I'm starting my archery tool collection and figured I should start out with a quality T square and nocking pliers. What brand T square should I buy and what is the difference as far as usability between a T square and a L square? What do you guys think of the Easton Pro nocking Pliers (http://www.lancasterarchery.com/easton-pro-archery-pliers.html) . Are they any good or is there a better brand or model I need to buy? Also what size nock set do I need to buy that will fit the stock string on my 2014 Grizzly 45#? What outher tools do you guys find essential to have in your tool box? I know this is a lot of questions but I trust this community to steer me in the right direction on my journey into traditional archery.
I use a T square. I can't stand the L square. I don't know that I have ever noticed a brand and have never had an issue with any T square I have used. Don't know anything about the pliers or brass nock sets, as I tie on all my nocks. Tied on nock sets are adjustable and much better IMHO.
Bisch
There is only one that takes brass nocking points off without damaging it or your sending and it will be perfectly good to reuse multiple times when your tuning and trying different locations and that's the one offered by TruFire. But I don't like it for crimping them on. So I have a second set of Easton pliers for crimping them on!. T Square, L Square doesn't really matter!
Saunders nock pliers are the best I have used. They are great for installing and removing / moving them.
I like the standard aluminum T square you get from 3rivers very simple and I like simple.
I like my easton t square.I tie my nock points so no comment on pliers. Another handy thing is to get some Plano fishing lure divider boxes made for tackle boxes.very handy for organizing points,nocks,rest materials,string wax,and everything else.they are adjustable with tabs you can pull out and write on with a sharpie
Use a T-square from Cartel. Nice and simple. The nock-pliers I use don't have a name on them, and I can't remember where I bought them. Works OK, I guess but I'm thinking about moving over to tie nocks.
Red.: pliers are from Cartel. Just checked.
I think I am going to go with the Easton T square and the Easton Pro Nocking Pliers (http://www.lancasterarchery.com/easton-pro-archery-pliers.html) . I like the fact Easton has the measurements colored in white on a black background and its one piece not riveted at the top of the T like some of the other brands. It looks like no one has tried the Easton Pro pliers so I guess I will be the Guinea Pig and give them a try :) . Thanks guys for all the input it really helped.
I've had the same T-square forever, which may not be still available (Potawatomi products, Plymouth, Indiana). As for nocking pliers, I don't think you can find a better one than the TruFire, especially for nock removal, but I like the way it installs them too.
One other tool I carry with me in my quiver is a good pair of small slip-joint pliers to help remove errant arrows that have imbedded themselves in hard wood.
I also have had a Potawatomi T square for years. It works great. I just checked my archery tool box to see if my favorite nocking pliers had a brand name on it, my favorit set is missing. I have another set that crimps but does not have the same wedge tipped mouth for loosening nocking points. this makes it half a tool.
My favorit set is similar to this.
http://www.merlinarchery.co.uk/mybo-nocking-pliers.html
i am not sure about the Easton needle nose pliers you linked too. Not sure how that will easily loosen the crimped nocking points.
I've had the old blue patawatomi looking one since I was a kid, although I have no clue what the make is. I currently use an Easton L square and the black with white markings is much nicer. You will be glad you got the Easton bow square. I prefer the Trufire crimpers but please let us lnow how the Easton ones perform. I can tell you that the broad jawed ones sometimes branded as Bear and other makes less than desireable.
I have another option. Neither. Have someone teach you to tie your Nock points and learn to square with an arrow. You always have to do a little adjustment anyway with the nock points unless you get lucky or very good at it. These are two tools that I see absolutely no need for.
God bless, Steve
I use a square,haven't used nock pliers since my wheels cam off.Been tying on my nocks for about 20 years.
I use a small carpenters square, machinists square or the square edge of a cardbord box flap (real handy when I cant find real square). Just have to measure up 9/16 and tie on my top nock......... not rocket science at all.....
Being a purpose made top of the line bow square and nocking crimpers will set you back to the tune of $35ish its really not necassary to make due or omit.
The only reason I have nock pliers is to remove brass nock locators that are on a string that I buy. I have to remove one from a bow I received today.
I have the old blue square as well. Actually I have two, another was given to me. I also have Saundres nock pliers but I always give it a little more pinch with a set of baby channel locks I carry. Some whereI also have a square that you screw the point end of your shaft into. I got it somewhere years ago. I just never had issues with nock points slipping.
Don't use them... I have my eye's to set it up and then tie on the double nock points. I guess I am simple that way, if you could ask all the dead critters they would all agree that it works!
Thank you all for the advice :) . I agree for some keeping it simple and making due works. For me it just leads to frustration and a loss of enjoyment for the activity I am trying to accomplish. That is why I always try to use the right tool for the job it saves me time and frustration. Plus I have enough to worry about just trying to figure out my form much less fiddling around with carpenter squares and serving material. But don't get me wrong I do appreciate the info and I will keep in mind the tying on nocks method after I have a few years of shooting and working on my bows under my belt.