Best way to measure string length to minimise wastage

[Sweet-Spot]

I used to precut my sets as it saved me time, usually 10.5 metres per set never let me down, but I had quite alot of wastage.

Is there a fool proof way of measuring from the reel to minimise the waste? I reckon I could salvage 1-2 sets with a better technique

[rolliges]

Measure to manufacturer's specified lengths and use a starting clamp/bridge when the need arises.

[slowfox]

Measure the amount of waste at the end, keep what you need to reach the tensioner, and adust on your subsequent string jobs.

[Irvin]

10.5 m is just over 34' consider yourself lucky especially if your stringing 2 piece.

[Lambsscroll]

Heres what I do. If your racket has 16 mains then measure from the bumper guard to the throat grommet 18 times. That will be enough for the mains, Even 17.5 will work if its not kevlar. For the cross its always one less than what you need for the mains. So you would measure from the bumper guard to the throat grommet 17 times. So the total for a racket with a 16x19 pattern would be 35 times from bumper guard to throat grommet.

This works with any tension.

An 18x20 pattern would look like this. 20 times for the mains and 19 times for the cross.

Its the bumper guard to the throat grommet that indicates the length of each measure.

[Lakers4Life]

Originally Posted by Lambsscroll

Heres what I do. If your racket has 16 mains then measure from the bumper guard to the throat grommet 18 times. That will be enough for the mains, Even 17.5 will work if its not kevlar. For the cross its always one less than what you need for the mains. So you would measure from the bumper guard to the throat grommet 17 times. So the total for a racket with a 16x19 pattern would be 35 times from bumper guard to throat grommet.

This works with any tension.

An 18x20 pattern would look like this. 20 times for the mains and 19 times for the cross.

Its the bumper guard to the throat grommet that indicates the length of each measure.

You are really wasting string with Lambsscroll's technique. If you are doing a one piece, measure top (bumper guard) to throat 16 times, and Crosses (widths) 19 times, for a 16x19 racket. Even with poly this is enough string with minimal cut off. I would not worry too much about kevlar, becuase most kevlar comes in sets, but you can add one extra length if you happen to have a reel.

For two pieces I normally do the same, but add 6"-1' just in case. If you string a racket enough time you get an idea of how much you need, and can adjust.

A faster way is to measure the same 16x19 racket, is to measure 8 top to throat and 9.5 widths, then double back.

[parasailing]

Originally Posted by Lakers4Life

For two pieces I normally do the same, but add 6"-1' just in case. If you string a racket enough time you get an idea of how much you need, and can adjust.

A faster way is to measure the same 16x19 racket, is to measure 8 top to throat and 9.5 widths, then double back.

Thanks for the tip. Since I have so many racquets with different string patterns - 16x19, 16x18, 16x15, 16x20, 18x20, and don't string often, this formula will come in handy.

[Lambsscroll]

Yeah, for a 1 piece what I described is a waste of some string. If I remember correctly for a 1 piece I would multiply the mains by 2 and add 1. That seemed to be just right.

So if the racket has 16 mains I would multiply that by 2 and add one. So 32 plus 1 = 33. 33 times I would measure from the bumper guard to throat grommet. Thats just right for a 16x19 pattern.

And the short side only needed 8.5 times across.

[cluckcluck]

Similar to Lambscroll:

4.5 racquet lengths doubled is good enough for the mains (16x19).
4 racquet lengths doubled is good for crosses (16x19).

It's the best way for me when using reels. Very little wasted string and I know that this will work for all head sizes.

[Lakers4Life]

Originally Posted by parasailing

Thanks for the tip. Since I have so many racquets with different string patterns - 16x19, 16x18, 16x15, 16x20, 18x20, and don't string often, this formula will come in handy.

Just in case it was not obviously inferred. For an 18 x 20 racket, you measure 9 lengths and 10 widths and double up for a one piece.

Originally Posted by Lambsscroll

Yeah, for a 1 piece what I described is a waste of some string. If I remember correctly for a 1 piece I would multiply the mains by 2 and add 1. That seemed to be just right.

So if the racket has 16 mains I would multiply that by 2 and add one. So 32 plus 1 = 33. 33 times I would measure from the bumper guard to throat grommet. Thats just right for a 16x19 pattern.

And the short side only needed 8.5 times across.

The head to throat is 25% longer than the width in most cases. Why not just use the width? It's as easy as turn the racket 90 degrees. This trick I learned more than 25 years ago when I first started stringing and still works for me today.

Also the OP wanted to know how to MINIMISE WASTE not end up creating more.

Originally Posted by cluckcluck

Similar to Lambscroll:

4.5 racquet lengths doubled is good enough for the mains (16x19).
4 racquet lengths doubled is good for crosses (16x19).

It's the best way for me when using reels. Very little wasted string and I know that this will work for all head sizes.

Your method is just as flawed, especially with OS heads. The average racket length is 27"-28", which is 2.25 feet. 9 x 2.25 feet = 20.25 feet. More than the average half set of 18 feet. 8 x 2.25 feet = 18 feet, will work with most rackets with about 2 feet of cut off, if it's an OS you will short.