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Tips and Techniques

November 2009

Padding Your Starting Clamp, USA Style

Starting clamps used on the outside of the frame can cause scratches. I use moleskin (a product found in the foot care aisle) to cover the outside of the starting clamp. You can do it with one piece of the... (Click here to read more...)

Padding Your Starting Clamp, UK Style

When using a starter clamp, often we put either a loose piece of leather pad or synthetic grip between the clamp and the frame to prevent marking the frame. Unfortunately, this small piece of padding is easily lost in a... (Click here to read more...)

Clean the Hole Racquet

My normal restringing service includes a thorough cleaning of the racquet, but I always found it a bit challenging to clean the O-Ports and Speedports on Prince racquets (especially clay-court players’ racquets!). The openings were too small for efficient use... (Click here to read more...)

September 2009

The Yusuki Method of Starting a String Job

I learned this from my good friend Toru Yusuki while stringing at tournaments. Instead of putting the starting clamp behind the string clamp to eliminate slippage when starting a string job, start by pulling tension on both first mains at... (Click here to read more...)

Grommet strip tool

Here is a tool I made that will help you install the ends of a grommet strip. The ends of the grommet strip never seem to be long enough and require the heat of a hairdryer to stretch them. This... (Click here to read more...)

Cleaner Clean-Up

I found a wonderful cleaner for the black, sticky mess left behind by an ancient replacement grip that had become smeared all over the frame. Casual Clean is an outdoor furniture cleaner. It cuts through the gunk and even removes... (Click here to read more...)

August 2009

Non-Scratch Starting Clamp

In the old days, and even recently, we would use a business card in a string clamp that wouldn’t hold properly. It had enough grip to make it useable again. I have always had an issue with starting clamps, because... (Click here to read more...)

E-Force Stringing

I string quite a few of the E-Force racquets that feature the integral color-coded tubing in the racquet handle. When I first started stringing those racquets, I found that in some cases, the tubing tends to float around to the... (Click here to read more...)

Racquet Touch-Up

We get a lot of questions about touching up chips to make racquets look new again. We found a company called Marking Pen Depot (markingpendepot.com) that sells the Artline 400XF enamel paint markers in loads of colors. The marker features... (Click here to read more...)

Measuring In Round Numbers

When my brother and I first got our stringer, to measure out the length of string from a reel he would use my mother’s yardstick. This seemed to take forever. I looked for an easier way and I found that... (Click here to read more...)

July 2009

Reel good tip

I use in excess of 20 reels of different strings. It was always a problem having to store them without having to fish the end out of the reel. I found that the backs to pins, earrings, etc. work great.... (Click here to read more...)

Marketing playtest results

I’ve come up with a way to use information in the playtest reports to help me market strings to current and prospective restringing customers. Over the years I’ve found that people tend to like simplified comparisons of strings when choosing... (Click here to read more...)

Knot Safety

As everyone knows sometimes you just have to grab the pliers to pull a knot tight. Too little pressure you can’t cinch up the knot. Too much, a broken string and possible punch in the nose. Just take your electric... (Click here to read more...)

Temporary tool storage

I like to straighten the cross strings as I go, and to save wear and tear on my fingers I use an offset awl. To keep the awl handy while I work, I just use the stringbed as an awl... (Click here to read more...)

Start at the ends

I always cut the ends of the string on a diagonal before installation, but rather than uncoiling the string and then chasing down the ends, I trim the ends first, and then uncoil the string. Greg Raven, MRT, Apple Valley,... (Click here to read more...)

Reduce friction on crosses

After completing the mains on a two-piece string job, I install the second cross first, then go back and weave the first cross. This way, I avoid pulling the full length of the crosses across the mains any more than... (Click here to read more...)

June 2009

Cutting out poly

For me, removing the old poly string from a frame before restringing is more difficult than removing other strings. To make it easier to remove poly, I cut around the stringbed just inside the frame, so the entire stringbed comes... (Click here to read more...)

Customer tracking

I use the Filemaker product “Bento” to track all of my stringing jobs and customers. I used the built-in “customer library” to track names and phone numbers. I added my own list containing string jobs to track tension, string used,... (Click here to read more...)

Color your world

With spring in the air, I like to take advantage of the colored string offered by some manufacturers, starting with pink, orange, red, blue, optic yellow, and lime. It really gets people to notice what equipment I’m using. After I... (Click here to read more...)

Whatever floats your dampener

Some frames come with a vibration dampener on the middle grommets at the bottom. Using a stringing machine with “billiards” at six and twelve o’clock creates a problem; it’s not a good idea to pinch the dampener between the billiard... (Click here to read more...)

May 2009

General clean-up

I recently discovered that Kirkland Baby Wipes are very efficient for wiping down my stringing machine and associated tools. There are 576 ultra soft wipes in the package and each measures 7x8 inches. The cost is approximately three cents per... (Click here to read more...)

Calibrating your lead tape

Like other customizers, I measure, cut and weigh strips of lead tape. There are a couple of additional steps I take to make customizing easier and more accurate. Whenever I buy a new roll of lead tape, the first thing... (Click here to read more...)

Finessing a blocking string

Sometimes when starting the crosses on a two-piece job you can’t get the end of the crosses into the tie-off hole. Instead of risking life and limb with an awl to open up space to insert the string from outside... (Click here to read more...)

Snapping your CAP

Usually when you are restringing a Head racquet that has the CAP bumperguard on it, tensioning the string results in a satisfying “snap” as the string is pulled through the CAP opening, toward the frame. However, sometimes these bumperguards can... (Click here to read more...)

April 2009

Ruffled by ridges

Have you ever been frustrated by the ridges racquet manufacturers put on the outside of grommet strips to “help” guide the strings? I wish they would stop helping, but knowing they don’t listen, I found a way to get around... (Click here to read more...)

They still make ’em like they used to

I have a regular customer that is a chronic string breaker. I put him in an aramid/synthetic hybrid for durability. This proved too harsh on his wrist, so we tried a poly/synthetic hybrid. This was too harsh on his wrist... (Click here to read more...)

Easier ‘easy ATW stringing’

After reading Liam Nolan’s “Easy ATW Stringing” tip in the May 2007 issue of RSI, I adopted it is my go-to technique for stringing any one-piece racquet where the mains end at the throat. The only problem I had with... (Click here to read more...)

Racquet preparation

The tip you ran about preparing racquets the night before got me thinking, as we sometimes do this when the workload gets high, and when we do stringing for local tournaments, we have one person who strings, while another person... (Click here to read more...)

March 2009

Label preparation

I label customer racquets with the string type, tension, and date, as I’m sure many other stringers do, too. However, the ballpoint pen that leaves the best markings on the labels also has ink that doesn’t dry right away. This... (Click here to read more...)

Reel substitute

Have you ever been frustrated taking string off a broken or cracked customer’s string reel? Simply remove the string completely from the reel and keep the coil intact using one or two re-usable Velcro wire ties. You can also take... (Click here to read more...)

Spiffier demos

When I sell my demo racquets at the end of the year, I try to give the customer the best product I can. I do this by always putting an overgrip on demos when I first get them. When I... (Click here to read more...)

Expect inspection

I had a racquet come into the shop for stringing. After an inspection of the hoop, I began to string the racquet. After completion of the mains, I noticed a crack just above the handle of the frame. As it... (Click here to read more...)

Wear is your stencil?

I always stencil the racquet logo on a new string job. Not only does it provide a professional finish to the restringing job, but also it serves as a kind of wear indication, showing how much the strings have been... (Click here to read more...)

Tangle-free unwinding tool

The easy way to unwind a coil of string is to use this winding / unwinding tool, one could get it from most fly fishing tackle shops, around $17. 5 sets of Lightning XX 16 to: Sam Chan, MRT, Middlesex,... (Click here to read more...)

Enlarging the starting knot

When using 17 or 18 gauge string, a normal starting knot is sometimes smaller than the grommet hole. A simple solution is to tie the normal starting knot and then add a standard tie off knot. This enlarges the starting... (Click here to read more...)

ERT for QA

I check every racquet I restring for stringbed stiffness using an ERT-700. This device clips to the stringbed and, by analyzing the vibrations of the strings, determines the stiffness. The trick is that the ERT’s measurements are fairly sensitive to... (Click here to read more...)

January 2009

Tournament stringing speed

Although there are many skills a stringer needs to master before becoming a “tournament stringer,” my advice to hopeful tournament stringers is not to work faster than you can string. It sounds redundant, but I’ve seen stringers trying to work... (Click here to read more...)

Slatwall for stringing

If you have Slatwall close to your stringing machine, use a long arm to store multiple reels of string. Here’s a bonus tip: When using string from the reel, simply leave the reel on the Slatwall arm, pulling off the... (Click here to read more...)

