-throat to serving issue to a point I have deployed my 6" calipers to try and figure out WT Foxtrot has happened.... In 10 shots I've seen one arrow skirt the edge target, another just fly off to Who Knowsville. I just checked my pinch... I do see there "is" an issue... as well as the serving is getting extremely worn-out

[@HOWLETTZER]

Thanks for the information. I’ve been struggling with accuracy of late and am looking for answers. I always go here first. Secondly, I just saw your new batch of knives from Montana Knife Company are launching. NICE!

[@GeorgeB-u8j]

Another Great video, my son and I noticed this very same thing last night. I corrected it in about five minutes and a lil bit of serving thread. We look forward to you Great vids. Thanks

[@smokymountainconcealment5356]

I’ve always tied in a not under my nock between the nock and D loop with zero spacing on the nock. Learned this from a world champion back in 97’ . Solves nock pinch and no worries with nock movement at full draw. 👊

[@odinsarrow1343]

I feel like the green and black just hypnotizes me into watching!! 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫Help.

[@wildarren]

Perfect timing on this video. I just discovered my nock was getting pinched, last night. Thanks for sharing, and confirming what I had suspected!

[@elkchaser]

Bought some Bohning A Nocks this year and no matter how far apart I put my nock sets or how small of a center serving I use, the arrows lift when I draw. Wondering if this is a string angle issue?

[@jamesmarshall5794]

Wait, which one of the nocks did you like? You said you liked the one that was the tightest? Wouldn’t that provide more of the undesired pinch?

[@joshvaughn2743]

Dangit! I think this is the reason I was pulling my hair out In 2018 and bought a new bow 🤦‍♂️

[@Eric-bh7jy]

Does it make a difference if you only tie a knocking point on the bottom? Do you need a knock above and below?

[@b12khx89]

I've had this issue with beiter asymmetrical nocks

[@redbeard123]

I just found this the other day with my lighted nocks it was good a couple months ago on setup but not now after a lot of shots

[@progradepainting3755]

Wow! Finally opened up the comments. Awesome!

[@kevinyoung1480]

Bro. Thank you learned something new.

[@crapatron17]

This truly made a difference. It was night and day

[@christsideurbanstreetminis2183]

What about using soft knotts?

[@SheepdogConservation]

Good stuff! I just had those issues, but I assumed the flight inconsistencies where all from the nock pinching so much tighter on the string serving! Can “horizontal” pinching cause the same kind of problems as vertical??

[@jcarry5214]

That's a great question. I'm guessing no since I have several different nock setups that all shoot really accurately but I hope someone who knows chimes in. I know for sure that it can impact accuracy on stickbows, but not necessarily every time.

[@SheepdogConservation]

@@jcarry5214 I just assume that any change made to arrow or bow will make some change down range. However not many guys can shoot like Dud in order to see the difference!!

[@jcarry5214]

@@SheepdogConservation Lol well that's true. It's like giving most guys a bipod and a .2 moa rifle. Probably can't actually tell it from the OTC Savage.

[@SheepdogConservation]

@@jcarry5214 exactly! Haha I do know that the horizontal pinch was giving me 1/3 that would miss by like 5”+ at 50… as soon as I went back to my stock nocks that don’t “click” when I put them on my groups/misses went back to < 3” !! But I also had vertical tightness like he describes so I think the combo magnified the flyers greatly!

[@jcarry5214]

@@SheepdogConservation you know I went and shot out at 65 for about 75 shots the other day and I couldn’t escape the feeling my nocks were causing some fliers. Some were definitely me but I was definitely getting some erratic rigts and lefts. Happen to know what nocks you like? I have gold tips on all my standard diameters but I have those really bitey bohnings on my 204 shafts, the ones that double click. Granted I haven’t shot enough this summer to be crying about 65 but some I know were good shots, perfect elevation but 3-4” dead left or right.

[@madman432000]

How much would be too much gap?

