Stringer "interview"

[diredesire]

Lets say you had to interview a new stringer, what kinds of questions would you ask him/her? What would be a dealbreaker?

Let's assume this is for a pro-shop OR "contractor" style job, paid per frame, no customer interaction, no standard pro-shop role. Just stringing.

I'll leave it vague, I'd be interested to see the breadth of things people think of.

(Besides questions, any tasks you'd ask them to perform?)

 

[Radicalized]

Questions:

Regarding machine type to estimate what adjustments might be made to stringing the racquet from what I've been doing myself.

The trick question of "How many strings do you tension at a time?" and "Do you ever leave the frame sitting unfinished?"

I've had an emergency when I didn't string for myself where I now would be forced to insist on:
A knot more than a single half-hitch. Let the stringer specify.
Please leave me some tail with that knot.
Please string the racquet two-piece as per the specific instructions for the pattern given to you. I keep a printed copy in my bag

Dealbreaker: A bad attitude in response to all of this. It's like getting an estimate on home repairs: I'm giving you business. I get to evaluate you. I can go elsewhere--most likely. Current situation here.

 

[Irvin]

Why do you want to string?

How long have you been stringing?

Hand them a racket, strings, grommets, and grip and have them remove & replace all. Or just string a racket if that's all they will be doing.

 

[Radicalized]

^ That's what I'd want to do in my "dreams." Give them my own version of the MRT test. You have one hour. Go.

 

[Irvin]

If you're stringing at a tournament it important that all stringers are able to follow instructions for consistency. You may want to give them your preferred stringing patterns and ask them how they string specific rackets.

 

[lwto]

When I had a club, applicants new basically how to string, but..

I wanted a consistency about how racquets would be strung for our club. I didn't want anything remotely that looked like it might have come from a home stringer that learned on their own.

I explained the whole process, from starting mains, to the finishing knots. I decided everyone was to do a two piece string job.

I didn't care if they knew how to put on a grip, etc etc. I mean, it's not rocket science and those things are easily enough learned.

 

[struggle]

Lockout or CP?

 

[Rabbit]

You wanna beer?

 

[Sparkyovcov]

If there is no interaction he doesn't even need to know about the string. Just if he can follow instructions. Sounds like a boring job though

 

[bluegrass_stringer]

I would have them string 2 racquets the way you wanted them and then see if they are consistent and fast. Two 18x20 with full poly. They should be able to get done in 45 minutes and have virtually the same SBS.

 

[zapvor]

I would have them string 2 racquets the way you wanted them and then see if they are consistent and fast. Two 18x20 with full poly. They should be able to get done in 45 minutes and have virtually the same SBS.

i dont think most stringers can achieve that

 

[bluegrass_stringer]

i dont think most stringers can achieve that

That is what I would want in my shop. Even 50 minutes would be fine. 25 minutes to string those types of jobs shouldn't be an issue.

 

[zapvor]

That is what I would want in my shop. Even 50 minutes would be fine. 25 minutes to string those types of jobs shouldn't be an issue.

i hope you offer good compensation

 

[wmrhawk]

"May I watch you replace the bumper/grommets on this Babolat?"

 

[am1899]

If I were hiring a retail stringer, speed is not a priority. I'd be far more concerned about technique, knowledge base, and attention to detail. It's nice to be fast, but IMO it's mandatory in the retail business to provide accurate, aesthetically pleasing, mistake-free service. I believe these principals are reflected in USRSA testing. How many of you, when you tested, were asked to string a racquet fast?

Anyway, I'm sure I would have some basic interview questions (i.e. how long have you been stringing?). But the majority of the interview would be live - the candidate would need to prove to me they are competent.

Tournament stringers are of course a different animal.

 

[zapvor]

"May I watch you replace the bumper/grommets on this Babolat?"

hahhaha this is a good one

 

[idono1301]

"May I watch you replace the bumper/grommets on this Babolat?"

Is this that bad? I'm gonna have to replace the ones on my PSTs soon

 

[sstchur]

Roger or Rafa?

 

[idono1301]

Wrong thread?

 

[sstchur]

Wrong thread?

That's an odd interview question.

 

[idono1301]

Ohhh now I get it haha! Sorry about that! It is a good one though

 

[Overdrive]

What an interesting thread.