Tether your awl

Stringing in the comfort of your home is nice, but things might change in a hurry if an awl happens to fall off the tray and land on your foot. I came very close twice: The awl just missed my... (Click here to read more...)

Keep your tails short

When trimming the tails on knots, the tendency is to cut them relative to the edge of the racquet. That is, you angle your cutters so that the end of the tail will be slightly below the edge, which hopefully... (Click here to read more...)

Mark your machine set-up

I don’t have to move my machine very often, but I really like the way I have it set up. To help me restore it to the correct position each time, I put a band of electrical tape around the... (Click here to read more...)

November 2008

Grip-wrapping for lefties

Normally when installing a replacement grip, you use the existing tapered end to start out, but when the racquet is for a left-handed player, this leaves a sharper angled beveled seam in the finished wrap. It is much easier to... (Click here to read more...)

No pokey knot ends

After I tie a knot, and before I trim off the excess, I adjust the string end and knot so that when I trim it, the end will lay flat and neat up against the frame. 5 sets of Wilson... (Click here to read more...)

Slippage check

To make sure my clamps are not slipping during a string job I simply monitor the string identification printed on the string as it sits behind the clamp. As I tension and then clamp the string I watch to see... (Click here to read more...)

Time is of the essence

When stringing at home or at tournaments, I like to have a clock at hand to know the time. This little clock has a self-sticking back, allowing it to mount anywhere. The outer bezel can be set to remind you... (Click here to read more...)

The Trouble With Tie-Offs!

I recently took in a racquet for stringing with a hybrid. After installing the mains I noticed that this particular racquet didn’t have anywhere to tie off the crosses at the throat, despite the Digest listing that showed two-piece instructions,... (Click here to read more...)

This tip is a croc

Some of you may already use an anti-fatigue mat around your stringing machine to save your legs and back. Another way to get the same effect is to invest in a pair of those trendy, colorful slip-on shoes (e.g. Crocs,... (Click here to read more...)

September 2008

Tip your customers

I put tips on the back of my stringing business cards as well as in the signature block of emails. My customers have always given me positive feedback on this — it keeps them “in the know” concerning their racquets... (Click here to read more...)

String awl

When faced with a particularly stubborn blocking string, I take a small piece of very stiff string (such as Wilson Enduro Gold or Zo Pro) and thread it through from the opposite direction I want to go with my “real”... (Click here to read more...)

Early preparation

In my shop, we prepare all the racquets that are to be strung before we start the actual stringing. We cut out the old string, get the stringing instructions, and then measure the new string to each racquet. The string... (Click here to read more...)

Marketing grip replacement

Your article on gripping was great. It got me thinking about when, or how often, grips need to be replaced. Sometimes it is obvious when a customer’s grip needs to be replaced, but often, it is not. Most women, and... (Click here to read more...)

Homemade boomerang tool

Here is a tip for people who string Prince O3 frames and do not have a boomerang tool. Get an eraser from Staples or any office/art supply house (I prefer the Sanford Magic Rub) and trim one-third off lengthwise. (The... (Click here to read more...)

Pulling twice for twice the fun

When stringing I try to make sure my actual tension is as close as possible to the reference tension. So I calibrate my Gamma stringer at least every couple months or after a lot of use. Something else I do... (Click here to read more...)

The Trouble With Tie-Offs!

I recently took in a racquet for stringing with a hybrid. After installing the mains I noticed that this particular racquet didn’t have anywhere to tie off the crosses at the throat, despite the Digest listing that showed two-piece instructions,... (Click here to read more...)

August 2008

O3 50/50 stringing

I strung my O3 tour with a two-piece 50/50 pattern and — much to my delight — I didn’t need my table brake or the boomerang tool. If you string an O3 this way you are pulling from the middle... (Click here to read more...)

Prince O3 and Ozone 2-piece only

The Prince Ozone Pro Tour, O3 Speedport Pro White, and O3 Hybrid Comp should only be strung as 2-piece. Therefore, the “short side” marked on some of these frames is unnecessary. However, we have developed an around the world (ATW)... (Click here to read more...)

Prince Double Back technique

Prince Ozone Pro Tour and O3 Speedport Pro White do not need the Double Back technique because the last two crosses are in traditional grommets. You may disregard the DB marked on the frame. USRSA Staff... (Click here to read more...)

Prince Double Back double pull

On any racquet that recommends the Double Back technique, you are supposed to tension the last two crosses in one pull. The Stringer’s Digest has been updated to reflect this. USRSA Staff... (Click here to read more...)

It’s in the scan

I scan most racquet heads before doing any work to them. I use this first as a record of work completed and more importantly, a reference for future possibilities of customer questions. I do a lot of badminton racquets and... (Click here to read more...)

Convert lead weights to lead tape

I’ve often found that in racquets with have a rattle a player will hear an annoying rattle coming from the handle of the racquet and give it to me to correct the problem. Generally one or more aftermarket-installed weights in... (Click here to read more...)

May 2008

Polyester lint collector

I am amazed at how much lint polyester-based strings pick up. This lint gets caught in the grommet holes when you pull the string through and, once you’ve tensioned the string, it’s very difficult (if not impossible) to dig out... (Click here to read more...)

Natural gut coating

Natural gut is coated for protection. Unfortunately, this coating clogs even the best string clamps very quickly. Before the end of a string job, you could see the string beginning to slip in the clamps. My solution is to do... (Click here to read more...)

Fanning the crosses

I use what I thought was a simple technique for fanning the crosses, but many of the other stringers I’ve seen don’t do it the way I do, so I thought I’d share. As I start to pull the cross... (Click here to read more...)

Avoid your textured clamps

One of the great innovations in string clamps is the textured clamp faces, which allow the clamp to hold the string without crushing it. Some machines clamps, for whatever reason, are also textured on the outside of the clamp, away... (Click here to read more...)

Keeping your knots off the mains

There are a few racquets out there where the last knot for the crosses touches one of the main strings. There is so little space between the main and the grommet for the tie-off hole that you can’t fit even... (Click here to read more...)

TLC for that last weave

It always bothered me to have to pull the last cross through the weave, because there is usually no room to fan the cross, and you’re pulling through what amounts to a hard weave, which can be very tough on... (Click here to read more...)

April 2008

Stringing by ear

I use a stethoscope to listen to frames while pulling tension. This is especially useful in diagnosing frames with integrity issues. If a crack is suspected, I can usually pass or fail the frame using the stethoscope. If I hear... (Click here to read more...)

Favorite cutters

Seems like I keep reading about people using diagonal cutters, or nippers with their stringing. I’ve found that my favorite stringing tool after my awl is a pair of Fiskars Ultimate Craft Scissors (#12-7927). These are phenomenal at quickly cutting... (Click here to read more...)

Great cart for tabletop stringing machines

After looking everywhere for a cart for my Alpha Revo 4000, I found a great buy at Sam’s Club (item #135623) for only $49.87+ tax. The cart is the Seville Heavy Duty Commercial Cart Model 99307 and is very sturdy.... (Click here to read more...)

Restring by ...

Recently a regular customer asked me when he would be due for another string job if he had not broken one by then. This gave me an idea for a great advertising tool. I had some business cards printed up... (Click here to read more...)

Never too thin

When stinging with stiff polys, I thin out the tip with emery cloth when stringing the crosses. This makes the tip easier to grip onto and also gives it a bit more flex. 5 sets of Wilson Enduro Pro 18... (Click here to read more...)

March 2008

Built-in dampener mounting

Some of the new frames come with a vibration damper on the middle grommets at the bottom. Using a stringing machine with center frame clamps creates a problem; it’s not a good idea to mount the racquet with the dampener... (Click here to read more...)

V-section frame mounting

Some racquets have a “V” shaped profile with the point of the “V” (from which the grommets emerge) on the inside the racquet. This surface can be as much as ½” from the external edge of the racquet. On an... (Click here to read more...)

Keeping racquets neat and clean

When I get a racquet to string, aside from checking the obvious (cracks in the frame, broken grommets, etc.), I look to see what I can do to improve some of the aesthetic aspects of the racquet’s appearance: I take... (Click here to read more...)

Don't forget decor!

Tennis players seem to enjoy seeing old wood tennis racquets and classic aluminum and graphite models. Add these to your stringing area — perhaps by hanging them from the ceiling — and emphasize your knowledge of tennis gear. These really... (Click here to read more...)

February 2008

No more tangles

I used to dread full-poly string jobs because within seconds of cutting the tie-wrap, I’d have a tangled mess of string to unravel. Now, I use the tie-wrap to keep the coil orderly. That is, instead of cutting the tie-wrap,... (Click here to read more...)

