Revo 4000 Linear Grip

lasdj · 07-31-2008, 09:40 AM

I had my Revo for about a month already and notice I an issue. I might be just me but when I place the string in the gripper and pull tension it works fine. But when I release the tension the string is still in the gripper. Sometimes I would need to just give the gripper a lil push/pull to release the strings but the other night it really held on to the strings and was very difficult to release. Do I need to clean it? I was going to use WD40 however it was a big investment and dont want to do anything with out any advice first.

Thanks.

radigan · 07-31-2008, 09:52 AM

I am not a big WD-40 fan. I would stay away from that. The gripper runs in tracks. Make sure the tracks are clean. I would clean them with alcohol first and then use a good quality silicone to lube it. The first question to ask is why is it binding up on you. I have only had mine a month but I have had no problems.

Spatula · 07-31-2008, 10:08 AM

Give Mark a call or email @ Alpha. He's a champ at helping out customers after the sale. he will get you straight in no time.

YULitle · 07-31-2008, 10:51 AM

Is this happening when the string is still taught? If you slide the tension mechanism towards the frame more, does it release?

lasdj · 07-31-2008, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YULitle

Is this happening when the string is still taught? If you slide the tension mechanism towards the frame more, does it release?

Well sometimes when I slide the mechanism toward the frame it would release but lately it hasnt. Like the gripper is stuck so I really needed to either pull or push to get it loose again.

YULitle · 07-31-2008, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lasdj

Well sometimes when I slide the mechanism toward the frame it would release but lately it hasnt. Like the gripper is stuck so I really needed to either pull or push to get it loose again.

Okay, then yeah, that's a problem. I'd call Mark.

One thing you might want to try is giving the screw on the back of the gripper a few clockwise turns to keep the gripper from shutting as much.

es-0 · 07-31-2008, 10:59 AM

Bit off topic, is the gripper on the Revo the same as the Pioneer?

And how does the gripper work, I can't seem to image how it works.

Any answers?

lasdj · 07-31-2008, 11:03 AM

I dont have his number. I tried emailing him today but it wasnt his email its the general alphatennis email. hopefully he'll get back to me and we can get this resolved.

thanks for all your help.

YULitle · 07-31-2008, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by es-0

Bit off topic, is the gripper on the Revo the same as the Pioneer?

And how does the gripper work, I can't seem to image how it works.

Any answers?

No, they are different in some ways. The gripper works like this. The two black paddles are in the middle of the two silver mounts. When the black paddles slide into the mount, a group of ball bearings slide up a ramp on the inside of the silver mount that pushes the black paddles together. This makes it so that further in the paddles go, the more they are pushed together. A screw on the back can artificially control the maximum amount the paddles can come together. The Pioneer does not have this control.

es-0 · 07-31-2008, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lasdj

I dont have his number. I tried emailing him today but it wasnt his email its the general alphatennis email. hopefully he'll get back to me and we can get this resolved.

thanks for all your help.

Mark's email is: mark@alphatennis.com

I've been talking to him about a Pioneer so I had it on hand. He should get back to you quick.

Quote:

Originally Posted by YULitle

No, they are different in some ways. The gripper works like this. The two black paddles are in the middle of the two silver mounts. When the black paddles slide into the mount, a group of ball bearings slide up a ramp on the inside of the silver mount that pushes the black paddles together. This makes it so that further in the paddles go, the more they are pushed together. A screw on the back can artificially control the maximum amount the paddles can come together. The Pioneer does not have this control.

I've only strung on one machine, and it was a drop-weight with a rotational gripper, so forgive some of my naivety.

I'm getting a Pioneer DC from Alpha in the next couple of weeks (apparently the one you have) and I just want to be prepared to use it.

How exactly does it work.

I feel clueless.

YULitle · 07-31-2008, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by es-0

How exactly does it work.

I feel clueless.

Basically, you put the string in the gripper, hold the string in the gripper and then lower the arm with your other hand. The gripper grips the string (at which point you can let go of the string) and the arm drops (applying tension.) Then, you raise the arm and drop it until the arm is parallel. Move clamps. Then, release the catch on the bottom of the barrel, move the arm back to it's upright resting position, and remove the string.

es-0 · 07-31-2008, 11:19 AM

OK, I was sure I was over complicating things, thanks for the replies YULitle.

I'm going to be memorizing all of the videos you have up on youtube, thanks again.

lasdj · 07-31-2008, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by es-0

Mark's email is: mark@alphatennis.com

I've been talking to him about a Pioneer so I had it on hand. He should get back to you quick.

