A question to dropweight users

[ogruskie]

I normally string a fully poly set-up at 60 pounds. I've noticed that the string feels a little looser than when it gets strung on a crank machine (at a store). I imagine this has to do with the drawback from flying clamps. A little pullback here, a little there, and before you know the whole stringbed is looser than usual.

So I was wondering if its alright to increase the tension a bit to compensate for the tension loss? I was thinking of increase from 60 to 63.

My question is this, do you set the dropweight a little higher in tension than you need? For example, if you string at 57lbs you'll set the tension at 60lbs. Because I feel like the I get a lower tension than what I'm setting the dropweight at.

 

[Deleted member 25923]

I normally string a fully poly set-up at 60 pounds. I've noticed that the string feels a little looser than when it gets strung on a crank machine (at a store). I imagine this has to do with the drawback from flying clamps. A little pullback here, a little there, and before you know the whole stringbed is looser than usual.

So I was wondering if its alright to increase the tension a bit to compensate for the tension loss? I was thinking of increase from 60 to 63.

My question is this, do you set the dropweight a little higher in tension than you need? For example, if you string at 57lbs you'll set the tension at 60lbs. Because I feel like the I get a lower tension than what I'm setting the dropweight at.

It's all personal preference. If it feels to loose, tighten it up. Also, make sure you're clamps aren't slipping (mark the string with a sharpie or crayon after clamping, and check back in a minute to see if the mark moved).

Also, you might want to invest in a digital fish scale to make sure the calibration is correct.

 

[ogruskie]

It's all personal preference. If it feels to loose, tighten it up. Also, make sure you're clamps aren't slipping (mark the string with a sharpie or crayon after clamping, and check back in a minute to see if the mark moved).

Also, you might want to invest in a digital fish scale to make sure the calibration is correct.

I know this is a dumb question but I'd rather be on the safe side. If the clamps are slipping, should I tighten them up?

 

[Deleted member 25923]

I know this is a dumb question but I'd rather be on the safe side. If the clamps are slipping, should I tighten them up?

Yes, they should be tight enough to hold the strings from slipping, but not so tight that they leave indents in the string.

 

[The_Question]

Do keep in mind, when you're using a crank, it will only pull to that weight setting, then that's it!

Drop weight is a constant pull because of gravity. So when you see that weight is even, then a few seconds later, you might see that weight drop even further down, it's because it's stretching the string and still pulling...

 

[VGP]

...do you set the dropweight a little higher in tension than you need?

You set the crank higher than you would the dropweight....

The rule of thumb is adding 10% to your dropweight/constant pull tension when using a crank. A little less for a smaller headed racket, a little more for a larger headed racket to account for stretch.

For you at 60 lbs., dial in 66 on the crank. You might not need to add so much since you're stringing poly.

 

[scotus]

You set the crank higher than you would the dropweight....

The rule of thumb is adding 10% to your dropweight/constant pull tension when using a crank. A little less for a smaller headed racket, a little more for a larger headed racket to account for stretch.

For you at 60 lbs., dial in 66 on the crank. You might not need to add so much since you're stringing poly.

This is true if both machines use the same type of clamps.

But if your dropweight has flying clamps and your crank has fixed cramps, then we are getting into a gray area.

 

[Jonny S&V]

Also, you might want to invest in a digital fish scale to make sure the calibration is correct.

You mean on the crank, right? I haven't met a drop-weight yet that defies the law of gravity...

 

[Deleted member 25923]

You mean on the crank, right? I haven't met a drop-weight yet that defies the law of gravity...

Dropweights need to be calibrated once, at the beginning of its ownership, to ensure that the sticker/engravings are accurate on the tension rod.

 

[jim e]

This is true if both machines use the same type of clamps.

But if your dropweight has flying clamps and your crank has fixed cramps, then we are getting into a gray area.

If you have inadequate clamps that do not hold tension, be it fixed or flying, there is no compensation for that, and the result will be a flawed job.From your statement it sounds like flying clamps do not hold proper tension.
I have really never used flying clamps, although I have heard that there are some good ones out there that do work well. I am just as happy with my fixed, as they work as intended.

 

[Richie Rich]

at the end of the day tension is just a number. there are rules of thumb regarding crank vs dropweight, fixed vs floating clamps, etc.

depending on your machine and clamps you may have to bump up or lower tension a few lbs to get the tension that "feels right" for you.

 

[GPB]

Yeah, tighten those bad boys up. Not too much though.
And make sure your dropweight is falling parallel to the floor.
And take your time till you get it right.

 

[Jonny S&V]

Dropweights need to be calibrated once, at the beginning of its ownership, to ensure that the sticker/engravings are accurate on the tension rod.

Ah, never thought of that for some reason... :neutral:

 

[Lefty78]

This is true if both machines use the same type of clamps.

But if your dropweight has flying clamps and your crank has fixed cramps, then we are getting into a gray area.

Exactly and exactly.

In the end though, tension is just a #. The key is CONSISTENCY BETWEEN STRINGJOBS.