Pre-weaving textured crosses

I’m not a big fan of preweaving crosses, with one exception: When installing heavily textured strings. Even weaving these strings one ahead means having to deal with a lot of friction, and between the friction and the texture, you can... (Click here to read more...)

Keep track of your tips

During one-piece stringing, there are times when I get distracted by customers, sales reps, or phone calls, which force me to leave the stringing machine briefly. To make it easier to pick up where I left off before the interruption,... (Click here to read more...)

'Saving your butt' with a floating clamp

A starting clamp is the normal tool you use if you end up a wee short on the tie-off string. If you don’t have a starting clamp, you’re still in business if you have a floating clamp. If your “extension”... (Click here to read more...)

Marketing grip replacement

Your article on gripping was great. It got me thinking about when, or how often, grips need to be replaced. Sometimes it is obvious when a customer’s grip needs to be replaced, but often, it is not. Most women (and... (Click here to read more...)

Stencil stop

When stenciling, I position the stencil, then insert a string dampener into the stringbed at the bottom of the stencil. This keeps the stencil from sliding around at the base during the inking process. 5 sets of Wilson NXT 17... (Click here to read more...)

January 2008

Avoiding coil memory

I'm sure that all stringers become frustrated from time to time with coil memory when measuring out a length of string. I've found that by using a simple countertop paper towel holder, you can eliminate that problem. Simply place the... (Click here to read more...)

Tying off natural gut

I use a dead man's knot whenever the anchor string is natural gut. The version I use is a double half hitch tied around a separate string and the anchor string. I've taken a page from the racquet manufacturers, which... (Click here to read more...)

Investing in Pre-stretching

Investing one minute in pre-stretching could be one of the most profitable and enjoyable investments a stringer can make. Our shop realizes big gains with pre-stretching: It saves us at least 10 percent of the time it takes to string... (Click here to read more...)

Wrap it backwards

It seems that I often get caught on court with a student who needs my help replacing her overgrip, but neither the grip tape nor the grip band are anywhere to be found. Rather than go back out to the... (Click here to read more...)

Stronger clamp cleaner

Cleaning clamps and other stringing machine parts with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol may promote rusting because it contains a percentage of water to begin with, and it's hygroscopic so it absorbs moisture from the air. When the alcohol evaporates, the water... (Click here to read more...)

November 2007

Prevent stencil slip

To make my stenciling easier I use two identical stencils and a pair of ratchet clamps from Sears. I simply align the stencils, and clamp them in place in one easy operation. 5 sets of Wilson Enduro Mono 16L to:... (Click here to read more...)

Build your own bone yard

From time to time it is necessary to discard a cracked racquet. Before you throw it out, though, remove everything from the racquet that could be useful to you in the future. This includes the dampener, butt cap, trim tape... (Click here to read more...)

Measuring the short side

I know you've published numerous ways to measure string, but here's how I measure the short side. I bought a 5-foot fabric tape measure for $1. They now come in vinyl, too, but I got mine 30 years ago. Most... (Click here to read more...)

Rubber grip stand

I have found the perfect rubber grip display. I found an ice stick tray (top photo) at Wal-Mart, flipped it over, and put it to better use (bottom photo). 5 sets of Yonex Tough Brid 130 to: Carter Green, Virginia... (Click here to read more...)

Another ATW method

After reading Liam Nolan's around-the-world (ATW) stringing method, I'd like to pass along mine, which also eliminates misweaves, counting crosses, and skipping multiple crosses. I also find my method a bit faster. For frames that are candidates for ATW (that... (Click here to read more...)

September 2007

Easily end coil memory

I hate fighting coil memory, so I found a way to get around it. I hang the string out straight with a three-pound lead weight attached as a load. If you don't have a 40-foot-long room, attach one end of... (Click here to read more...)

Overgrip removal

I have gotten feedback from several of the players that I service that the overwrap they use tears the grip as they remove it. Perforated grips seem to be the biggest problem. I now install only smooth grips for these... (Click here to read more...)

Colorful labels

I have a "low-tech" tip for those of us who don't like the rather large labels provided to us by string manufacturers. I use colorful self-adhesive labels. They are available at all office supply stores and they are very inexpensive.... (Click here to read more...)

Restoring leather grips

This is the method I've been using to clean leather grips. I've been using this method for a while now, and it works well. Wet a cloth in methylated spirits (denatured wood alcohol) and rub down the grip to remove... (Click here to read more...)

Easy machine moving

For those people who have their string machine on a carpeted surface, they may find it very easy to move it with the aid of "furniture movers" placed under the feet. The machine is stable and it is a breeze... (Click here to read more...)

Don't Forget to Reset

Before tying off the last main, some stringers add a few pounds to the reference tension to mitigate the normal loss of tension when tying off. The only problem is, if you forget to go back and reset the tension... (Click here to read more...)

August 2007

Increase your gripworthiness

When installing some strings, the humidity and string lube can combine to reduce your grip when pulling the crosses. I found that using PrinceGrip Plus grip enhancer on my hands helps me grab the string when otherwise it would be... (Click here to read more...)

Logging racquets

I like to keep a record of the racquets I string. I had been keeping track of the customer's name, the date, the racquet, the string(s), the tension, and the price. Now, I keep track of the racquet weight, too.... (Click here to read more...)

Clamp adjustment samples

I keep scraps of string that I use most frequently, put masking tape on them and mark the gauge with a felt tip pen. This way when I am stringing and readjusting my clamps to fit a different gauge, I... (Click here to read more...)

Organizing hybrid strings

I have been experimenting with different "homemade" hybrids. I enjoy playing with them and our customers love trying them out. The problem I ran into was all the half sets of string left over. My wife, who is an organizational... (Click here to read more...)

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... (Click here to read more...)

Don't poke your customers

No string job is complete in our shop until the tie-off string ends have been smoothed. This only requires about ten or fifteen seconds to do four ends. We use a small electric soldering gun that heats in about three... (Click here to read more...)

July 2007

Perfect nippers

I've been stringing for almost 40 years, and have the tool collection to prove it, but Tim Sullivan of Laserfibre recommended my new favorite tool to me: The end nippers from Sears (item 45698). He calls them grommet nippers, but... (Click here to read more...)

Shallow bumperguards

Regarding Jeremy Plumley's February 2006 tip on the shallow bumpers on the Head i.Radical and Ti Radical, it turns out that the deep, well-made bumpers from the Liquidmetal Radical are interchangeable with the older bumperguards. 5 sets of Prince Tour... (Click here to read more...)

Handle weighting

When you need to add weight to the handle, some racquets make it much easier, via a trap door that can be removed separately from the butt cap. All it takes is a small screwdriver to pry it out. Once... (Click here to read more...)

Getting started as a stringer

I have found that a good way for a beginning stringer to gain experience is to volunteer to string the store demo and recycled "grassroots" racquets, such as those that will be donated to youth programs. The store owner is... (Click here to read more...)

Quick Box Pattern

I know there are more exotic box pattern stringing techniques out there, but the one I use comes from RSI Stringer of the Year Bob Patterson. Leave the last short side main unstrung and tie off at the head. With... (Click here to read more...)

June 2007

Cutting out strings

Before I cut out the strings, I mount the racquet in my machine as for restringing, and then cut the strings out in the reverse order that they were installed. I then check the racquet mountings for tightness before restringing.... (Click here to read more...)

Broccoli bands

I use overgrips, but I flip them over to get wear on both sides before I'm done with them. This means I can't use tape to secure the overgrip, because removing the tape tears the overgrip. Instead of buying grip... (Click here to read more...)

Calibration locking

To help my lockout machine stay in calibration longer, I use a small dab of thread locker on the calibration adjustment screw. I happen to use Loctite. Pay attention when purchasing thread locking fluids or gels, though, as they come... (Click here to read more...)

Pointless stringing

After cutting off the excess string near the knot on polyester string jobs, I take an emery board and sand off the sharp point. I find the emery boards in packs of 20 in the cosmetics section (some people use... (Click here to read more...)

Slick bumperguard trick

We have each struggled from time to time with the installation of bumperguards. I use suntan lotion (any SPF!) applied with my finger along the inside of the bumper guard. This allows the guard to slip into the grommet holes... (Click here to read more...)

Custom string selector

To help my customers select the correct string, I created a string list of all the strings I stock, separated into one of three categories: Power, Mid-range, and Controllable/Durable. This allows them to look over the list and then ask... (Click here to read more...)

May 2007

Upper tool tray

I love my machine, but I needed more storage for my tools and stringing accessories. Believe it or not, I made one from a toothbrush holder. A company called Homz makes the one I bought, which I found at Wal-Mart... (Click here to read more...)

