TENNIS RACKET RESTRINGING- THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Intense activities on the court like sweat, sunshine, and high-speed tennis balls can give a tough time to your tennis gear. Especially, the strings are more vulnerable to snapping. Tennis racket restringing is the only way to preserve the life of your frame. At the same time, it can improve your gaming performance. Discover all the crucial aspects of tennis racket restringing and approach the task by learning proper technique. 

Knowing how to string a tennis racket can save your money as well as time. Besides this, it is a great skill that every tennis player should learn. But how often to restring a tennis racket? Well, it depends upon how frequently you play.

I know that your mind is full of queries which might include; how much does it cost to restring a tennis racket? or how long does it take to string a tennis racket?. You might wish to know how much string is needed to string a tennis racquet. Take a sigh of relief because this ultimate guide is going to answer all your questions. Not only this, you will be able to string your athletic equipment on your own.

Sounds interesting? Without further ado, let’s get started.

HOW TO STRING A TENNIS RACQUET (STEPWISE INSTRUCTIONS)

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions and conduct tennis racket restringing like a pro. But before that, have a glance at the list of required materials.

1.Tennis Stringing machine

2.Pliers

3.A tennis racquet

4.New strings

5.Cutters 

6.Meter stick

We have often asked how long it takes to string a tennis racket? Newbies might require more time, but the whole procedure takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Now let’s begin with the steps on how to string a racquet.

STEP#1 GET THE SUITABLE STRINGING MACHINE

First and foremost, tennis racket restringing requires a stringing machine which can cost 200 or above. But many stores, health clubs, and gyms with tennis courts provide their sting mounts for rent. You can avail of this facility for around 25 to 50.

STEP#2 PREPARE YOUR TENNIS GEAR

The next phase of how to string a tennis racquet step by step includes preparing your former tennis racquet. Firstly, cut down the old strings with the help of a clipper. You can also use a pair of string cutters for this. Secondly, cut out the center of horizontal and vertical strings. Thirdly, un-pick the strings and eliminate them. Be careful not to harm the grommets while removing former strings.

STEP #3 MEASURE THE STRING

How much string does a tennis racquet need? This portion of tennis racket restringing will reveal this suspicion.

A 95sq.inch racquet with a basic string pattern probably requires 38 feet of strings. But it’s better to cut off some extra, so start by cutting around 40 feet of new string off a spool.

The racquet head size and string patterns can help you determine the exact amount of required string. Most racquets feature 16×19 or 18×20 string patterns. Measure 16 lengths of strings from the top till the bottom of your racquet’s head, and then calculate 19 vertical lengths across the center. That’s it; now you have the accurate amount of string for a 16×19 pattern. Follow the same procedure for 18×20 or any other string pattern.

STEP#4 MOUNT THE RACQUET

This question can probably strike your mind; how to string a tennis racket with drop weight and manual crank machines. Mounting procedures of different models of stringing machines can vary. Both documented machines have adjustable scales, while electronic machines can be adjusted on the screen.

Secure the head and neck in the mounting brackets. Next, press down on the clamps. The stringing machine includes a small wheel for adjusting the width of your racquet.

STEP# 5 DECIDE ON ONE PIECE OR TWO PIECE TECHNIQUE

How you string a tennis racquet further depends upon the stringing method. Both one-piece and two-piece techniques can be used. However, a two-piece method is more user-friendly.

Let me first explain how to string a tennis racquet in one piece. This technique involves a single piece of string for both main and cross strings. Now come to the next query; how to string a tennis racquet two-piece. This method calls for a hybrid setup. You will use two separate strings to cover your racquets head.

STEP#6 SET THE TENSION

If you are using an electric machine, set the tension to the desired level through the screen. The electric pulley will tighten the string to the specified rate before releasing the clamp.

Tighter tension provides more spin and control, whereas looser tension can deliver tremendous power.

STEP#6 INSTALL THE MAIN STRINGS

First of all, check the number of holes on your racquet. If it has six holes in the throat, start from there. On the other hand, begin from the top in case of eight holes.

Main strings are the vertical ones that run parallel to the long axis of your racquet. Start inserting the strings from the holes, thread them down, and back up to the starting position. Clamp the string at the inserting position, close to the grommet. Next, pull the tension through the machine and release the clamp. Place it at the opposite end and pull the tension again. Repeat the procedure until you are done with your main strings.

Knot the main strings with the help of your pliers. Never release the clamp without knotting. Otherwise, it will lose the tension.

STEP#6 INSTALL THE CROSS STRINGS

Here comes the most challenging step of tennis racket restring; installing the cross strings. These are the horizontal strings. Readjust the mount clamps and start by inserting the remaining string into one grommet of the main string. Next to this, tie a starting knot.

Cross strings are installed by weaving over and under the main strings. Insert the string into the largest grommet and continue the weaving pattern until you reach the other end.

Pull the string and clamp the first one. Subsequently, insert the string into the next hole down, weave, reach the other side and release the clamp. Follow the procedure all the way down.

STEP#7 WINDING UP

Congratulations, you have now learned the tennis racket restringing skill. Unclasp the clamps and remove the racquet from the stringing machine. 

HOW TO RESTRING A TENNIS RACKET BY HAND?

We know that some of our readers can’t afford those expensive stringing machines. They often ask us how to string a tennis racquet without a machine? 

Tennis rackets were strung manually before the invention of modern stringing machines. But it requires some practice. Hold the racquet between your knees. Start by wrapping the string around a dowel. Rotate it until the plucked string is tight enough. Take an awl and push it into the hole to lock the tension. 

HOW MUCH DOES STRINGING A TENNIS RACQUET COST?

Here comes the main question; how much does it cost to string a tennis racket? The cost of tennis racket restringing depends upon the racquet size,  type of strings you select, and labour charged. You can expect to spend somewhere between 15 to 65 to have your tennis gear restrung.

WRAPPING UP

Tennis racket restringing is a normal part of maintenance. How often to restring your athletic stick depends upon your style and frequency of play. However, it is essential to reach the highest level of performance.

Share the tips and tricks of tennis racket restringing with more tennis enthusiasts or string your tennis racket yourself from the stepwise instructions and save some cash.