Introduction[]
This page describes a simple way to reinforce the nocks of bows made from loose laminates with metal inserts. The inserts serve two purposes:
- Reduce bowstring wear by making the nocks wider (for all laminate materials)
- Help prevent bowstring from splitting the laminates (for wood laminates)
Performance-vise the best material would be aluminum, but thin steel works as well.
Step by step instructions[]
Start by cutting at least two rectangular pieces from a sheet metal and mark the center:
The pieces should be slightly wider than the laminate, and sufficiently long so that they can be folded over the laminate length-vise without issues.
Next punch a longish hole in the middle, e.g. with a hammer and a screwdriver:
Attach the piece to a vise:
File away the sharp edges:
File the edges of the hole square and enlarge the hole as necessary, until it fits neatly over nock filed to the laminate:
Next bend the piece along the longitunal axis with pliers and fit it over the nock:
Next use a small hammer or pliers to squeeze the nock insert flat against the laminate:
If you want, you can file away the protruding parts of the inserts to save some weight.