You could ask loaded questions.. These could determine whether a stringer is legit or not..

 

[am1899]

Is this that bad? I'm gonna have to replace the ones on my PSTs soon

Generally, they are not pleasant. I've heard soaking the new grommets in warm water or using a heat gun helps...but I've yet to try either. I just toughed through it (cussing most of the way, of course).

 

[idono1301]

Generally, they are not pleasant. I've heard soaking the new grommets in warm water or using a heat gun helps...but I've yet to try either. I just toughed through it (cussing most of the way, of course).

Darn, okay thanks. I'll try the water method as I don't have a heatgun readily available. At least stringing is fairly relaxing, so I can unwind after this ordeal haha

 

[Ska4lyfe]

Generally, they are not pleasant. I've heard soaking the new grommets in warm water or using a heat gun helps...but I've yet to try either. I just toughed through it (cussing most of the way, of course).

I used to string at a club and I hated replacing Babolat grommets more than any other brand! Sucks I have four Babolat Storm Tours. My boss helped me replace my own grommets by heating them up and using an awl to shape them kinda. They're pretty tricky, you really have to work it.

 

[lwto]

I used to string at a club and I hated replacing Babolat grommets more than any other brand! Sucks I have four Babolat Storm Tours. My boss helped me replace my own grommets by heating them up and using an awl to shape them kinda. They're pretty tricky, you really have to work it.

PM me, I will tell you how you can do one in 10 min or less.

They are actually quite easy..in fact the easiest.

 

[Irvin]

Is this that bad? I'm gonna have to replace the ones on my PSTs soon

No worse than any other grommet you just have to know what your doing because it is easy to mess up. Some of the grommets holes on a Babolat are flared so it is easy to scratch the frame getting them out. Some frame have eide sections that will fit in actually upside down and ther is a tie hole in the but only on one end. The top bumper needs to be stretched out just a tad while you're instating it. If you know what you're doing it's just a 5-10 minute job.

The biggest problem I've found when replacing grommets is the fit like a glove and if you let them slip out a bit they will not seat properly when installing the strings then you're in trouble as it can damage the frame or cause a bad string job.

EDIT: Here is a video on replacing the APD grommets all the heating of the grommets isn't necessary and just causes other problems. With the grommets being soft it's easy to get them in bent and not seated all the way.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ITX5DW-r2Vg

 

[lwto]

No worse than any other grommet you just have to know what your doing because it is easy to mess up. Some of the grommets holes on a Babolat are flared so it is easy to scratch the frame getting them out. Some frame have eide sections that will fit in actually upside down and ther is a tie hole in the but only on one end. The top bumper needs to be stretched out just a tad while you're instating it. If you know what you're doing it's just a 5-10 minute job.

The biggest problem I've found when replacing grommets is the fit like a glove and if you let them slip out a bit they will not seat properly when installing the strings then you're in trouble as it can damage the frame or cause a bad string job.

EDIT: Here is a video on replacing the APD grommets all the heating of the grommets isn't necessary and just causes other problems. With the grommets being soft it's easy to get them in bent and not seated all the way.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ITX5DW-r2Vg

I don't know if anyone else does this but, I snip the ends off before pulling them out. I have some of those very fine wire snippers.. just put them flush with the frame, snip and they come out very easy.

 

[zapvor]

PM me, I will tell you how you can do one in 10 min or less.

They are actually quite easy..in fact the easiest.

care to email me too? thanks

 

[lwto]

care to email me too? thanks

let me see if I can write it out on how:

Put the throat ones in.
THe two smaller side ones in,(next to the throat.

THe next ones that goes up the sides of the racquet.. pretty easy.
One thing, the two ends look very simular, and make sure when you pull them out, that you see where the thicker grommet is, I think it's on the bottom.
It's very easy to try to put them on the top, but it makes for very difficult work.

Now, insert the grommet pieces into the main head piece, make sure you have them lined up correctly.

This is the tricky part and what I do.. is use a solid table or floor and basically just roll the head from one side to another, plopping in a grommet at a time. I just a awl to pop in the grommet from the inside, cause it will have a tendency to stick inside the frame itself. but you will see where from looking inside the frame at the grommet, where the grommet hole is. with the awl, plop the grommet through and normally it will just pop in. Rinse wash repeat.

