Applying tension on a drop-weight stringing machine w/ clutch

This is how I apply tension to the string with my Alpha String Pal stringer. This will work with any drop-weight with a clutch/ratchet.

1. Put the drop weight bar in the down position. It's held just below horizontal by the set screw.
2. Turn the gripper until it is in the horizontal position (or just below).
3. Feed the string through the gripper. There can be a little bit of slack as the next step will take care of the slack.
4. Close the gripper jaws so that it grips the string and hold it. You do this by pushing the inside spring loaded jaws towards the racquet.
5. Turn the gripper to remove any slack in the string.
6. Keep holding the gripper so it does not turn and lift the drop weight bar.
7. Lower the bar down.
8. If horizontal, clamp off. If below horizontal, repeat step 6. If above horizontal, lift bar without holding gripper to release string and start again from 1.

You will notice that the bar is not exactly horizontal when I string. It's because the string is still stretching.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• tennis
• stringing
• drop weight
• alpha
• string pal

[LeafVillItachi]

I have a gamma x-2, really confused on how to start mains. So 2 strings in the main, with 2 flying clamps. Do I clamp one string with the flying clamp, tension it (i'm not sure do i tension the clamped or the unclamped), i'm confused on how this works if oyu could help me out with some steps.

[topanlego]

@LeafVillItachi search for almerickso or yulitle

[rccarfreak1]

has the gripper ever slipped on you yet?

[topanlego]

@rccarfreak1 No. it has not. When I'm stringing gut though I will fold a piece of paper and feed the string in through the paper to reduce any damage that could occur from the gripper. It does leave marks on strings. Not sure if I'm just paranoid though.

[ajbrunner14]

Thanks for the vid. I use the String Pal as well and this helps. I always hold weight at angle, then drop, reverse of how you do it. I feel yours is probably a bit more consistent though.

[topanlego]

@ajbrunner14 I used to start with holding the weight at an angle but I found this really awkward when stringing polys as they don't stretch very much. I had to always guess how much slack to leave to have the weight go to horizontal or past. If I didn't leave enough slack, I had to start all over again.

[easyguitar1000]

Actually drop weights are as accurate as the highest end electrics because they are constant pull machines

[brandontang619]

I heard drop weight machines are inaccurate. Is this true?

[LeafVillItachi]

@topanlego I have watched both, still find confusion. I'll have a night's sleep and wake up tomorrow to try it again thanks for the response I guess.

[rccarfreak1]

@topanlego thank you, i am thinking about buying this stringingmachine because of the rachet. is it any good?