Customer education

I put together a two-page flyer entitled "TENNIS STRINGS 101." I pass it out to all my customers, as well the general public. Comments are very positive and it adds to the professional image of our work. 5 sets of... (Click here to read more...)

Easy ATW stringing

Box and ATW (Around the World) stringing are techniques you can use when stringing with one piece of string and where you wish to have the crosses coming down from the head, but where the existing pattern has the main... (Click here to read more...)

Gripping consistency

In order to maintain the consistency of the feel of a replaced grip with the previous grip, make sure to notice where the old grip starts on the base of the grip and begin wrapping the new grip at the... (Click here to read more...)

April 2007

Racquet mailing

One way I get my customers to restring is to send out humorous reminder postcards. To make them, I print the front and back of Avery 8387 white postcard stock in my inkjet printer. On the front, I address each... (Click here to read more...)

Getting more mileage from hybrids

Whenever you string a hybrid for your own racquet, use different string colors for the mains and crosses. I've used red and orange, orange and white, and blue and white in my racquets, and other players will almost always ask... (Click here to read more...)

Non-slip gripper

I had a problem with my string gripper slipping even after it was cleaned. I took the two halves of the gripper to an auto repair shop that had a glass bead blaster to lightly treat the surface. It took... (Click here to read more...)

Pathfinding Needle

An inexpensive sports ball-inflating needle can be modified to perform many of the tasks of an expensive pathfinder awl. Simply saw off the tip of the needle with a hack saw and smooth the tip with emery cloth. The modified... (Click here to read more...)

Tangle-free uncoiling

To keep string from becoming tangled as you unwind it from the coil, try looping the coil over a smooth door handle. This also makes it easier to divide the string for two-piece stringing: After uncoiling, I loop the string... (Click here to read more...)

March 2007

Mark the middle

Many racquets come without a mid-point marking inside the head. This is easily fixed by marking the correct spot with a permanent marker. A small dot or hash mark will help you mount the frame properly, and will last for... (Click here to read more...)

Protect the frame

The tension head of a lockout machine can hit the throat of some frames, potentially causing damage. Using some excess from a replacement grip, I placed a short piece on each side of the linear gripper. The adhesive backing of... (Click here to read more...)

Quick Rattle Removal

When my tennis racquet developed a rattle, rather than poke and prod with an awl, I simply located the offending particle and removed it with a pair of Xuron needle-nose pliers. These pliers are narrow enough to reach into tight... (Click here to read more...)

Volkl Big Holes mounting technique

Volkl racquets with the Big Hole technology can be difficult to mount on most 6-point machines because the mounts at 6 and 12 don't fit between the grommets. I have found that if I take a leather power pad (or... (Click here to read more...)

Soften grommets for easy installation

Before I try to install a new grommet strip, I place about two inches of water in a large frying pan, bring it to a boil, and remove it from the heat. Then I drop the top grommet into the... (Click here to read more...)

February 2007

Ever-lasting stringbed tension

After years of being plagued with tension loss, I have found a method of tensioning that gives racquets months of consistent string bed stiffness. Here is how I reduce tension loss to a minimum: a. Reduce reference tension 10 to... (Click here to read more...)

Colorizing lead tape

Lead tape works wonders when customizing sticks. Unsightly as it may be on a racquet's hoop, we just accepted its drab gray color because there was no other choice. Not anymore. I found a way to dress up lead tape... (Click here to read more...)

Clamp slippage checker

I finally have a device to detect any string slipping through the clamp after tensioning. I disassembled a spring-loaded clothespin and filed down the clamping areas to create two flat surfaces. I then took some scraps of replacement grips that... (Click here to read more...)

Stenciling with toothbrushes

I gave up fighting with worn stencil ink applicator tips, and now use toothbrushes, which distribute ink to the very edges of the stencil. Toothbrushes also prevent excess ink from being deposited on the side of the stencil that will... (Click here to read more...)

Replacement stencil tips

A couple of years ago, you ran a tip that started out with the words, "Is there any one else out there who dislikes stenciling racquets as much as I do?" At the time, I was thinking I could give... (Click here to read more...)

January 2007

Finding facts fast

Finding the stringing pattern for common frames in the Stringer's Digest is a step that can be made a little quicker. Instead of just putting plain tape on the page I want to mark, I use my own string labels,... (Click here to read more...)

Careful cleaning

When using rubbing alcohol to clean a stringing machine, keep the bottle away from the machine! Bottles can tip over and spill, damaging your machine. My advice is to apply the alcohol to the cloth and walk the cloth over... (Click here to read more...)

Bumperguard Storage

I keep my bumper guards in a smallish box that forces them into the shape of a mild arc. This way when I need to install them, they are pre-formed to follow the form and shape of the racquet. It... (Click here to read more...)

TLC for the RDC

I was getting varied swingweight readings on my Babolat Racquet Diagnostic Center (RDC). I took the cover off and found that there is a ball bearing system on top that is exposed to dust from outside the machine. I blew... (Click here to read more...)

Better Clamp Cleaner

Instead of using an alcohol-soaked cloth or a regular pipe cleaner, I've found using decorative pipe cleaners packaged as Chenille Stems found in craft stores much better. They are longer and have a sturdy core wire with soft bristles. Bend... (Click here to read more...)

Starting without Slippage

As others have pointed out, pulling tension on the first center main puts a lot of stress on the clamp holding the other center main. With no string tension behind it to help, that first clamp can and will move.... (Click here to read more...)

Cleaner Stenciling

I use my workbench to stencil. It can be messy but, before starting, I spread out pages from my local newspaper. When I am done, I discard the top sheet of the newspaper, and have a clean work surface for... (Click here to read more...)

November 2006

Marking Demo Racquets

If you have a racquet demo program, it is important to be able to identify your racquets when they are out on loan. Stickers and tape are removable, so the local Head rep turned me on to his solution. I... (Click here to read more...)

Professional Prince Stencils

After stenciling the strings using the Prince stencil, remove the stencil and fill in the non-inked portions of the "P," where the support bars are for the inside of the "P." Not only does the finished stencil look as if... (Click here to read more...)

Long-term Racquet Storage

If you have racquets that you're no longer using but wish to hang on to, you don't have to worry about cutting out the strings first (unless you have wooden racquets), because the strings will eventually lose so much tension... (Click here to read more...)

September 2006

Racquet Labeling

I have used engraving in the past to identify racquets, particularly when doing a batch of four to six racquets for professional players. Recently, though, I purchased a Brothers labeling machine, and now use this in place of engraving. The... (Click here to read more...)

Stapler Recommendation

I had been seeking an adequate staple gun for attaching grips and butt caps. My regular staple gun did not penetrate grips well and although it used narrow crown heavy-duty staples, they were still pretty wide. After searching around, I... (Click here to read more...)

Customizing Lighter Racquets

For adding weight inside the handle of lighter racquets, you don't need lead tape: Scrap string is the thing. And with my method, there is no danger of losing weights inside the handle. You will need: fishing weights of various... (Click here to read more...)

Stencil Storage

I stencil my fair share of racquets, and every time I would have to figure out what do to with the wet stencil to avoid making a mess. Now, I use hanging folders to store my stencils. The folder material... (Click here to read more...)

Open Sesame

Those rubber grippers -- designed to cushion and protect your hands when you open jars -- are handy to keep next to the stringing machine. I use one to protect my hands and fingers when loosening machine mounts after I'm... (Click here to read more...)

August 2006

Stencil Applicator Tips

I read with interest the tip from Mark Campanile regarding stenciling. He ends his tip by saying, "My next task is to figure out how to make the ink applicator last as long as the ink in the bottle." This... (Click here to read more...)

Cap-Ease

For me, one of the worst things about stencil ink bottles is getting the cap off without pulling the applicator tip out of the bottle. When the bottle is fresh and new, it's no problem, but after the stencil ink... (Click here to read more...)

Simple Spot Cleaning

I realize that I probably get more carried away than most when it comes to cleaning racquets before stringing, but I'm always looking for ways to make cleaning quicker and easier. My latest discovery is that recycled stencil ink bottles... (Click here to read more...)

Cleaner Stenciling

I do quite a bit of racquet stenciling and currently I use my workbench to stencil. It can be a messy job but I merely use my local newspaper unfolded to do my stencil work on. When I am done,... (Click here to read more...)

Good Practice

One small piece of advice I was given when I first started stringing was to always string racquets in the same way. On "one-piece" jobs it is very apparent, not so much on two piece! However, whenever I string a... (Click here to read more...)

