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Pre-Stretching

Although pre-stretching isn’t as prevalent as it used to be, it is still a good technique when stringing gut, or other strings that have such a strong coil memory it would be beneficial to straighten them out before installation. Pre-stretching is also one way of getting a higher stringbed stiffness without over-tensioning the frame.

You can loop the string around a smooth, round, firmly fixed pole and pull on both ends at once, but the best way is to use two people, each with a starting clamp. We do not recommend using door knobs, as pre-stretching puts a lot of stress on the doorknob, and sometimes the string can slip off with potentially harmful results.

Whichever way you do it, hold the starting clamp firmly, but do not squeeze the handles as this opens the jaws and releases the string. Turn your back to the taut portion(s) of the string so that if it does snap, it can’t hit you in the face.

Apply about 40 pounds of pull across the entire length of the string, and hold it for 15 to 30 seconds.

USRSA Staff

From the April 2004 issue
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