How to adjust gripper plates on a NEOS stringer

[LocNetMonster]

Teaching someone to string today on their machine, I found the two panels that grip the string, even with the adjustment screw on the back all the way out, won't keep the string from sliding through. Even with the adjustment screw backed all the way out, the string still slipped in the gripper. Is there a way to narrow the gap between the two plates? I ended up sticking a business card between the panels which worked great, but I assume there has to be a way to adjust the gripping panels. Is there? Before breaking down and buying a new tension mechanism, I wanted to check here to see if anyone here has a fix. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

 

[esgee48]

Clean the gripper plates?

With the adjustment screw back out all the way, the plates should close up completely. If they don’t, the bearings may need lubrication. You should be able to move the plates by hand until they close. If you can’t, you have a mechanical issue.

 

[Irvin]

Teaching someone to string today on their machine, I found the two panels that grip the string, even with the adjustment screw on the back all the way out, won't keep the string from sliding through. Even with the adjustment screw backed all the way out, the string still slipped in the gripper. Is there a way to narrow the gap between the two plates? I ended up sticking a business card between the panels which worked great, but I assume there has to be a way to adjust the gripping panels. Is there? Before breaking down and buying a new tension mechanism, I wanted to check here to see if anyone here has a fix. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Clean the gripper plates. If they still slip clean them better.

 

[struggle]

lube the bearings

 

[LocNetMonster]

Clean the gripper plates. If they still slip clean them better.

Thanks, but they were thoroughly cleaned. The gap between the plates is too far apart.

 

[LocNetMonster]

lube the bearings

Thanks, but that is not an issue. The plates move just fine. The gap between the plates is too large and does not adjust with the set screw.

 

[LocNetMonster]

Clean the gripper plates?

With the adjustment screw back out all the way, the plates should close up completely. If they don’t, the bearings may need lubrication. You should be able to move the plates by hand until they close. If you can’t, you have a mechanical issue.

Thanks. Gripper plates were cleaned thoroughly after the first five attempts to pull tension... LOL ... The plate movement is smooth. The gap between the plates is too wide. I have a Toalson unit and the space between the plates is 1/2 of the space between the two plates on the machine we were reviving.

 

[Irvin]

The gap between the plates is too far apart.

What is the gap between the 2 gripper plates? On my linear gripper the only thing that stops the 2 gripper plates from going forward (with nothing between them) is the gripper plates touching each other.

 

[LocNetMonster]

What is the gap between the 2 gripper plates? On my linear gripper the only thing that stops the 2 gripper plates from going forward (with nothing between them) is the gripper plates touching each other.

 

[georgeyew]

How far do the plates slide forward?

 

[LocNetMonster]

How far do the plates slide forward?

To the end of the track

 

[LocNetMonster]

How far do the plates slide forward?

With a folded business card inserted in the gap, the assembly works with the adjustment screw backed nearly completely out.

 

[esgee48]

Can you adjust the spacing of the metal blocks that the gripper rides on? Maybe the bearings are worn? TBH, this never happened to me when I used a LO Neos.

 

[LocNetMonster]

Can you adjust the spacing of the metal blocks that the gripper rides on? Maybe the bearings are worn? TBH, this never happened to me when I used a LO Neos.

Four set screws hold the sides together and they are tightened down. Perhaps the bearings are worn I can't see how given the unit is only 4-5 years old and maybe had a couple hundred racquets strung on it, according to the coach. It had been sitting for a couple of years because no one knew how to use it.

Nope, never seen this on my LO Toalson or any other machine, myself, either. The spacing between the two plates on my machine and the one I was working on yesterday is noticeably different.

 

[Rabbit]

At this point, I'd give JC at Tennis Machines a call. Worst case you can send the assembly in. They used to have loaner tensioners available.

 

[LocNetMonster]

At this point, I'd give JC at Tennis Machines a call. Worst case you can send the assembly in. They used to have loaner tensioners available.

Thank you. Super worst case is they'll need to buy another one.

 

[brownbearfalling]

Was the tension mechanism ever disassembled? Just throwing out ideas but you might be missing some bearings. The bearings sit on a gradient slot on the grippers. When pressed forward the gradient causes the plates to close. Another possibility, were the gripper plates installed incorrectly?

Both these are highly unlikely. throwing it out there because your issue is uncommon. It’s more common that the gripper plates close too much.

 

[LocNetMonster]

Was the tension mechanism ever disassembled? Just throwing out ideas but you might be missing some bearings. The bearings sit on a gradient slot on the grippers. When pressed forward the gradient causes the plates to close. Another possibility, were the gripper plates installed incorrectly?

Both these are highly unlikely. throwing it out there because your issue is uncommon. It’s more common that the gripper plates close too much.

I don't know much about the history of the machine other than it had not been used in quite some time. It is possible that it is missing a few bearings, but I don't see how that is possible. At this point, I'm going to recommend the coach contact Tennis Machines.