Applying lead tape

[Roger Wawrinka]

Hey guys, I wanted to know what to use when poking holes though the grommets when applying lead like this.


http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/LC/customize.html



R.W

[slowfox]

I've never done it that way, but if I were to do so here's the game plan I'd implement. Push the grommets out towards the outside of the frame just enough so they no longer protrude i.e. they are flush with the inside of the frame (obviously the frame is unstrung). Then apply the lead tape securely, and smooth over the surface. Use an awl to poke holes through the lead tape. Then push the grommets back through to their proper place. Finally clean/smooth the lead tape edges especially around the holes.

Again, I've never done this before. So attempt at your own risk..

[Roger Wawrinka]

Thanks that's a very good idea! I am not doubting you but if anyone else has any ideas, I would really appreciate it

[filphil]

A single hole puncher could probably work.

[Tennisguy3000]

There is some good info here: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=309803

[slowfox]

Originally Posted by filphil

A single hole puncher could probably work.

Clever solution. I like it. It might take away more lead than desired though...? Might have to compensate with a longer strip.

[Vlad_C]

Same here, I used a punch tool from Home Depot:



http://www.homedepot.ca/product/revolving-punch/922670

With this you can select the size, to match the gromet holes in the racquet.
And yes, measure the lead strip a little longer, to compensate for the weight of the lead you're going to cut out.

[filphil]

Originally Posted by Vlad_C

Same here, I used a punch tool from Home Depot:



http://www.homedepot.ca/product/revolving-punch/922670

With this you can select the size, to match the gromet holes in the racquet.
And yes, measure the lead strip a little longer, to compensate for the weight of the lead you're going to cut out.

That's a sick tool. They should be selling this on TW.

[Roger Wawrinka]

Hey guys, I tried to use the awl method as shown above but I just did not like it cause the lead around the edges of the grommets were chipped and frayed. Then I used a single hole puncher again shown above but the hole it makes is to big. Any other ideas?

I know this is not what were talking about right now, but I wanted to ask about changing a butt cap. Is it safe to just pull the staples out and put a new one on? Will it damage the frame? Also, what would I use to put the staples back in?


R.W

[drakulie]

yes, it is ok to take staples out and replace butt cap with new staples. However, unless the buttcap really needs replacing, you need to be carfeful. You don't want to start filling the bottom of the hairpin with needless holes.

I use a Hansen T-2 tacker.

(Before you ask, they are no longer available, unless you find one on the bay or used elsewhere.)

[slowfox]

Originally Posted by Roger Wawrinka

Hey guys, I tried to use the awl method as shown above but I just did not like it cause the lead around the edges of the grommets were chipped and frayed. Then I used a single hole puncher again shown above but the hole it makes is to big. Any other ideas?
R.W

My second attempt to help...

Measure the distance of the holes you need, mark it on the lead tape before sticking it on, cut out small clean holes with an x-acto knife, then apply to racquet.

[Roger Wawrinka]

^^ Hey Drak, So I will not hurt the racquet if I change the butt cap on each of them once?



Slowfox, Thanks for both posts, I did use your first idea using an awl and it worked great! Thanks