Ektelon Stringer Problem

[hfmf]

Hey there,
I bought a Ektelon Model F stringer from my friend about a month ago for 350. He had JUST strung a racquet on it before turning it over to me, so I know it was working when HE was using it, but I haven't been able to get it to work well.

The problem is the braking mechanism for the tension crank. When I pull a string back, it goes till it pops, but then the plate that is supposed to brake the bar isn't clamped down tight enough to stop the crank from pulling back, releasing a lot of the tension. I'm not even trying high poundage... Only trying to string at 55. And it's still too strong for the break mechanism.

Any clues as to how to fix this? Is this a common problem?

There are adjustable hex and sockets on each side of the bolt with the breaking mechanism, and I've been playing with them to NO success. I've gotten it close, but never where it just locks down.

Thank you for any help or insight you might have!

 

[Irvin]

Clean the disk with alcohol then try to adjust.

 

[KerryR]

From my Ektelon H manual for "Tension head slips forward after locking":

"Remove cover, loosen cap screw and rotate tab affixed to spring upward to increase spring force, downward to decrease pressure. Note: Adjust tab no more than 1/8" in either direction."

The cap screw to which the above refers is immediately right of the spring when viewed from the disk side.

Also, the locking lever may need to be adjusted. When released, it should be 1 1/4" from the catch. This is done by rotating the locking bolt and socket head screw that the lever pivots on at the same time-- allen wrench on one side, box wrench on the other. When these are rotated at the same time, the lever will move toward or away from the catch. You may have to slightly loosen the assembly, by holding one and loosening the other to get it to move, then, when it's set, re-tighten...

Hope that points you in the right direction. I haven't had to do this on my H.

The guys at Tennis Machines can probably help, too...

 

[FLYTYER1964]

Tennismachines.com is a very helpful place they repair and service Prince and Ektelon machines. Good Luck getting it fixed.

 

[hfmf]

Thanks everyone. I've been tinkering with it and finally got it to work! Stringing is super fun.