Displaying / Storing Wood Racquets

[LOBALOT]

I have been acquiring a few decent wood racquets lately and I would like to display them in shadow boxes in our family room along with the tennis pictures, and trophies, we have assembled over the years.

I grew up at the tail end of wood racquets and recall all the "Don't lean the racquet against the wall".... "Make sure you get a bridge on that racquet"... etc.

Any suggestions out there for how to hang them in the boxes so they remain in good shape and do not warp?

I was thinking about displaying them horizontally with a support at 3 O'clock and another 1/2 way up the throat of the racquet but worry they will still warp.

Thanks

 

[dak95_00]

I have been acquiring a few decent wood racquets lately and I would like to display them in shadow boxes in our family room along with the tennis pictures, and trophies, we have assembled over the years.

I grew up at the tail end of wood racquets and recall all the "Don't lean the racquet against the wall".... "Make sure you get a bridge on that racquet"... etc.

Any suggestions out there for how to hang them in the boxes so they remain in good shape and do not warp?

I was thinking about displaying them horizontally with a support at 3 O'clock and another 1/2 way up the throat of the racquet but worry they will still warp.

Thanks

If they haven’t warped in the nearly 50 years of their life yet, unless you place them in a humid area with direct sunlight, they’re probably not going to warp.

 

[LOBALOT]

If they haven’t warped in the nearly 50 years of their life yet, unless you place them in a humid area with direct sunlight, they’re probably not going to warp.

Yeah my assumption is they were stored a little bit better than hanging on the wall though.

 

[esgee48]

Google How to prevent wood warping.
It is basically caused by uneven loss of moisture where the wood is stored. Some sort of humidity control is needed. If you could seal the wood completely is another option. I think this may imply removing the strings. In any case, lots of waxing may help.

 

[LOBALOT]

Google How to prevent wood warping.
It is basically caused by uneven loss of moisture where the wood is stored. Some sort of humidity control is needed. If you could seal the wood completely is another option. I think this may imply removing the strings. In any case, lots of waxing may help.

Thank you. I really want to protect these wood racquets given they are not made any more.

 

[DTA Dropshots]

Use silica desiccant packs (2" x 2") to stabilize the humidity level inside the shadow box. You should change them twice a year if you live in a high humidity area.

 

[LOBALOT]

Use silica desiccant packs (2" x 2") to stabilize the humidity level inside the shadow box. You should change them twice a year if you live in a high humidity area.

That is a great idea!

 

[esgee48]

Wouldn’t the dissicants make the situation worse? I can see where this would help if the wooden frames were already completely dried out, but if not, could start to dry the frames. Sealing the wood completely would definitely prevent moisture loss or consistent humidity while on display. If you have wet winters, there is high humidity and when you turn your heaters on, depending on whether it is radiant or forced air, will change the relative humidity a lot.

 

[DTA Dropshots]

I live in the southern USA. It is super humid here from May - October. I change mine out Mid-April and again early November during a low humidity day. In 35 years I have never had an issue with a frame. A super light rub of a rag with saddle soap to take care of the grips. When I have my wood racquets that I play with restrung I bring them home and vacuum seal them in a bag with a pack. After opening I just roll the edge shut until I get home and reseal them. It's a great way to get into someone's head, pull a fresh racquet out in front of a new opponent and using a letter opener open the bag.

 

[kevin qmto]

In a rolling duffel bag in my basement. Haven’t noticed any warping so far.

 

[LOBALOT]

I live in the southern USA. It is super humid here from May - October. I change mine out Mid-April and again early November during a low humidity day. In 35 years I have never had an issue with a frame. A super light rub of a rage with saddle soap to take care of the grips. When I have my wood racquets that I play with restrung I bring them home and vacuum seal them in a bag with a pack. After opening I just roll the edge shut until I get home and reseal them. It's a great way to get into someone's head, pull a fresh racquet out in front of a new opponent and using a letter opener open the bag.

Thank you!