Take the tube

I take a small piece of Teflon tubing and temporarily insert it into the hole that I know will become blocked. This allows me to slide the string through the tubing without having to use an awl or other techniques,... (Click here to read more...)

July 2006

Preventing Box Pattern Misweaves

I use a different method to catch misweaves on "box" patterns as discussed in the Tips & Techniques section of the May 2006 issue. After installing the first cross(es), and then the next outside main, I count the remaining number... (Click here to read more...)

Lining up Your Clamps

One key to consistent string jobs is clamping each string so that it is in alignment with the grommet hole. Aside from not forcing the clamp into position regardless of the location of the string, there is another big factor... (Click here to read more...)

De-tangling

When you're first starting out, tangles can take what seems like forever to undo, and can be especially frustrating if you got the string out of the package properly to begin with, only to find the long side snarled after... (Click here to read more...)

Racquet Reconditioning

I try my best to recondition every racquet I re-string, and I've come up with a procedure that really works for me. First, I clean the racquet with Goof-Off to get rid of grime and stray spots of stencil ink.... (Click here to read more...)

June 2006

Measuring for Hybrid Sets

I do a lot of hybrid string jobs, using strings from full sets of string. This means cutting each set in half, which can be a pain because the string wants to stay coiled up, and then it invariably tangles... (Click here to read more...)

Frame protection

I own an Ektelon/Prince Neos. As you know, when pulling strings from the racquet throat, it is necessary to pull over the frame throat. The manual suggests using a business card or similar thing to protect the string and frame.... (Click here to read more...)

Poly Knotting

Some of the heavier-gauge polys really resist snugging up tightly during knotting, and there’s only so much you can do with adding tension to the tie-off string. I’ve found that the way to tame them is to purposely “kink” the... (Click here to read more...)

Getting to Know Natural Gut

I know a lot of stringers are afraid to try stringing up natural gut due to its cost and reputation. One way to break into stringing with natural gut is to start out with a poly hybrid set, with the... (Click here to read more...)

Have Grip, Will Travel

I play on public courts a lot, which means there is no pro shop readily available. My stringing customers seem to enjoy being able to give me a racquet right there at the court, and get it back the next... (Click here to read more...)

License Plate Advertising

I have found a way to call attention to my small stringing business that’s fun and easy: I purchased a personalized license plate for my vehicle. It was relatively inexpensive, and no one else in my state can have the... (Click here to read more...)

May 2006

Use the Dark Side

Thank you, Prince, for marking both sides of your newer frames with dots that show which grommets and grommet holes get main strings, but on the two-tone racquets, the dark dots on the side with the light background are not... (Click here to read more...)

Blocked hole stand-off

When you are stringing the mains, and realize that you are going to block a hole, instead of looping a string around the string that blocks, try this: Take a piece of string and make a loop. Place this loop... (Click here to read more...)

Catching Box Pattern Misweaves

When stringing a racquet using a box pattern, you weave at least one of the bottom crosses before you weave the first cross at the top. If you're not paying attention, it's easy to weave that top cross incorrectly compared... (Click here to read more...)

Hybrid Clamping

Hybrid jobs are nice because you have two shorter pieces of string to work with, instead of one long piece. However, you also have two different strings, which means you might have two different gauges. You might even have different... (Click here to read more...)

Multipurpose Stickers

We have press-on stickers featuring our store logo, which we can apply to anything from racquet bags to shoe boxes. One of their many uses is on racquet butt caps after customizing a racquet. Under normal conditions, when customizing or... (Click here to read more...)

April 2006

Stencil bottle clean-up

Once your stencil ink has been opened and used a few times, you have to be careful when taking the cap off, so as not to find the sponge stuck to the cap and you are in danger of emptying... (Click here to read more...)

Prevent grommet strip pull-out

When stringing the last mains and the grommet tries to pull out, I have found an easy way to keep it in place. Normally you would pull the string parallel with the hole. Instead, try turning the frame so that... (Click here to read more...)

Measuring the short side

A quick and easy way to measure the short side is to measure 4½ lengths of a standard-length racquet. This should give ample length for the short side with enough left on the long side to do the rest of... (Click here to read more...)

Stringing extras

When a customer comes in for just a string job, I usually install a free overgrip if the overgrip is dirty. It takes almost no time, the cost to me is minimal, and my customers have been very appreciative. 5... (Click here to read more...)

Protect your investment

The owner’s manual for my stringing machine recommends using a surge protector to help prevent electrical line problems from causing expensive damage to the machine electronics. However, rather than using just a surge protector, I purchased a UPS (Uninterruptible Power... (Click here to read more...)

Prince O3 tie-offs

Here's one for those who use multifilament string in the Prince O3 frames that tie off the crosses on a cross. The difficulty comes from pushing the end of a soft string through the tie-off hole at the throat. First,... (Click here to read more...)

Mentoring

I enjoy the opportunity to string racquets at home. Now my 15-year-old daughter has become a great stringer. It all started years ago when she asked if she could cut and pull out the strings. Her interest will be a... (Click here to read more...)

February 2006

Wilson nCode racquetball restringing

The Wilson nCode racquetball racquets have the three channel rails at the throat of racquet, and three grooves at the butt of the handle. The handle and alternating strips of the grip are transparent, exposing the string in the handle.... (Click here to read more...)

Serious height adjustment

Because of my height (I'm 6 feet 6 inches tall), my stringing machine was too low even at its maximum height of 48 inches. Rather than prop the machine up on a riser and risk it tipping over, I took... (Click here to read more...)

Label removal

I have found that if I soak a tissue with Avon Skin-So-Soft bath oil and place it in contact with the old label prior to stringing the racquet, label removal becomes very easy. The label absorbs the Avon Skin-So-Soft during... (Click here to read more...)

Shallow bumperguards

If you or any of your customers play with the Head i.radical OS, you know that the groove between the bumperguard and the grommet strip is shallow, allowing the string to come into direct contact with the court very often.... (Click here to read more...)

Balancing act

When the need arises to balance a racquet, I have discovered that my balancing board mounts nicely on my stringing machine. I place the board between the four frame supports and tighten the moveable mounting arms, securing the board base... (Click here to read more...)

Easy string measuring

Many of my customers have more than one frame of the same type, and I have them pretty well trained to rotate the amount of playing time they put on each frame, so they can bring me all of their... (Click here to read more...)

Positive re-enforcement

Whenever I introduce a client to a new string, I wrap the package insert with all the technical and promotional information around the handle of the racquet. This reinforces what I've said, helps to justify the decision, and often results... (Click here to read more...)

January 2006

Fix a drifting Stringmeter

If you're one of those stringers who uses a Stringmeter, you know that after years of use, your Stringmeter can start to slip, and gauge settings drift when you twist the tool to take a reading. The solution is to... (Click here to read more...)

Checking for cracks

When inspecting a racquet for problems before stringing, always run your hand around the frame of the racquet. Cracks are often hard to see, but are always easy to feel. 5 sets of Ashaway Composite XT Pro 1 to: Kane... (Click here to read more...)

Wrong side short side revisited

I wanted to expound on the tip offered by Albert Lee in the February 2005 RSI. The tip, titled "Wrong Side Short Side," can also be used when using the Around-the-World (ATW) technique. When I string one of the Rollers... (Click here to read more...)

Stringer's gloves

I don't like using pliers on tie-off knots. I tried wrapping the string around my forefinger twice, but quickly learned that is a mistake. So I tried a leather work glove, which is loose fitting and slips on and off... (Click here to read more...)

Help your starting knot

The knot at the start of the cross strings, when two-piece stringing, can sometimes get pulled into the grommet when you tension the first cross string. This especially happens if you're using a 17- or 18-gauge string. Before you apply... (Click here to read more...)

Tracking stringbed stiffness

I find that serious tennis players are beginning to realize the importance of a racquet's stringbed stiffness. As Crawford Lindsey noted in the February 2005 RSI, there are two problems with establishing a universal stringbed standard: The cost of an... (Click here to read more...)

November 2005

Finger Protection

If you string a lot with poly, your fingers can really take a beating. Rather than using tape or bandages, I now use Nike Finger Sleeves. Developed for football linemen, the sleeves are lightweight yet offer great protection. They are... (Click here to read more...)

Heavy-duty Stencils

If you're like me, you want heavy-duty stencils that can be tossed around without worrying about breaking or tearing. I use the plastic covers from old three-ring binders. The material lies flat, and can be cut with a razor knife.... (Click here to read more...)

Bumperguard Savers

For years I've recommended to my customers that they use head tape on their racquets, as it would save them a lot of bumperguard replacements. Typically, however, they never get around to buying the head tape, let alone putting it... (Click here to read more...)