I use the floor to keep pressure on the grommet so it will stay tight, once in a while...
I will tape the end of the grommet so it doesn't pop out.

Just roll the racquet on it's head all the way around, popping one grommet in at a time.

Don't have to heat the grommet, just a little pull is all that is neccessary.

Hope this is all legible.

Just gotta be careful, that you make sure the right pieces go in correctly since they are designed to overlap one another.
Gotta be careful, that you don't scratch the frame.
There maybe a point where you don't see the grommet through the underside of the frame, and in that case, use your awl to help guide the grommet from the out side of the frame to the hole.
Gotta be careful that you don't stick yourself with the awl.

I've used this method for all my grommets anymore and its pretty quick once, you are comfortable with it.

 

[idono1301]

let me see if I can write it out on how:

Put the throat ones in.
THe two smaller side ones in,(next to the throat.

THe next ones that goes up the sides of the racquet.. pretty easy.
One thing, the two ends look very simular, and make sure when you pull them out, that you see where the thicker grommet is, I think it's on the bottom.
It's very easy to try to put them on the top, but it makes for very difficult work.

Now, insert the grommet pieces into the main head piece, make sure you have them lined up correctly.

This is the tricky part and what I do.. is use a solid table or floor and basically just roll the head from one side to another, plopping in a grommet at a time. I just a awl to pop in the grommet from the inside, cause it will have a tendency to stick inside the frame itself. but you will see where from looking inside the frame at the grommet, where the grommet hole is. with the awl, plop the grommet through and normally it will just pop in. Rinse wash repeat.

I use the floor to keep pressure on the grommet so it will stay tight, once in a while...
I will tape the end of the grommet so it doesn't pop out.

Just roll the racquet on it's head all the way around, popping one grommet in at a time.

Don't have to heat the grommet, just a little pull is all that is neccessary.

Hope this is all legible.

Just gotta be careful, that you make sure the right pieces go in correctly since they are designed to overlap one another.
Gotta be careful, that you don't scratch the frame.
There maybe a point where you don't see the grommet through the underside of the frame, and in that case, use your awl to help guide the grommet from the out side of the frame to the hole.
Gotta be careful that you don't stick yourself with the awl.

I've used this method for all my grommets anymore and its pretty quick once, you are comfortable with it.

Thanks! I think I understood it enough to try it. Now to check and see if these grommets can last another stringing without being replaced.

Sorry for derailing the thread!

 

[zapvor]

let me see if I can write it out on how:

Put the throat ones in.
THe two smaller side ones in,(next to the throat.

THe next ones that goes up the sides of the racquet.. pretty easy.
One thing, the two ends look very simular, and make sure when you pull them out, that you see where the thicker grommet is, I think it's on the bottom.
It's very easy to try to put them on the top, but it makes for very difficult work.

Now, insert the grommet pieces into the main head piece, make sure you have them lined up correctly.

This is the tricky part and what I do.. is use a solid table or floor and basically just roll the head from one side to another, plopping in a grommet at a time. I just a awl to pop in the grommet from the inside, cause it will have a tendency to stick inside the frame itself. but you will see where from looking inside the frame at the grommet, where the grommet hole is. with the awl, plop the grommet through and normally it will just pop in. Rinse wash repeat.

I use the floor to keep pressure on the grommet so it will stay tight, once in a while...
I will tape the end of the grommet so it doesn't pop out.

Just roll the racquet on it's head all the way around, popping one grommet in at a time.

Don't have to heat the grommet, just a little pull is all that is neccessary.

Hope this is all legible.

Just gotta be careful, that you make sure the right pieces go in correctly since they are designed to overlap one another.
Gotta be careful, that you don't scratch the frame.
There maybe a point where you don't see the grommet through the underside of the frame, and in that case, use your awl to help guide the grommet from the out side of the frame to the hole.
Gotta be careful that you don't stick yourself with the awl.

I've used this method for all my grommets anymore and its pretty quick once, you are comfortable with it.

hmmm...i tried somethig similar, but not using the floor. maybe i will try that next time. thanks for sharing

 

[lwto]

When I say side to side, I don't mean, ummmmm.. from one side of the face to the other side of the face, but length wise along the head.

