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Setting clamping force

Q: Besides being a new USRSA member, I am also a new stringer. I have strung about 10 racquets so far, and I think my string jobs are starting to look pretty good. The problem comes when I try installing certain strings: I can’t figure out how to set my clamps. If I get the clamp too tight, the clamps deform the string. When I loosen up the clamp, the string slips and the clamps chew up the string. I have even tried using a business card in the clamp, but that seems problematic too — the string managed to slip through and when I try to increase the clamp pressure — it still deforms the string.

A: It sounds as though you are bruising the string when the clamps are set tightly enough to prevent slippage. This means that the string is compressing enough to change its appearance, but returning to very close to its normal shape after the clamp is released. If that’s the case, you don’t have anything to worry about. You need to have the clamps tight enough that the string doesn’t slip. If the string bruises at that point, then it bruises. As you’ve already found out, some string is more susceptible to bruising than others. Bruising will not affect the string’s playability or durability.

However, you have to make certain that you’re not crushing the string by having the clamps much too tight. If you’re crushing the string, you’ll also see a change in the string’s appearance, but the indentations from the clamps will not return to normal. If this happens, the string may be damaged, which typically results in shorter string life.

From the November 2006 issue
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