Bigger Build-ups with Bevels

Building up grips one full size is no problem, as the grip maintains its shape, and the player can still feel the edges between the flats and the bevels. But sometimes I have to build up a grip two sizes.... (Click here to read more...)

Easier cross starting

Weave your first cross string before you tie off your main string(s). It's easier to start the crosses this way, because oftentimes the first cross string hole becomes blocked as you tie off the mains. 5 sets of HEAD FiberGEL... (Click here to read more...)

Free String Samples

After stringing a racquet, I normally have two or more feet of string left over. Instead of throwing the string away, I cut the string into six-inch sections. I then place these samples into containers labeled by string brand. When... (Click here to read more...)

September 2005

Shoehorn for Shrink Tubes

Getting one of those grip-enlarging shrink tubes onto a racquet handle can be difficult, especially after it has shrunk a bit due to age. I use a strong plastic shoehorn to pry the end of the tube open and get... (Click here to read more...)

BYO Stick-Em

For those over-wraps that do not have starter tape, use a touch of glue from a glue stick. It will hold the grip in place as you begin to wrap the handle and won't leave any residue. 5 sets of... (Click here to read more...)

No Fan of Floating Clamps

Some people think it's okay to string all fan-patterned racquets with floating clamps, but it most definitely is not okay when there are shared holes in the throat (as there are on the Head i160 squash racquets, for example). Apart... (Click here to read more...)

Grommet Pullout

When stringing a new racquet or one where the grommets and bumpers have been replaced, the outside mains have a tendency to pull the grommets out of the frame, especially near the throat. This often exposes the string to the... (Click here to read more...)

Stopping Drop-Weight Guesswork

I recently purchased a drop-weight machine, and became concerned regarding the subjectivity of when the weight rod was truly horizontal (and thus, pulling tension most accurately). It occurred to me that a line level attached to the end of the... (Click here to read more...)

Marketing with Flying Colors

Each year before the start of the high school tennis season, I make fliers promoting one of my special racquet stringing services—hybrid strings featuring each local high school's school colors. With one color for the mains and another for the... (Click here to read more...)

August 2005

End Strip Searches

Whenever a customer of mine buys a new racquet from me or anywhere else, I encourage them to buy extra grommet kits right away. I try to carry some kits, and there are others I can order, but in time... (Click here to read more...)

Quicker Crosses

The currently-available 40- to 44-foot string sets are much longer than they used to be, and they usually have much more string than is needed to complete the normal racquet. After I weave the first few cross strings, I count... (Click here to read more...)

Become a Stringing Doctor

Sometimes when weaving the cross, I find the strings either slip or they are too hard to pull through the mains. The answer is very simple: I purchased some surgical gloves that fit my hand perfectly. They allow me to... (Click here to read more...)

Hand me that stat, stat!

I recently purchased a set of military surplus medical hemostats from a discount store and found that they are very useful tools for stringing racquets. The large ones are "beefy" enough to pull strings that have a lot of friction... (Click here to read more...)

Generating New Business

Helping maintain public tennis courts in your community is one way to increase your customer base, gain exposure, and generate new business. Clean, well-maintained courts are an enticement to play tennis. I stop by my local courts regularly, pick up... (Click here to read more...)

July 2005

Easier string straightening

I like to straighten the strings while the racquet is still mounted in the stringing machine, but it can be difficult to get the strings really straight because the background—the turntable of the stringing machine, the housing of the stringing... (Click here to read more...)

Silicone handle weighting

I have customers who like the racquet they already have, but need more mass to help them hit bigger shots. Even though I'm adding mass, I often have to keep the balance the same, which means some of the additional... (Click here to read more...)

Reattaching butt caps

We do a lot of racquet customizing, especially at pro tournaments, and in most cases the butt cap has to be removed. To reattach the butt cap after making the modifications, I've found that the best product is SEM Flexible... (Click here to read more...)

June 2005

Installing Tubing

It is often difficult to insert tubing through regular (that is, non-tie-off) grommet holes. Even after stretching it a little, as recommended in Racquet Service Techniques, it is still hard to push it through. I found that if I take... (Click here to read more...)

String Breakage Failure Analysis

In the past I told customers to cut the strings in a racquet after a string breaks, to relieve stress on the frame. I even told them the proper method for cutting out the strings. However, not having the stringbed... (Click here to read more...)

Adding Another Stringing Location

This tip works well for professional stringers working from a shop or from their home. You can increase your business by offering convenient drop-off and pick-up at multiple locations. To add a location, develop a partnership with an established business... (Click here to read more...)

Combining Tasks

When a customer asks for a new bumper and grommet strip to be fitted to the racquet, it is easy to fall into the normal habit of cutting and removing the strings, and then taking out the old bumper and... (Click here to read more...)

Installing Load Spreaders

I use the Prince load spreaders between the frame and the head and throat billiards on my stringing machine. I found that if I thread the two center mains first, then put the adapters in and tighten the billiards, I... (Click here to read more...)

May 2005

Crack Repair

I have come up with a method of salvaging a cracked racquet. Scrape all paint from around the cracked area. Mix a batch of 10-minute golf epoxy adequate to cover the area cleared of paint. (Regular epoxy is brittle and... (Click here to read more...)

Making Tabs for the Stringers Digest

I made index tabs for my Stringers Digest, which help me quickly find the stringing instructions I am looking for. You can make them by writing the manufacturers' names on pieces of paper, but I go one step further and... (Click here to read more...)

Mounting Narrow-throat Racquets

It can be difficult to mount frames where the holes at the throat become blocked by the mounting post at 6 o'clock. I tried various techniques to produce a post that was thinner than the one on my machine until... (Click here to read more...)

Securing Bumperguard Ends

Page 39 of the 2005 Racquet Service Techniques shows the basic procedure for securing a bumperguard end when the manufacturer calls for it. This procedure does work to secure the bumperguard end, but it forces you to weave one of... (Click here to read more...)

Preventing Grommet Strip Pull-out

Many stringers hold the grommet strip in place with their thumb to prevent the strip from sliding out from the frame during tensioning. I use a miniature flat-head screwdriver for this purpose. I find it does a better job of... (Click here to read more...)

Selecting Stringing Tools

Always use the smallest awls, pliers, and clippers that you can comfortably handle — you are, after all, doing precision work. I recently had to use someone else's machine. The machine itself was fine, but none of his tools were... (Click here to read more...)

Monthly Demos

To make certain that the newest racquet technology gets into the hands of my customers, I select one of our demo racquets to be the "demo of the month." I do a short writeup about the frame in the club... (Click here to read more...)

April 2005

Tighter Tie-Offs

In order to get as much slack out of the tie-off knot as possible, I insert the end my awl through the loop of the knot, and while pulling on the end of the string with a pair of pliers,... (Click here to read more...)

Sealing Natural Gut Knot Ends

The free end of knots tied in natural gut will unravel over time. This is unsightly and can be prevented by putting a small amount of clear fingernail polish on the end of the trimmed string end to seal the... (Click here to read more...)

Alpha Mounting Adjustments

I have an Alpha Blu-DC Plus stringing machine that has individual tightening knobs for each side of the mounting arms. I find it clumsy to tighten each knob independently, and have found a way to tighten both at once. I... (Click here to read more...)

Selling ATW Stringing

I include a sheet with each around-the-world (ATW) string job I do. This calls attention to something the customer may never have noticed, and helps establish me as a stringing expert. 5 sets Silent Partner Original Syn Gut to: Justin... (Click here to read more...)

Computerized Stringing Records

I have created a Microsoft Excel workbook containing different spreadsheets to keep track of various aspects of my stringing business. It features: An invoice template to generate and print a final invoice. An order form. This is set to... (Click here to read more...)

March 2005

P-200 Racquet Protection

The most common P-200 throat adaptor used for tennis racquets is the "H" adaptor. For racquets that have a thin throat bridge and a thicker frame, the back of the adaptor can make contact with and push into the side... (Click here to read more...)

Nuke 'Em

Older leather grips can be difficult to wrap around the angles of the butt cap, as well as those at the top of the handle. Using double-sided tape helps hold it in place, but doesn’t make the wrapping any easier,... (Click here to read more...)

Pre-forming Replacement Grips

When you remove a replacement grip, you will notice that the butt-cap end of the old grip has taken on a spiral shape. Duplicating this spiral on the new grip will make for easier installation and a smoother job. This... (Click here to read more...)

Keeping Posted

I tape two 3x5 Post-It notes together and use them to highlight stringing instructions in the Stringer’s Digest for the racquet I’m working on. The Post-Its last many weeks, and when they finally lose their tackiness, I simply replace them... (Click here to read more...)