[@madman432000]

@@raphael6488 I asked because I have a few different brands of stores and they have different width of nocks. Beeman, Gold tips, victory, Easton. I guess the best would be to change all nocks to the same but the arrows are 246-204 id's. Width of nocks are 0.160, 0.172, 0.180, 0.200, 0.215. I replaced the winners choice strings(about 10 years old) on my bow with 60x strings and the airstrike arrows I had been shooting would fall off the center serving with just a little tug. Different issue, different serving diameter I guess.

[@royleerobinson5]

Quick question dud I’m gunna test this but I figured I’d ask hopefully u see it. I’m #75 31.5” shooting a 597gn arrow right around 280 with a single bevel I used the hil method and it’s shooting like a dart. Only once I get past 65/70ish it gets very unforgiving. I’m guessing that’s just the nature of a single bevel non vented. With this current setup I know I got plenty of juice would I be better off just throwing a sevr mechanical to gain that accuracy at distance back? I know I’m capable of hitting what I aim at out to distance it just seems squirrelly past those distances.

[@royleerobinson5]

I can also loose some arrow weight in that process too

[@nockonarchery]

That is a result of deceleration possibly but sometimes having a long range and close range option is good to have as long as your tune allows for it

[@royleerobinson5]

@@nockonarchery right on appreciate you

[@royleerobinson5]

@@nockonarchery update I brought my arrow weight down to 567gn and shot a sevr and it was a absolute dart out at 80 in Wyoming wind. I think it was just slowing down just enough to plain that single bevel at that speed. I haven’t chronograph it but I’m sure I’m over 285 and that’s literally what you always say for a target speed.

[@royleerobinson5]

Long short of it I’m rolling with the 567gn with a sevr. Just time to dig in now. Let’s go get some meat!

[@christerlkas5148]

Interesting video! Im currently having an issue where i can send a few arrows, no problem - but then all of a sudden it goes 3-5 feet over. Me and a friend are really scratching our head trying to figure out what is causing this. I am very new to archery, so i do not have alot of knowledge but it's really frustrating sending arrows into the wall behind the 3D target when the shot feels so good. Any tips? Anyone?

[@nockonarchery]

If it’s the same arrow that could be a result of one arrow on the lower end of the tolerance allowance. Try turning the nock90 degrees and shoot it again and see if it’s grouping position changes. If so you can keep trying to adjust the nock to bring it back or replace the nock entirely. Be sure to mark that arrow too. Fyi lower cost arrows have a wider variance in straightness and spine consistency so it’s not uncommon to find a flyer on a dozen if they aren’t “match grade” arrows

[@dunk7689]

Number your arrows, take a sharpie and write a number on each individual arrow. If it's the same one consistently it might just be the arrow.

[@christerlkas5148]

@@nockonarchery I appriciate the reply! They are infact cheap arrows, and i am getting some better ones tomorrow. But it is unfortunatly not isolated to a specific arrow, as several of them went into rocks and broke after going way over :D It is worth mentioning that i did go from a whisker biscuit to a QAD drop down rest, and only then did this start to occour. I also noticed that the top half of my serving had slightly lowered. Could something here be the issue? I probably have a little knock pinch aswell, that will be sorted tomorrow

[@christerlkas5148]

@@dunk7689 I appriciate the reply! They are infact cheap arrows, and i am getting some better ones tomorrow. But it is unfortunatly not isolated to a specific arrow, as several of them went into rocks and broke after going way over :D It is worth mentioning that i did go from a whisker biscuit to a QAD drop down rest, and only then did this start to occour. I also noticed that the top half of my serving had slightly lowered. Could something here be the issue? I probably have a little knock pinch aswell, that will be sorted tomorrow

[@johnvang5581]

I'm going to guess it's your form and shot process as I've gone through the same issue. As my form has improved, so has my consistency in my groups. What I figured out was that my draw sequence wasn't smooth as it should be causing me to strain my shoulder causing extra exhaustion and inconsistency. I dropped my draw weight to combat this and it's helped a ton in helping me correct my form. Accuracy / No injury > high draw weight