Check Those Arrows!

[Burnsie]

I recently picked up a heavier Howard Hill - Big Five. I took it out to the back yard bag to run a few arrows through it at close range, just to see how it felt. I nocked the first arrow, drew back and released - after that it was a blur. The bow flew out of my hand onto the grass and the arrow dropped at my feet. I was completely startled and wondered what the heck just happened. I picked up the arrow and saw that the nock was snapped off - then I inspected the bow carefully, and it appeared to be no worse for the wear. I quickly became aware that my arm/wrist was stinging like heck, and when I looked this is what I saw.  It was already welted and turning purple and red. It actually split my skin and drew blood. Not a good end to an otherwise great Father's Day.

[LookMomNoSights]

That sucks but I am glad it was not something worse.   
Doesn't happen often, but if I ever smack something solid, I give that arrow a very thorough once over,  inspecting the nock,  integrity around the insert,   if it's a wood arrow I check for cracks, splinters, nock damage ........  it's all worth it in the end I suppose. 
Nocks in particular,   they are so cheap that I will replace them on the carbons routinely.  I don't wait for issues with them.  Just replace.   Cheap insurance I suppose is the aim there.  If its a woodie and that nock gets kissed with another arrow,  even if that nock SEEMS ok,  I will sideline that woodie til I can cut the nock off and replace it with a new one.  Gives me the opportunity to inspect that nock taper as well to make sure there are no cracks.  Something close to the point,   not as bad an outcome I suppose.  Something near the nock,  BOOM!
And possibly a very bad day.

[Roy from Pa]

Exactly, and check for any cracks or nicks, this happened to my buddy with a wooden arrow.

[LookMomNoSights]

Now that's the bad day I'm talkin' about right there .........