How To String A Tennis Racquet

Stringing your tennis racquet yourself allows you to take matters into your own hands. These strings endure intense, high-paced activities on the court. 

An average tennis player who plays two times a week restrings a tennis racquet a few times a year, but it can differ depending on frequency and style of play.

Here’s how to string a tennis racquet.

10 Simple Steps to Follow For Tennis Racket Stringing

1. Gather the Things You’ll Need

You’re going to need these pliers before you can restring your racquets:

2. Prepare Your Racket

The next step is to prepare your racket. You remove the strings by using the string cutter to cut off the strings. You start by cutting the string 35-40 feet off the spool.

It would help if you got your racket and yourself ready for the knots, holes, and the whole process. Also, it’s best to check out how many holes your racket has at the throat.

If your racket has six holes in the throat, you will start in that area. Pay attention to the crosses and the main to avoid tension loss.

3. Measure the Racket String

If you’re using the standard 95 square inch racquet that features a basic crossing pattern, you’re going to measure around 38 feet to string a tennis racquet.

As a general rule, it’s best to use a lengthier string than a shorter one as you have to start all over again if the string is too short. 

If this is your first time stringing your racket, use the excess length of string to tie the knots, and keep it in mind for the next time the racket needs restringing.

String tennis

4. Prepare for Stringing

Ideally, you begin at the middle of the tennis racquet head. Then, you cut it circularly outwards. After which, you pull strings out of its holes. 

Make sure that the grommet holes in the frame are in place. If a grommet hole is not in the best condition, it may cause tension loss. Look for replacement kits if they’re not intact, as it’s going to affect your play.

5. Mount the Racket on the Stringing Machine

The fifth step is to mount the frame on the stringing machine. The mounting process may be different depending on the machine you are using. 

Ensure that the racket’s head and neck are in place in the corresponding mounting brackets. Now, press the clamps down to make sure it’s in place. 

The six-point mounting system is there to distribute the tension on the racket evenly. Regardless of the machine you are using, the only thing that matters is that the clamps are in place on your racket. 

These clamps play an important role when your racket is being restrung. It should be tight enough to remain still when you move the grip. However, it shouldn’t be too tight that it warps the frame.

6. Set the Tension

You need to adjust the appropriate string tension on the stringing machine before you start to pull strings.

Place the string on your hand to ensure that it is not bent or knotted as it may cause the string to break when it is tensioned, leading you to purchase a new one.

The main strings and the cross things need to have two sections of equal size. You do this by measuring the string and cutting it at the middle, allowing both selections to have a similar length at 20 feet.

String tennis

If you are using hybrid strings, remember to note the strings designed for the main string and the crosses before you pull, weave, and knot.

7. Thread the Strings & Tie Them Off

Keep in mind that the main strings run parallel to the racquet’s long axis. 

Now, you need to insert the string into the racket’s head, and then you thread the string down through the racket’s neck and up to the head.

Ensure that the end of the string going into the grip is well-secured before moving the rod into a horizontal position. 

You may need to readjust the length of the string that you have originally threaded to the racquet. Next is to secure the string by twiddling the rod to meet the appropriate specification of the racquet. 

You can fix the second string using the second clamp and then release the first string. You clamp and weave until the holes have been strung. 

Tighten one, secure the next one, and then insert the end of the string into the center and repeat the process. 

The clamp and weave process is a little tiring, but these are essential for quality restring on the racquets.

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8. Start & Weave Cross Strings

The next step is to start stringing the crosses. 

As soon as you get to the last row of the vertical strings, you’re going to tie the string off and begin on the crossing pattern. 

The cross strings run perpendicularly to the long axis of the racquet. Then, you insert the string into a hole. The bigger grommets normally designate it. You pull the string over and below the main string to the opposite side. 

Put the same amount of tension you placed on the main strings. After which, you clamp on the first one.

If you plan to use two pieces, instead of the one-string, you tie the crossing string to its main strain situated at the head of the frame.

After this, you thread it through the big grommet hole located at the rim’s closest margin and repeat. If you can, do not rub the cross strings to the main strings when you’re weaving through the holes.

You avoid it from happening by pushing the cross string down as you pull. It ensures both main and cross strings are in the best conditions.

It causes your main strings to break even before you have the chance to use them in an actual game, decreasing its lifespan.

9. Knot the Strings

You’re going to knot the cross strings. Pull the last cross string back through the main grommets.

Next is to tie it securely to the main string. Use a needle-nose plier to knot it. 

Let go of the tension and clip off the excess string. Finally, remove the racquet of the mount.

knot

10. Adjust & Straighten

After you have relieved the racquet from the stringer, you have to thoroughly check if there is any sign of accidental damage from its hole and knot. Ensure that the tennis strings are in place.

As soon as you’re happy with the restring and tension, make sure that the strings are all straightened out and are properly aligned. S in the appropriate hole with secured knots on the racquets.

And finally, your racquet is in tiptop condition for optimal play.

Things to Consider

features to consider

Restringing Techniques

One-String Pattern

A one-piece string yields a higher dynamic tension, which means it provides more accuracy. However, it does not matter if you’re making the tension adjustments based on how your racquet plays off the machine. It’s also a factor if you’re using the same stringer machine each time.

Two-String Pattern

The two-piece is for players who are after a hybrid string job. It’s easier for anyone to work with two shorter string pieces than with only one longer string piece.

Using the two-piece stringing method limits your racket’s frame distortion as well. Some rackets deliver more flexibility than other models, which means they benefit more from the top-down cross-string method. 

Also Read: How Often Should You Restring Your Racquet?

Using Different Strings

Nylon

Nylon strings are ideal for both beginner racquets and racquets for intermediate players because of their powerful properties (1). These are also the cheapest and one of the most versatile strings available. 

Polyester

Polyester is the go-to choice for advanced players because of its control-oriented properties. These are for heavy-hitters and string-wreckers. They are highly durable and great for strength and control. 

Natural Gut

Natural gut is the most expensive among the strings, and they’re the most fragile as well. It is a sought-after string for professional athletes due to its liveliness, touch, and elasticity, making it a good material for multifilament strings

FAQS

Yes, it is possible to string by hand without the use of machines. You can use awls to hold the tension. 

You can tension the string by wrapping it with a dowel, spinning the string until you hear the pitch on the plucked string.

An awl is enough. However, machines are a good investment for frequent restringers.

The average cost to string a tennis racket is $30-$40. You’re going to pay between $10-$20 for labor. The total cost may go up to $70, depending on your preferred string.

An average tennis player normally sports a low to mid 50’s. Please make sure you’re comfortable with how it feels. However, it is worth mentioning that 55 lbs will lose its tension pretty fast, so it may go down to 50 lbs after using it a few times.

There are other factors as well, such as your skill level and the type of string used.

Final Word On Stringing a Tennis Racquet

If you are playing a few times a week, you are bound to reach a point where your strings break. For heavy ball hitters, restringing is more frequent than others, especially if you are a hard-hitter.

The quality of the string and your power also play a role in how long it will last. Learning how to string a tennis racket yourself allows you to save on labor costs, which adds up over time.

By following our ten-step guide, you’ll know how to string a tennis racquet. Remember to avoid rubbing the main strings and the cross strings together as the crosses may cause it to wear fast.

References:

  1. https://www.wilson.com/en-us/blog/tennis/how-tos/how-choose-tennis-string

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