This post is to have a reference point for stringing tennis racquets with the stringing machine.
Install the racquet on the stringing machine. Do not do this too tight! Just so that the racquet is not moving when pulling on the strings with the machine.
Cut the old strings going from the centre of the racquet towards the outside, alternating mains and crosses. This is to prevent uneven stress on the racquet.
Remove all the old strings and check that the grommets are still in good condition
Ensure you have enough string for the mains and for the crosses. You need 40 feet or 12m of string for the whole racquet. Half for the mains and half for the crosses. Most strings are sold in 12m lengths. So if you have a new set of strings, take half for the mains and half for the crosses. If you are using a reel, measure 8 lengths of the racquet for the mains and cut at an angle to make a “pointy” end for the string. This will make it easier to weave and put through the grommets.
You will need another 8 lengths of the racquet for the crosses.
Start with the mains ( the ones going the long way of the racquet).
Put the string through the middle at the bottom of the racquet and make sure the string is even between both sides. Put the locking clamp close to the frame to ensure tight fit.
Start stringing and progress on both sides evenly to avoid putting biased stress on the racquet.
Once the whole mains are done, it is time to make the “end” knots. go through the grommet and around the anchor string but do not make it tight yet. Pull towards the centre of the racquet and then rock towards the frame. This will make a secure “flat knot”, then do a second one. Over the string and back through the loop to finish and secure it.
The Alternative is to use the machine to keep the knot tight. to do this start with a simple flat knot, then put the string around the anchor string again and though the first “loop”. find the side of the “new” loop which is tight and pull on that one with the machine. Finish by simply pulling the remaining string with hands or machine.
Do this again on the other side of the mains.
Then time to start with the crosses. This is slightly easier as we start from the top of the racket and weave our way down to the bottom of the racquet. once we have done a couple of lengths it is possible to tie a starter know. Using the same technique as above.
When weaving ensure that you check every time the over and under of the strings so that it is using an alternating pattern. Also, as you go down the racquet, the cross strings will have a tendency to “curve” or make a “smiling” racquet. To avoid this on every string ensure it is nice and straight and tight.
The machine is used to keep the tension constant as we go along.
I use pre-stretch and a pull between 25kg and 27kg. The last one I did was 25.5kg. The lower the tension, the more power and the larger the sweet spot. But you lose some precision in the shots. With my level of tennis, the lower the better…
