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Take a strap to it

On occasion when stringing on Babolat machines one can get the racquet stuck in the very firm six-point support system. Babolat suggests you loosen one of the 6 or 12 o’clock supports and tighten the other. Babolat says under no condition should you use any kind of wrench to turn the knobs.

A more simple solution is to use a rubber strap wrench, which easily breaks free the most stubborn frame without marring or damaging the adjustment knobs. Just wrap the rubber strap around the stuck knob, pull out the slack, and give it a gentle turn.

I’ve used this technique for several years now and found this tool to be invaluable. The 6” strap wrench is available in Babolat blue at www.northerntool.com for $2 plus shipping (Item# 1501539).

5 sets of Prince Premier with Softflex 16 to:

Albert Lee, MRT, Potomac, MD

Editor’s note: Although this tool shouldn’t damage the adjustment knobs, releasing the tension this way puts a lot of stress on the internal mechanism for the support arms. The Babolat-recommended method of pulling the racquet free from the jam by loosening the billiard at the jammed end, and tightening the billiard at the other end, should be your first option.

From the August 2007 issue
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