How to save money by stringing your own racket (crash course)

·        Before you start – make note of the stringing pattern before you cut out the strings

o       Count over each hole so you know which holes to skip (or put in 2 strings)

o       Know how many main strings and cross strings to use

·        Clamp in racket – The only way you can mess up a racket is not clamping in the racket correctly

o       Make sure racket is clamped down AND secured (squeezing the racket)

·        Measure out strings

o       In general rackets take about 36’ feet of string (this will vary depending on racket)

o       Use 18’ for mains and 18’ for crosses

§         1 vs. 2 piece stringing

·        Probably easier to start with 2 pieces of string

·        However can be faster to string with 1 piece as long as you work from Top to Bottom when doing crosses

·        Determine if middle of strings goes to top or bottom of racket.

o       Look at outside of throat of racket

§         If have even number of “grooves” then start at top of racket

§         If have odd number of “grooves” then start at bottom

§         Make sure you are centred at top of racket (big mistake of you start in the correct holes)

§         Many rackets have a dot where middle/top is

·        Divide string equally on each side of middle “loop” or “groove”

·        Clamp 1 string near the racket

·        Use tension head to pull string

o       Clamp that string near racket

o       Release tension

·        Weave string on opposite side and pull tension

o       Alternate every string (or couple strings) to keep tensioned balanced on racket

·        Pay attention which holes to skip (for cross strings)

·        Once you have pulled last string on a side need to tie off

o       Find the big hole to push end to tie off to

o       Basic knot

§         Down one side of the main and keep loop up

§         Around the string and THROUGH the loop

Do this twice

§         Pull knot tight  - note you will always lose tension.

§         Finish off other side of mains

 Crosses

·        ALWAYS work from tip to throat

·        Hard part about X’s is weaving

o       Put one hand on top and one below and push string with finger tips

·        Tie off at top and start weaving

·        Pull string tight and clamp

o       Note that your weaves should alternate (look at each cross string as you go)

·        Careful not to string racket to the machine!

·        Continue with X’s and tie off at bottom

Clip ends of string and you are done!