Can I use 2 different clamp base?

[Biiru]

Hi, I'm relatively new to stringing (around 50 string jobs), so it might be a stupid question.

I've been using Alpha Axis pro I bought used. Recently I found one of the clamp base loose and sometimes unable to lock. So I tried to google and do the base adjustment, which seems impossible because I can't get the allen key to turn. Anyway, I decided to take it apart to see what it is about but still couldn't figure out, and I think I broke the thing and it can't really lock out anymore.

So I'm thinking about buying a new one from new tech tennis. So there's one gravity-release clamp base and a regular one just like the one on my machine. My question is, can I replace the broken one with the gravity-release one and keep using the other one? What about If I decide to not get the gravity-release but the regular one? can I only replace the broken one or I'd better buy a pair?

Thanks in advance!

 

[esgee48]

If it were me, I would want both clamps to be the same, ie both regular or both gravity release. You can become confused if one is gravity release and the other requires unclamp base unclamp string. I am old and get essily confused.

 

[Biiru]

If it were me, I would want both clamps to be the same, ie both regular or both gravity release. You can become confused if one is gravity release and the other requires unclamp base unclamp string. I am old and get essily confused.

thanks, I didn't think about that. So I should be ok to use one new and one old regular base?

 

[esgee48]

Yes. Get assurances from Alpha that the bases can be adjusted the same way, which I believe is the case.

 

[Irvin]

thanks, I didn't think about that. So I should be ok to use one new and one old regular base?

I have gravity release bases but I always clap the string first then lock the base. When releasing I alway do the opposite, unlock the base first then release the string.

i doubt it would make much different if both bases were working well but I’d still want both clamps / bases to be the same.

 

[jim e]

There is a spring inside most base clamps. Check that the spring is okay. It may only need a spring to repair , as if that's it you can contact Alpha to get replacement spring. You can probably even contact tennis machines dot com and send them to old base to repair.

 

[Biiru]

There is a spring inside most base clamps. Check that the spring is okay. It may only need a spring to repair , as if that's it you can contact Alpha to get replacement spring. You can probably even contact tennis machines dot com and send them to old base to repair.

Now that you mentioned it might be repairable, could you take a look and see what the problem might be based on the video? so the base is locking at most of the places but not locking at some locations..

@Irvin @esgee48 @jim e

Thanks!

 

[Irvin]

Now that you mentioned it might be repairable, could you take a look and see what the problem might be based on the video? so the base is locking at most of the places but not locking at some locations..

@Irvin @esgee48 @jim e

Thanks!

looks like an adjustment to me. You could call Alpha to get some ideas.

 

[jim e]

Did you put that base at 90 degrees to the rails, and try to put the hex tool into the opening? The base has to be 90 degrees to get the tool to fit the adjustment . Turning it clockwise just a small amount, shortens the amount you need to throw the switch. It should lock at about the half way point. My base I believe takes an 8 mm hex tool, and it needs to be long enough to reach inside.

 

[Wes]

I was just about to mention you possibly only needing to replace a spring (rather than junking the "faulty" clamp base), as well as your clamp base likely needing to be oriented 90° to the rail/slot for the hex wrench to access the adjustment screw.
However, I see that - on both accounts - @jim e has beaten me to it!

To answer the original question... yes, you could use one of each type... or replace them so that they both match (either gravity-release, or standard).

However, before you make that decision, I would rule out the possibility of making the clamp base, which you already have, work.

I believe that you likely just need to know how to adjust it properly (or, possibly, need to get a replacement spring for it).

Cheers, Wes

 

[Biiru]

Did you put that base at 90 degrees to the rails, and try to put the hex tool into the opening? The base has to be 90 degrees to get the tool to fit the adjustment . Turning it clockwise just a small amount, shortens the amount you need to throw the switch. It should lock at about the half way point. My base I believe takes an 8 mm hex tool, and it needs to be long enough to reach inside.

Yes, I tried doing that, I used a 3mm allen key according to the Alpha manual I found online, but the hole was very dark and I couldn't seem to find the hex shape.. I decided to take it apart, then I found where the hex key is supposed to go in is a threaded nut? doesn't seem to take a hex key. Maybe it's missing something. I'll take a photo tomorrow.

 

[jim e]

3 mm seems very small. Do you have an 8 mm to try?