Tennis stringing - How to?

Rob2D

I'm trying to get back into playing regularly after about a year away and my racquet seriously needs new strings.

So does anyone here string their own racquets? Some advice would be great. Obviously I can't afford one of those big fancy machines but there must be a manual hand tool for it right?

I remember seeing a few tools for the job but I'm just wondering what exactly I'd need to do it at home.

Cheers

Johnmb

Rob2D wrote: »

I'm trying to get back into playing regularly after about a year away and my racquet seriously needs new strings.

So does anyone here string their own racquets? Some advice would be great. Obviously I can't afford one of those big fancy machines but there must be a manual hand tool for it right?

I remember seeing a few tools for the job but I'm just wondering what exactly I'd need to do it at home.

Cheers

You'll need a machine, it can't be done by hand. The tools are to make it easier to do on the machine. Having said that, there are lots of machines available, including fairly basic, desk top models, so they may be within your budget. The only thing is that if you order one from outside the EU, expect to be hit with VAT and duty, so take that into account when working out the costs.

Rob2D

Oh yeah that's what I meant. I suppose I should have said "hand operated".

This kinda thing seems to be what I'm after right?



http://www.gammasports.com/gamma.cfm?product=2295

Johnmb

Rob2D wrote: »

Oh yeah that's what I meant. I suppose I should have said "hand operated".

This kinda thing seems to be what I'm after right?



http://www.gammasports.com/gamma.cfm?product=2295

Yep, that should do the job. It's a drop weight tensioner, which means that it will reach the desired tension and then stop, so watch what type of string you use. If going for a nylon (artificial gut) string, make sure it is pre-stretched or it will lose its tension very quickly after you finish. Poly strings shouldn't be a problem though I don't think. Check out stringforum.net for patterns and other advice. I also found that joining the USRSA (racquettech.com) was useful for info and instructions until I got a bit of practice (I didn't renew, there was no need once I had restrung a few rackets). There are European and UK versions which would be just as good I'd imagine. Good luck with it.

Atas

Manual machines are very awkward. You can get a very decent electronic one for just €390 from Pro's Pro (http://www.arfaian.com/default.aspx?ArtNr=10294). Many places sell them on line to look around for the best price, but I think Arfaian are the cheapest I think as they make them.

Here's the list of features :

Precise electronic stringing machine with an innovative swivel clamping system. Excellent features, including: • Electronic stringing system with LED display • Automatic tension readjustment (prevents any tension loss during the stringing process) • Change weight to kg or LBS by simply pressing a button • Very user friendly • 6-point mounting prevents any distortion of the racket with micro-fine adjustment • Innovative, very user-friendly swivel clamping system with sophisticated technology. When the clamp falls back into the clamp base, it opens automatically. Alternatively, the quick release can be opened by applying pressure on the release button. A significant improvement to conventional systems is that the clamp base can be adjusted with a rotary screw. The adjustment with an Allen key is no longer necessary. • Incl 2 high-class tennis clamps which are gentle on the string. (no badminton clamps available for this machine) • High-quality mounting system • Stable base with tool tray. Shipping charges to Austria / Germany € 6,- / piece,

incl. Tax - excl. Shipping costs

Get some cheap strings from them to practice as well and maybe even a cheap racket. Don't start with poly strings as they are much harder to string with than nylon (SynGut).

To learn how to string YouTube is the best. This guy's got it all covered (One piece, two piece, ATW, 50-50, knots etc.): http://www.youtube.com/user/YULitle?feature=watch

Rob2D

Wow, you have no idea how timely your reply to this thread is Atas!

I never did get around to stringing last year, and with my birthday coming up soon I was thinking about getting a machine again. I just happened to pop on here and saw that someone had resurrected my old thread. Funny how these things happen isn't it?!

That little machine you mention there looks great; I think I'll give it a try.

Rob2D

Actually on second thought, they also have this crank one for €315:


http://www.arfaian.com/default.aspx?ArtNr=682

Includes the stand. Would this be a better deal?

Takingiteasy

Hi, just a word of warning on stringing racquets - I've know a few people that tried it and the first few times it can take forever - it isn't as easy as if looks.
Some have broke racquets until they got the hang of it. Also watch out for his the machine grips the racquet - especially yonex and their unusual shape.

You can see some good videos on you tube that show how to do it and get a feel for the various machines.

Rob2D

I am willing to put the effort in and I have a couple old rackets I can practice on. I'm also pretty handy with most tools.

I just hate paying €25 every time I need a restring, especially considering I'm not given a choice of string at the moment either.

Match Point Strings

Hi Rob, Did you get around to buying that stringing machine?

tennisfennis

Rob2D wrote: »

I am willing to put the effort in and I have a couple old rackets I can practice on. I'm also pretty handy with most tools.

I just hate paying €25 every time I need a restring, especially considering I'm not given a choice of string at the moment either.

How often are you breaking strings? Also you are paying €25 and not given a choice of strings?? For €25 you should be getting premium luxilon strings....sounds like you are getting overcharged

whiterebel

tennisfennis wrote: »

How often are you breaking strings? Also you are paying €25 and not given a choice of strings?? For €25 you should be getting premium luxilon strings....sounds like you are getting overcharged

That post was 18 months ago.......