Thanks for the email addy

diredesire · 07-31-2008, 12:10 PM

It happens sometimes on linear grippers. Just give them a whack. i wouldn't use WD40 on the ball bearings, you'll probably just end up with lubricant on your grippers, which is never a good thing. If you want to try to avoid it, wiggle them a little bit before stringing to get them moving, and they'll likely stick less. If you ARE intent on lubricating them, use something like graphite powder instead.

lasdj · 07-31-2008, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diredesire

It happens sometimes on linear grippers. Just give them a whack. i wouldn't use WD40 on the ball bearings, you'll probably just end up with lubricant on your grippers, which is never a good thing. If you want to try to avoid it, wiggle them a little bit before stringing to get them moving, and they'll likely stick less. If you ARE intent on lubricating them, use something like graphite powder instead.

thanks i got graphite powder at home so it should be good then. Where would i put it the powder i mean. can someone please post a pic so i dont put it in the wrong place?

Update: I got a reply back from Mark and he said to use some WD40 and spry it into the bearing area with the red straw.

radigan · 07-31-2008, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lasdj

Update: I got a reply back from Mark and he said to use some WD40 and spry it into the bearing area with the red straw.

So much for my theory of staying away from WD-40!

YULitle · 07-31-2008, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lasdj

Update: I got a reply back from Mark and he said to use some WD40 and spry it into the bearing area with the red straw.

Quote:

Originally Posted by radigan

So much for my theory of staying away from WD-40!

I'd still save that email.

jasonstar · 07-31-2008, 02:41 PM

I have had my revo for about a month as well and have had that same thing happen. I did adjust the screw and that seem to help it. No other probs with my Revo. Good machine!

lasdj · 08-01-2008, 10:27 AM

Ok last night before stringing another racket I place the graphite liquid near the bearings, (i hope it was the bearings) but once i did that and started to string it worked very well. After releasing tension the gripper also release the string as well. its so much easier than fussing with it everytime. thanks for all your help. thanks to diredesire for the advice on graphite, im glad i had some left over when i was fixing my door handle.

diredesire · 08-01-2008, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lasdj

Ok last night before stringing another racket I place the graphite liquid near the bearings, (i hope it was the bearings) but once i did that and started to string it worked very well. After releasing tension the gripper also release the string as well. its so much easier than fussing with it everytime. thanks for all your help. thanks to diredesire for the advice on graphite, im glad i had some left over when i was fixing my door handle.

No prob, I'm still kind of curious as to why Mark recommended WD40? Maybe because it's more common? I would hesitate with any sort of liquid lubes near my equipment... The tension adjusting screw might also help you prevent the lock up, if you experience it again.

(I like graphite powder because a little goes a long way, they use it for gun maintenance, from what I hear)

07-31-2008, 09:40 AM	#1
lasdj New User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 57	Revo 4000 Linear Grip I had my Revo for about a month already and notice I an issue. I might be just me but when I place the string in the gripper and pull tension it works fine. But when I release the tension the string is still in the gripper. Sometimes I would need to just give the gripper a lil push/pull to release the strings but the other night it really held on to the strings and was very difficult to release. Do I need to clean it? I was going to use WD40 however it was a big investment and dont want to do anything with out any advice first. Thanks.

07-31-2008, 10:51 AM	#4
YULitle Hall Of Fame Join Date: May 2005 Location: Guymon, OK Posts: 4,132	Is this happening when the string is still taught? If you slide the tension mechanism towards the frame more, does it release? __________________ Michael A. -- If your flaw in stringing is consistency, http://www.youtube.com/yulitle MRT 07-08 -- your stringing will be consistently flawed.

07-31-2008, 10:59 AM	#7
es-0 Rookie Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Hendersonville, NC Posts: 376	Bit off topic, is the gripper on the Revo the same as the Pioneer? And how does the gripper work, I can't seem to image how it works. Any answers? __________________ T-Shirt Design Contest Winner

07-31-2008, 11:19 AM	#12
es-0 Rookie Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Hendersonville, NC Posts: 376	OK, I was sure I was over complicating things, thanks for the replies YULitle. I'm going to be memorizing all of the videos you have up on youtube, thanks again. __________________ T-Shirt Design Contest Winner

07-31-2008, 12:10 PM	#14
diredesire Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 5,933	It happens sometimes on linear grippers. Just give them a whack. i wouldn't use WD40 on the ball bearings, you'll probably just end up with lubricant on your grippers, which is never a good thing. If you want to try to avoid it, wiggle them a little bit before stringing to get them moving, and they'll likely stick less. If you ARE intent on lubricating them, use something like graphite powder instead. __________________ 2x Babolat Pure Storm Tour +s // Gamma 5800 ELS (2pt) Help me on my quest to clean-up the boards, report abusive posts!