Speed Search

To increase my stringing speed, I always start my crosses so that the weave is over the top of the first main string, similar to the tip from David Haskins’ that you published in August 2003. On two-piece string jobs... (Click here to read more...)

Pre-lacing

On one-piece string jobs, I pre-lace all the mains starting from the long side, leaving extra string at the center mains to start my pulling. There’s a bit of science involved in leaving the minimum amount of string to be... (Click here to read more...)

February 2005

Dense Dampeners

After 11 years of stringing, it jut now hit me how to handle putting dampeners in racquets with dense string patterns. I simply put the dampener in as soon as I have the center mains tensioned and the clamps out... (Click here to read more...)

One-Man Pre-stretching

I like multifilament strings and they benefit greatly from pre-stretching. The best way to pre-stretch a string is to tie a small knot in each end and have a friend help you stretch it between two starting clamps. Unfortunately, I... (Click here to read more...)

Neat Babolat Stenciling

While applying the two-line stencil to the Babolat Pure Drive and Pure Control racquets I noticed that the ink often splatters onto the white part of the frame adjacent to the stenciled area. To keep the frames free of ink... (Click here to read more...)

Wrong Side Short Side

Situation: When you start the short side on the wrong side of frames with a unique shortside, such as Wilson Rollers, Mitt Rockers, Fischer, or the new Prince O3 frames. Solution: String the first cross with the short side. This... (Click here to read more...)

Eliminating Sharp Ends

With the growing popularity of polyester based strings, a hazard exists with the tag end of the knots. Most of us trim the string with diagonal pliers (side cutters) which will leave a sharp edge on each side of the... (Click here to read more...)

Dangerous Tips

Don’t whip the string through your hands too fast. The end of the string can hit you in the eye. When you get near the end of the string, slow down. Also, when trimming the string near the knot, don’t... (Click here to read more...)

January 2005

Flat Spiral

While I love the new format of this year’s Stringer’s Digest, the volume with the stringing instructions does not lay out flat as did the previous Digest in the 3-ring-binder. To remedy this, I took my stringing instructions volume to... (Click here to read more...)

Slick Grommet Installation

Over the years I have tried heating grommet strips with a heat gun and prying them into place with awl, but the way I currently install them works quicker and easier for me. I spray the grommet strip with a... (Click here to read more...)

Increasing String Life

I string racquets at 60 pounds using 17-gauge string for a high school player who was breaking strings twice each week in a climate that is often times cold and damp. We have been able to more than double string... (Click here to read more...)

Pre-stretch pole

There’s no reason to put up with string kinking or excess coil memory. Whenever I open a package of string that seems to have too much coil memory, I pass the string around a floor post in my basement. The... (Click here to read more...)

Power Holes Power Stringer

The biggest problem with stringing a Wilson racquet with Power Holes is that it is difficult to get the string through the frame on the far side after weaving a cross. The solution is to put a light down level... (Click here to read more...)

Wax on, wax off

Try using wax paper instead of a block of wax or some other lubricant to prevent friction burn between strings, or between the string and parts of your machine. You can rub the wax paper over the strings for an... (Click here to read more...)

Checking for Misweaves

Right before I do the final tie-off after installing the last cross string, I perform two quick checks for misweaves, which together take about 30 seconds. First, I get my head down to racquet level and scan the string bed... (Click here to read more...)

Customizing Kids’ Racquets

Kids love to be different, and they can be if you customize their racquets with stencils. The kids can come up with their own ideas, or you can show them simple designs. (A good source of designs is the clip... (Click here to read more...)

November 2004

DIY Butt-Saver

I designed my own simple gadget to pull that last string when it’s too short to reach the tension head. Go to a hardware store and purchase one ½-inch by 1½-inch bolt, two ½-inch washers, and two ½-inch nuts. Drill... (Click here to read more...)

Major SP-11 Shoulder Supports

If you have a Major SP-11, there is a way to update the mounting system. I made an adapter plate from -inch aluminum plate that bolts into the holes in the uprights. On the SP-11 this plate made the top... (Click here to read more...)

October 2004

Mounting Racquetball Frames

In our tennis shop, we do a lot of racquetball stringing on an Ektelon Model H. For some time I encountered a problem mounting racquetball racquets on this machine because many of them have long stringbeds and a thin profile... (Click here to read more...)

Grommet Strip Hold Down

When putting a new grommet strip on tennis or racquetball racquets, I sometimes use "finishing" tape to hold down the end of the bumper guard, which tends to pull up as you install the grommet strip(s). It's easy to remove... (Click here to read more...)

Ravel-free Racquetball Regripping

Some racquetball players have a chronic problem keeping the grip from unwinding at the butt end. The butt end is a critical area because these players hold the racquet on the lower part of the handle for additional wrist action.... (Click here to read more...)

Non-slip Ektelon Regripping

New Ektelon MORE Performance racquetball racquets have a staple in the butt end of the grip, creating a point at which the grip can wear. The more you play and the sweatier your hands are, the more likely it is... (Click here to read more...)

Replacing Slip-on Racquetball Grips

Installing slip-on rubber replacement handles is a routine task that can become a major chore. Although some are replaced with very little effort, others can be a real challenge. With larger 3-7/8-inch grips, it can be tough just to get... (Click here to read more...)

September 2004

Grommet Removal

Every once in a while when replacing a grommet, the old one breaks off and just won't come out. I've been successful with this problem by carefully screwing a 3-inch dry-wall screw a couple of turns into the stuck grommet... (Click here to read more...)

Rattle Remover

To get a loose, but still partially attached, piece of graphite out of a hollow racquet handle, I run a narrow bottle brush in and out of the handle after removing the butt cap or the "trap door." 5 packs... (Click here to read more...)

Seating Grommet Barrels

Installing bumper guard and grommet strip kits can be daunting or as easy as "falling off a log," depending on the frame. There appears to be no logic as to which are easy or difficult. Often with difficult frames, the... (Click here to read more...)

Protect Your Hands

I have started bandaging my first and little fingers to prevent calluses and skin irritation from the oils and other chemicals on string. I use sheer extra large bandages, designed for larger cuts and scrapes (4 inches long and 1.75... (Click here to read more...)

August 2004

Lubricate the Blocking String

When working with natural gut or other fragile strings, I put a little lubricant on the blocking string before pulling the cross string through. This is a prime area for friction, and a little lubrication can prevent the creation of... (Click here to read more...)

Starting Clamp as a Starting Clamp

A lot of stringers use the starting clamp to back up the machine clamp on the first main, or put the starting clamp on the outside of the frame. But I use my starting clamp on the inside of the... (Click here to read more...)

Natural Gut Protection

I recently installed some natural gut in my racquet. The strings are great, but I was worried about how they would hold up under the conditions here on the Florida coast. I play on green clay surfaces that are constantly... (Click here to read more...)

Neater Tie-offs

After running the end of the string through the tie-off hole, I “dress” the string so it lays the way I want it to relative to the other string going to that hole. Sometimes, though, pulling the knot tight will... (Click here to read more...)

July 2004

Babolat Frame Mounting

The section in the manuals for the Babolat Star 3, Star 4, and Sensor tell you to mount the frame by bringing in the side-support arms before tightening the supports at 6 and 12 o'clock, but it's tough to get... (Click here to read more...)

Worm Weaving

When I know I will be installing a "worm-type" dampener after restringing, I wait until just after I have tensioned my next-to-the-last cross. I then install the "worm" by weaving in the same under/over pattern. I then weave and tension... (Click here to read more...)

Replacement Grip Tabs

I've discovered a way that makes it quick and easy to start a replacement grip under the tab that now comes on some butt caps. I cut a 3/8-inch piece of the wax paper sheet that protects the sticky side... (Click here to read more...)

Awls for Easy Grommet Replacement

I've seen other stringers heat grommet strips before replacement, and some even cut off a bit of the end of the grommet, all because they have difficulties getting the grommets into the holes. I've never had to resort to these... (Click here to read more...)

Finish the Finishing Tape

To keep grip finishing tape from starting to come undone, I put a small drop of clear nail polish on the end where it wraps around the under layer. Klip hat, wrist bands, and decal to: Roger Hansen, Orange, CA... (Click here to read more...)

Bumperguard Restoration

I string a lot of racquets for people who play on Har-Tru courts and the bumperguards always seem to pick up a gray-green color from the clay. I apply a coat of an automotive trim detailer product such as Armor... (Click here to read more...)

Off-center Center Spot

I recently came across an issue I feel I need to warn others about. At the tip of most frames, many companies place a small dot to signify the center of the main strings. Don't automatically assume this dot is... (Click here to read more...)

Wrap around the Short Side

When stringing fan-pattern racquets such as the Head Ti.S8, the Wilson Triad 2, or racquets with two or three crosses above the mains, I add string length to the short side to weave the crosses above the outside main. This... (Click here to read more...)