You can put in several grommet stems at a time, then roll it, do several more and so on and so on.

But rolling it on a harder surface, it makes the grommets to really set in without popping back out.

I use the floor cause it's about the most stablest place I can find.

 

[azn_lefty_roddick_jr]

"May I watch you replace the bumper/grommets on this Babolat?"

Haha, this is an excellent question if you're seeking a stringer that can do it all! I work with two others who swear up and down when they have to replace Bab grommets... I usually end up doing it for them while they string some of my workload in return.

lwto's method is sound, and a lot of people make it sound a lot harder than it is, with heating it, placing it in hot water, etc... All you need is an awl at most, and attention to detail. If you're taking off the original grommets, snip the flared pieces with your cutters before removing. When installing, make sure that you properly orient the side pieces to where the larger hole goes in the tie-off hole for the crosses. That's it; takes me less than 10 minutes each time.

My contribution to this thread would be: "Let me see you start the mains on this racquet for me."

^ This tells me a lot about how well they string, or how much they care about another's racquets. I do believe in the Yusuki method of starting mains; it automatically turns me off when I see somebody double-pulling and clamping BOTH mains off, or tightening one clamp excessively and damaging string before pulling their first main, due to the slipping that occurs by directly pulling at the beginning without tension on both sides of the clamp. Maybe I'm just picky.

 

[wmrhawk]

If you know what you're doing it's just a 5-10 minute job.

It's not the time. As I recall, that scene in the movie, "There's Something About Mary", with Ben Stiller fighting the little dog only lasted about 5 minutes.

But, there's a lot of good tips here and I did watch the video, and that was helpful too. Thx.

 

[Irvin]

Okay let me put it another way, it is no harder to replace the grommets in a Babolat frame than any other racket. But if you don't know how to do it they could all be difficult.

 

[wmrhawk]

Ok.
If you sat so, but I am at a loss as to why I, personally, have only found the Babolats to be challenging. Especially, if I were to compare the Babolat experience with, say, a Prince with O-ports. Maybe I should consult with an astrologer or use a Ouija board…

 

[Irvin]

Ok.
If you say so, but I am at a loss as to why I, personally, have only found the Babolats to be challenging…

Welcome to the club many do, I can understand that they are difficult for some people, mainly because they come in so many sections. But that is what makes them easy too. One problem is the grommets are not in the bumper guard but in a separate strip that fit through holes in the bumper strip. If the bumper is not prestreched the grommets on the grommets strip won't go through the holes in both the bumper and frame because they're not lined up. The side grommet strip also has the top three grommets going through the bumper strip too. So the trick is to install one side strip in and put it through the bumper to hold down one side of the bumper. Then you stretch the bumper (I used a screw driver.) and install the other side piece. Then the top grommet strip goes in very easy. It is all in this video.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ITX5DW-r2Vg

Most people when they install regular use the process lwto described above but when the grommets are not connected to the grommet strip I find it difficult to say the least. Try lwto's way and my way and see which one you like.

EDIT: lwto's process works well on normal grommets. There I take the bumper strip and start in the center. Place it against a hard surface to push on the grommets and guide the grommets through the frame. The grommets now prestretch the bumper because they are connected. But you can do that on a Babolat.

 

[wmrhawk]

No worse than any other grommet you just have to know what your doing because it is easy to mess up. Some of the grommets holes on a Babolat are flared so it is easy to scratch the frame getting them out. Some frame have eide sections that will fit in actually upside down and ther is a tie hole in the but only on one end. The top bumper needs to be stretched out just a tad while you're instating it. If you know what you're doing it's just a 5-10 minute job.

The biggest problem I've found when replacing grommets is the fit like a glove and if you let them slip out a bit they will not seat properly when installing the strings then you're in trouble as it can damage the frame or cause a bad string job.

EDIT: Here is a video on replacing the APD grommets all the heating of the grommets isn't necessary and just causes other problems. With the grommets being soft it's easy to get them in bent and not seated all the way.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ITX5DW-r2Vg

I think I get it now. Thanks. You're saying if I employ those 37 steps and watch more instructional videos, THEN "it is no harder to replace the grommets in a Babolat frame than any other racket."