I don't have much of a problem when I string my Diablo MP, but when I help my brother string his nsix-one 95 it's such a pain! There are a whole bunch of covered holes and shared holes (for the tie-offs of mains and crosses) and it is very difficult to thread the string through. We've tried scrap string and shaving the string as well and it doesn't help much. Would a pathfinder help in this situation or is it meant for another purpose?
Can someone share their experiences with a pathfinder please.
- Thread starter pmata814
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Court_Jester
Hall of Fame
If you think stringing an nSix-One 95 is a pain (it isn't), try doing a Prestige with the CAP grommets (not that bad). 
From what I read here, they're very delicate and hence, don't last long.
I used to do the scrap string and all that but I don't do that anymore. I just cut the string at an angle and carefully use an awl to push the string aside. The angled end of the string goes through very easily. I haven't nicked a string so far.
From what I read here, they're very delicate and hence, don't last long. I used to do the scrap string and all that but I don't do that anymore. I just cut the string at an angle and carefully use an awl to push the string aside. The angled end of the string goes through very easily. I haven't nicked a string so far.
I generally just need to cut a string at a sharp angle for tough situations. On occasion, I do use a pathfinder awl. They are pretty inexpensive and good to have just in case. I bought this one from Eagnas. ($10) It is pretty cheaply made but it does the job.
http://www.eagnas.com/maxgen/st101.html
http://www.eagnas.com/maxgen/st101.html
We're using 16 ga. PSGD. I also tried cutting it at a sharp angle and when that doesn't work I shave it with a razor blade. But it's still very difficult. The grommet holes are very tight. I'm considering getting a pathfinder but I didn't know if it would fit through the grommet if a string is already there.
jonolau
Legend
You will find that some grommets are bigger than the others. These would be the shared holes.
I'm with Court-Jester on this. All I do is use an awl to push the string aside, then cut the tip of the string at a sharp angle, use the bent nose pliers to get a good grip on the tip and push it through the hole. After the tip appears on the other side, use the pliers to pull it through. It will be extremely difficut to push it through using your fingers, so just use the pliers.
I tried using the pathfinder in an instance before, it was so tight that the PF awl got stuck in the hole and separated from the holder. PF awl was busted. I had to yank out the needle, and used a normal awl to widen the hole slightly and created a path to push the string through. Have not bothered to get a replacement PF awl since then.
By just using the awl alone, I've not damaged the string, and never had complaints about failure or strings snapping.
I'm with Court-Jester on this. All I do is use an awl to push the string aside, then cut the tip of the string at a sharp angle, use the bent nose pliers to get a good grip on the tip and push it through the hole. After the tip appears on the other side, use the pliers to pull it through. It will be extremely difficut to push it through using your fingers, so just use the pliers.
I tried using the pathfinder in an instance before, it was so tight that the PF awl got stuck in the hole and separated from the holder. PF awl was busted. I had to yank out the needle, and used a normal awl to widen the hole slightly and created a path to push the string through. Have not bothered to get a replacement PF awl since then.
By just using the awl alone, I've not damaged the string, and never had complaints about failure or strings snapping.
PBODY99
Legend
So, we have a recurring problem with blocked holes?
Fine, take these steps. Note which holes are blocked, and get the following ready, and AWL & some wax <Lip Balm will do in a pinch>. Carefully widen the hole on both sides of the frame. when you look at the grommet strip you should see a slight indentation. Now, when you strat to string insert a scrap string to help hold open the holes, it slightly rases the mains. Keep you point sharp on your string as you weave the crosses & this should slove your 6.1 problem.
Anytime you tackle a new frame, do your close inspection of the frame and take these steps if needed. It alos will help you catch other probles that might mess up your stringing.
Hope this hepls.
Fine, take these steps. Note which holes are blocked, and get the following ready, and AWL & some wax <Lip Balm will do in a pinch>. Carefully widen the hole on both sides of the frame. when you look at the grommet strip you should see a slight indentation. Now, when you strat to string insert a scrap string to help hold open the holes, it slightly rases the mains. Keep you point sharp on your string as you weave the crosses & this should slove your 6.1 problem.
Anytime you tackle a new frame, do your close inspection of the frame and take these steps if needed. It alos will help you catch other probles that might mess up your stringing.
Hope this hepls.
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