How to Align the Nock With Fletching

The nock and fletching alignment on an arrow is an important aspect of archery. Poor alignment causes the fletching to bump the arrow rest and decreases the overall accuracy of the arrow. Proper alignment ensures the arrow flies true and strikes the intended target. Alignment is an easy process but adjustments are only possible with a loose nock. Do not glue the nock to the arrow until you have determined the proper alignment for your shooting style.

Select a single fletching vein on the arrow. Place the nock on the end of the arrow without any glue. Rotate the nock until the fletching is at a right angle to the vertical slot on the nock for finger shooting. The fletching also must be pointing away from the bow limb when attached to the string. Mark the top of the slot with pen to help position the nock before the glue dries.

Select a single fletching vein and place the nock on the end of the arrow without glue. Rotate the nock until the vertical slot is aligned directly below the fletching. Mark the alignment and glue the nock in place. Use this alignment for release shooting on all flat arrow rests.

Select a single fletching vein and place the nock on the arrow without glue. Rotate the nock until the vertical slot is aligned directly above the fletching. Mark the position with a pen and glue the nock on the arrow. Use this position for release shooting with an arrow rest that contains a "v" shape in the design.

Tips

Mark the position on a group of arrows and glue all of the nocks in place after the alignments are made. This creates and efficient process for arrow building.

Warnings

Poor alignment may affect the path of your arrow and reduce accuracy.