Changing Pallets on Racquets

[indoortennis]

Hello all,

I have seen several people make reference to changing pallets on racquets - either for customization or to fix a broken buttcap/handle. I am curious, how does one go about doing this?

I have an old Liquidmetal Prestige that I am looking to fix up after finding that the staples in the buttcap have rusted out completely over the years. I will most likely try to get some new staples through the buttcap to fix it to the handle, but considering the age of the racquet, I am expecting some splitting and failure!

Is there a certain place where pallets and buttcaps are available for order? Also, where can I find a staple gun strong enough to affix the buttcap successfully? I recently went to a local hardware store and found no solution.

Thanks!

 

[Dags]

To remove the pallets, you need some heat. Once the butt cap has been removed, the pallets are held in place by double sided tape. Heat will make this soft, and allow them to be prised off.

Heat gun is quickest, though can lead to warping of the pallets as you tend to pull from one end. Hairdryer works, but requires some patience. I've read some people will stick the whole handle into a pot of boiling water, but I've never tried this. I've also seen people using knives - I've never needed to do so, and just heat and some wiggling gets them off. If you're not trying to keep the pallets for reuse, then you can be a little more cavalier.

Pallets are available in Europe. Butt caps can be bought from TW - here's the current Head offering:

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_Standard_Butt_Cap_Glossy_Black/descpageHEAD-HGBBC.html

A staple gun can be used, but if you don't have much other use for it, then tacks and a hammer work just as well. There are also threads where people have used silicone, putty, glue and tape.

 

[Seth]

To remove the pallets, you need some heat. Once the butt cap has been removed, the pallets are held in place by double sided tape. Heat will make this soft, and allow them to be prised off.

Heat gun is quickest, though can lead to warping of the pallets as you tend to pull from one end. Hairdryer works, but requires some patience. I've read some people will stick the whole handle into a pot of boiling water, but I've never tried this. I've also seen people using knives - I've never needed to do so, and just heat and some wiggling gets them off. If you're not trying to keep the pallets for reuse, then you can be a little more cavalier.

Pallets are available in Europe. Butt caps can be bought from TW - here's the current Head offering:

http://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Head_Standard_Butt_Cap_Glossy_Black/descpageHEAD-HGBBC.html

A staple gun can be used, but if you don't have much other use for it, then tacks and a hammer work just as well. There are also threads where people have used silicone, putty, glue and tape.

The first time I removed pallets, I skipped the heat and just used a knife. The pallet got a nice crack in it from that. Definitely use some method of heating.

 

[dr325i]

T

Hello all,

I have seen several people make reference to changing pallets on racquets - either for customization or to fix a broken buttcap/handle. I am curious, how does one go about doing this?

I have an old Liquidmetal Prestige that I am looking to fix up after finding that the staples in the buttcap have rusted out completely over the years. I will most likely try to get some new staples through the buttcap to fix it to the handle, but considering the age of the racquet, I am expecting some splitting and failure!

Is there a certain place where pallets and buttcaps are available for order? Also, where can I find a staple gun strong enough to affix the buttcap successfully? I recently went to a local hardware store and found no solution.

Thanks!

The pallets usually hold pretty well with age. I am not sure why rusted staples bother you at all since they are covered by the grip and over grip. However, if you insist on changing them, you can pull them out and re-staple it without removing the pallets. Those are glued to the hairpin.
Now, if you need to replace the pallets (different shape, cracks, different size), then, you probably need some heat and patience to preserve them.

 

[teekaywhy]

I've changed about 10 pallets and the results have been pretty good.
DO use heat. Heat gun is best but be sure not to focus the heat too much on one area.
I also use a 10" knife that is 1" wide. Not sure what its called but it does the trick.
Key is to go slow and be gentle. Split the tape along the length of the pallet first and then apply heat down the hairpin. 30 seconds should do.
Wiggle the pallet and get the blade between the pallet and hairpin. Slowly insert and twist (gently!). Reapply heat when you feel resistance while inserting blade. Obviously, be careful.
Shouldn't take more than a few minutes each side. The last inch of the pallet closest to the throat is the trickiest as it may crack if you try to pry off the pallet too quickly or too soon. Again, heat is your friend.
Usually, there's enough tape left on the handle that you can just stick on the new pallet. I use hot glue or more double sided tape depending on how permanent i want the mod to be. FInally, use two 6" Irwin project clamps to make sure everything sticks together. Attach buttcap using your preferred method and you're good to go.

 

[Blade0324]

Teekaywhy has a good explanation of removing the old pallets. Heat is your friend and just go slow. As for obtaining new pallets I have bought mine in the states from **** Tennis. You can get Head shaped, Wilson or Prince shaped so that you can change size, shape etc.