June 2004

Pick a Tool

I have discovered a great addition to any stringer’s toolkit. It’s a curved pick from Snap-On ($10) that I use to snag a string when a hole is blocked. I haven’t tried other similar tools sold at normal auto parts... (Click here to read more...)

Avoiding Poly Folly

We are all well aware of the difficulty of stringing with polyester strings especially when we have to weave the crosses. I've found that when you start the crosses always pull all of the string through the grommet before you... (Click here to read more...)

Shared holes

It is said that a string will go into a shared hole if you keep trying. This is probably true, but it has its disadvantages. It takes up time, and the more difficult the process, the more friction there is... (Click here to read more...)

Carpet Protector

Stenciling racquets over a large trash can works great as long as everything is handled perfectly, but if you drop a wet stencil onto the floor or the top pops off of the tube of stencil ink, your carpeting will... (Click here to read more...)

Babolat Pad Modification

For years I've extended the pads at 6 and 12 o'clock on my Babolat machines, because there are so many frames where the normal pads are just ever-so-slightly too short. Using the smallest "slide-over" adaptor can create some issues with... (Click here to read more...)

Short Side Marker

With one-piece stringing I tried several ways to mark the short side, include a black marker, bending the string, etc. When installing the string, though, I always struggled to find the mark, which ate up valuable time. To solve this... (Click here to read more...)

Personal Touch

Over the years, I've found that the personal touch is the key to customer satisfaction. Providing the personal touch doesn't have to be costly. One of the ways I achieve this is by inking the customer's initials on the strings.... (Click here to read more...)

May 2004

Alternating Mains

When starting the mains, I do three on one side and then three on the other to balance the stress on the frame. To make it faster to find the end of the side on which I start, after clamping... (Click here to read more...)

Replacing bumper and grommet strips

Some strips have flared grommets that make it very difficult to remove the strip easily from the frame. A short cut is to use a grommet grinder from the inside of the frame to "break" the grommets from the strip.... (Click here to read more...)

Space-Saving Storage

If you want to keep your back issues of the magazine but have little storage space, cut out the articles that you want to save and discard the rest of the magazine. Separate your clippings into categories so later you'll... (Click here to read more...)

Hold the Grommet Strip

Sometimes when I am tensioning the last main string the grommet wants to move out of position, exposing the string to the frame. The string could break on the sharp edge of the frame, or the frame could become damaged... (Click here to read more...)

Use Tags Instead of Labels

The labels that come with sets of string don't work well for me. The string type, gauge, and tension information either fades or rubs off, and my customers don't like them on their racquets in the first place. Fortunately, I've... (Click here to read more...)

Stencil-less stenciling

If you don't have your stencil ink handy, use a permanent-ink marker to stencil in your strings. Permanent markers are also good for touching up your strings after the ink begins to rub off. You don't even have to worry... (Click here to read more...)

Slamming the Trap Door

To keep a loosened butt cap "trap door" from vibrating, apply small drops of clear nail polish to a couple spots on the inside ridge before snapping it back on. 5 sets of Volkl Power-Fiber 18 to: Roger Hansen, Orange,... (Click here to read more...)

Securing Build-up Sleeves

After installing build up sleeves I noticed that they will sometimes move during play. I have used glue beneath the grip, but it takes time and can be messy. I still have to glue some grips but wherever possible I... (Click here to read more...)

Traveling Workbenches

At home I have a permanent station for my stringing machine, but at my club and on the road I have two great ways to mount and stabilize my portable stringers. At the club I use a sturdy audio-visual cart... (Click here to read more...)

April 2004

Stenciling Made Easy

Is there any one else out there who dislikes stenciling racquets as much as I do? For me there were two major difficulties: Trying to align the stencil on the opposite side of the stringbed after stenciling the first side,... (Click here to read more...)

Tournament Footing

When I string at tournaments, players and spectators often come up to talk. If they happen to step on the string on hard flooring, it could be detrimental to the string job and potentially cost me money, not to mention... (Click here to read more...)

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... (Click here to read more...)

Dampener Retention

When I receive a racquet to restring I remove the vibration damper and secure it under the rubber band that is provided as a cover for the tape on the grip. If a rubber band is not in place I... (Click here to read more...)

Tool Tray Organization

It seems that tool trays are never big enough. To save myself from having to dig through all my tools looking for the desired one, I use organization and color-coding. Each of my tools has a different color on the... (Click here to read more...)

String Measuring

I measure string from a reel by using my body measurements. My wingspan hand-to-hand outspread is 6 foot 1 inch. I have not used a tape or measuring rule for over 15 years. 5 sets of Gamma Flex Core Control... (Click here to read more...)

Selling Customization

I am a "home stringer" who does about 250 racquets a year. I do not have time to string too many more racquets, so I avoid traditional forms of advertising, and rely on recommendations from existing customers. To keep the... (Click here to read more...)

March 2004

Alpha Clamp Pinning

I used to have a problem with the clamps on my Alpha Revo 3000 stringing machine. The problem was that over time the hinge pins in the clamps would slowly work their way out of the clamp and I would... (Click here to read more...)

Speedier Crosses

When weaving crosses, I work one ahead of course, and I do so in such a way that the previous string, which is ready to be pulled, is already positioned next to the tension head. I don't rotate the racquet... (Click here to read more...)

Minimizing Tangles

Because of my diverse customer base I buy individual packets of string rather than large coils. The convenience of a reel is that the string rarely tangles as do individual packets, depending on the amount of coil memory in the... (Click here to read more...)

Handling the Long Side

If you have wondered what to do with that long, loose end on a one-piece job, try tucking it under the grip band at the top of the grip. It may or may not save you any time, but the... (Click here to read more...)

A Restringing in Time

A promotion that has worked well for me involved giving our customers ten percent off if they bring their racquets to us before the strings break. Not only does it make us more money, it helps customers pay attention to... (Click here to read more...)

Power of E-mail

I know that several members have already discussed the power of e-mail; however, here may be a slight variation of some of the common marketing uses of e-mail. Prior to placing an order with my supplier, I'll send an e-mail... (Click here to read more...)

Calibrating the Calibrator

There is always a big discrepancy with those “spring loaded” tension calibrators. Unless you work for a calibration center, it is difficult to find one that is accurate. I use a force gauge, but they are a bit pricey. This... (Click here to read more...)

Calibration vs. Technique

I have a drop-weight stringer. For best tension accuracy, the manufacturer recommends keeping the tension arm level to within plus or minus five degrees when tensioning a string. I created a template that allows me quickly and easily to measure... (Click here to read more...)

Shoe Goo Grommet Strips

I have found a solution for old racquets with worn-out, unobtainable head guards. My first step is to try and get the member to purchase a new racquet that will allow them to take advantage of the more modern technology.... (Click here to read more...)

February 2004

Creating New Tie-Off Holes

Sometimes the tie-off hole for a racquet isn’t very well placed. You may have three strings crammed next to each other on the grommet strip, all of which are blocked when you go to tie off. Rather than fight with... (Click here to read more...)

Grip Wash

I play in warm, sunny, central Florida outdoors where I’ll match the sweat drenching summer heat and humidity index with any other place. An overgrip is essential. But oil and other grime can quickly overwhelm even a brand new overgrip,... (Click here to read more...)

Soft String and Blocked Holes

Sometimes with a soft string it is really difficult getting through a blocked hole. Needle nose pliers don’t grab well enough and you “smush” the end of the string. After cutting the end of the string to form a “plastic... (Click here to read more...)

Short-side Short-cut

It is weird reading about the different ways stringers measure their short-side string, because the method I use is so fast and fool-proof that I can’t imagine doing it any other way. Run the string through the first main on... (Click here to read more...)

Storing Stencil Ink

Here’s a tip to keep the stencil ink tip from drying out. Place a little plastic wrap over the tip before you screw the cap on. The plastic wrap forms a seal and prevents the drying process. 5 sets of... (Click here to read more...)

Photographic Evidence

Recently I was inspecting a racquetball frame and noticed a crack. I took a picture of the frame before cutting out the strings, and called the owner to advise him that while the frame might be okay, I couldn’t be... (Click here to read more...)

Sharp Stenciling

A clearly stenciled logo makes a very nice finishing touch to a freshly strung racquet. The key to good contrast with the strings is to make sure you get good ink coverage. Unfortunately this almost always means that there... (Click here to read more...)

Circle of Quality

I wanted a distinctive way to mark racquets to indicate that they had been serviced at my store. I came up with a colored stencil in the shape of a ball in an area of the racquet outside the... (Click here to read more...)