Floating clamps or starting clamps?

[indpndntrd]

Hey guys,

Newbie stringer here. I decided to save some money and buy a used klipper on ****. Unfortunately, it comes with no tools whatsoever. My question now is what kind of clamp do I need to string? I've looked on TW and it seems there are two options: floating clamps or the starting clamp. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Power Player]

Buy 2 floating clamps and 1 starting clamp and you will be all set. Hopefully that Klipper was under $100.

 

[bcart1991]

Two Klippermate floating clamps and a starting clamp and you're set. I need to get a starting clamp...

 

[charlesburd]

agree with other posters on two flying clamps and a starting clamp.

in addition, you should get a pair of needle nose pliers for pulling strings at tie off.

a diagonal cutter is good for cutting out old strings and trimming tag ends after string tie off.

at some point in your stringing you will probably need to use an awl.

stringway flying clamps seem to be the best available but they would probably cost more than your klippermate machine. there clamps would be a good match for your machine. klippermate also recommends using a starting pin which they sell.

there are some good vidoeos by yulitle that show how to use flying clamps and other tools. you can google to find his web site.

have fun.

 

[roperteacher]

If you have a klipper you don't even need a starting clamp. I used a klipper for 4 years and did hundreds of string jobs on it. COmes with a starting pin. Go to the Klipper website or call them and buy their clamps ( 35.00 each) and their package that comes with new machines. You should get a book, tools etc all together.

 

[bcart1991]

If you have a klipper you don't even need a starting clamp.

True, but it makes a two-piece job a LOT easier to start from the head.

 

[jgrushing]

True, but it makes a two-piece job a LOT easier to start from the head.

Why is starting a two piece job from the head any different? I use the starting pin all the time, two piece, one piece, head, throat, whatever. I've probably strung at least 500 racquets on my Klippermate and don't own a starting clamp.

 

[bcart1991]

I guess I just never did it enough for it to be second nature on the crosses. 99% of the time I string only for myself, so I usually do one-piece.

I still don't like to weave ahead...

 

[roperteacher]

I hate one piece! All that string to pull. LOL But you HAVE to start all crosses at the head on most rackets or it will damage the frame.

 

[bcart1991]

It's just a little extra for the first half of the crosses.

I've strung every frame I've owned since '99 one-piece starting the crosses at the throat and I've never damaged a frame. As long as you're careful...

 

[struggle]

agree with other posters on two flying clamps and a starting clamp.

in addition, you should get a pair of needle nose pliers for pulling strings at tie off.

a diagonal cutter is good for cutting out old strings and trimming tag ends after string tie off.

at some point in your stringing you will probably need to use an awl.

stringway flying clamps seem to be the best available but they would probably cost more than your klippermate machine. there clamps would be a good match for your machine. klippermate also recommends using a starting pin which they sell.

there are some good vidoeos by yulitle that show how to use flying clamps and other tools. you can google to find his web site.

have fun.

use needlnose to fish and push string through a hole, but use
your starting clamp to pull knots if you must. i do, works great.
some guys just pull them tight by hand. burly.

 

[roperteacher]

Lot of times they say if you start at the throat you will void the frame warranty. How are they going to know? LOLOL

 

[jim e]

Lot of times they say if you start at the throat you will void the frame warranty. How are they going to know? LOLOL

So when you string a clients racquet and decide to string that Head racquet bottom up and it cracks, you are then going to tell them to send it back under warranty? If you strung it top down this is no issue to deal with. Plus its no big deal to string top down. Todays racquets are stronger and can take a great deal of abuse, but why subject it to what is not necessary?
I guess if you string at a big box store it would suffice, as I seen some bad stringing practices at a couple of them.

 

[Irvin]

Lot of times they say if you start at the throat you will void the frame warranty. How are they going to know? LOLOL

It appears you are well aware of some manufacturer's policies. Therefore, if you choose to string a racket and ignore the manufacturer's recommended procedures, knowing full well it may void the warranty and accept pay for that service, guess who picks up the warranty?

Do a good job stringing a racket and the customer will play with the racket and may come back the next time. And maybe they will tell someone else how good your work is. Do a bad job and they will tell everyone they know how bad a stringer you are and you will never see them again.

Irvin