Is it worth buying a guide/ pathfinder awl?

[Polotechnics]

Hi folks.

Do you guys every use a guide awl?

Is it worth buying one?

Cheers, Paul

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

[Irvin]

I use mine awl the time. But I could probably get along with a blunt needle. I doubt I really need it but I’d buy another if the 2 I have ever break.

 

[jim e]

I have one. I cannot remember last time I used it. Bought it in case I ran into a situation where I would need it. Just hasn't happened yet.I know Irvin uses his. I guess it's preferences.I typically plan ahead for blocked holes.I guess if a situation comes up even once where I would need it I would be happy I had it.So I keep it on my tray just in case.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

I don't have one; only time I ever wish I had one is when im working with multis and/or gut with blocked holes

 

[Stefanm]

When I’ve used it, I was happy to have had one. But its a pretty infrequent occurrence for me. I could certainly get by fine without one. As mentioned above, it can be handy for blocked holes and soft multifilaments and gut

 

[Irvin]

If you ever come up with a blocked hole it's too late. The pathfinder awl is very delicate and using it to open up a klocked hold will break it pretty quick. I string a lot of racket with an ATW pattern any mire and very often will use a tennis Yonex loop on the short side. I want the string I'm going to tie off going over the loop of string on the outside of the frame so I insert the awl and rung the string under the awl before tensioning. Then I run the string in the awl and pull it out.

EDIT: Using the awl to open up a blocked hole is a good way to break it. I use mine to completely elininate blocked holes.

 

[Shroud]

I am glad I have one. Stringing high tensions like I do, when I need it I need it.

Mine is bent to be sure but only a brute would break it.

FWIW my buddy would complain about what a pain blocked holes were on like every racquet he did so I bought him one...

 

[Irvin]

I am glad I have one. Stringing high tensions like I do, when I need it I need it.

Mine is bent to be sure but only a brute would break it.

FWIW my buddy would complain about what a pain blocked holes were on like every racquet he did so I bought him one...

If your awl is bent your using it wrong IMO. Gamma even shows forcing the awl in a blocked grommet to pull a string through but I think that’s wrong. Assume you have a 16M racket that skips 7&9 throat, ties off at 8 throat, and you're using Kevlar string. The 7th main passes diagonally through 8T so after all the mains are tensioned good luck getting a braided Kevlar string through 8T.

But if you insert the awl from the inside of the frame through 8T before you tension the 7th & 8th main it is very easy. Then after tensioning all the mains it is simple to pass the Kevlar string through the awl in 8T.

 

[LOBALOT]

I spent for what I believed to be the strongest built which to me was the Eagnas (All metal, etc.). I have tried the thing twice and both times it really didn't do anything that pre-planning with scrap string or just a little trimming of the tip of the string at a sharp angle didn't resolve. It just sits in my bench now. I don't restring many Pure Aeros with their woofer system which can make it tricky but even then I just use scraps of string. If it were me I would spend on making sure I had 2 starting clamps vs 1 starting clamp and a pathfinder awl.

 

[Irvin]

Hi folks.

Do you guys every use a guide awl?

Is it worth buying one?

Cheers, Paul

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

I guess it all depends on what you're trying to use the awl for. If you use it to open up a grommet to get the string in then it is not worth it use a regular awl or scrap string. If you are using the awl to keep the path open then it is worth it and almost indestructible. It is also useful in avoiding crossovers outside the frame.

 

[kato669]

Use it all the time, good to have

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[kato669]

Hi folks.

Do you guys every use a guide awl?

Is it worth buying one?

Cheers, Paul

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Use it all the time. Good tool to have

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[Steve Huff]

I've never used one, and never had one, and I've strung a lot of rackets.

 

[ElMagoElGato]

I've tried blunt needles but they never worked. PS85 has seriously blocked holes. It'd be a big help if they work. They just don't go in to the holes. If they are small enough to go in, then string doesn't go in to the needle.

 

[Irvin]

I've tried blunt needles but they never worked. PS85 has seriously blocked holes. It'd be a big help if they work. They just don't go in to the holes. If they are small enough to go in, then string doesn't go in to the needle.

That is the problem with the blunt needles the wall of the needle is too thick. I generally use a needle that fits in the grommet so the path is left open then cut the tip of the string to a sharp point and use the string to push the needle out. With the Pathdinder awl the wall is thinner which makes it possible for the awl to fit in the grommet and the string to fit into the awl.

The problem with the PS85 is the bottom tie off locations are 6&8 throat. If you can use an ATW pattern you can avoid the 8T tie off where the string from the 6th main travels diagonally through the grommet. If you’re stringing 2 piece because the 8T grommet is a tie off grommet the blunt needle should work fine for you.

 

[ElMagoElGato]

That is the problem with the blunt needles the wall of the needle is too thick. I generally use a needle that fits in the grommet so the path is left open then cut the tip of the string to a sharp point and use the string to push the needle out. With the Pathdinder awl the wall is thinner which makes it possible for the awl to fit in the grommet and the string to fit into the awl.

The problem with the PS85 is the bottom tie off locations are 6&8 throat. If you can use an ATW pattern you can avoid the 8T tie off where the string from the 6th main travels diagonally through the grommet. If you’re stringing 2 piece because the 8T grommet is a tie off grommet the blunt needle should work fine for you.

I've never done ATW or am not willing to do it either. It seems tedious. I envy those who can do it casually. I'd switch around 6T and 8T between main and cross if I can't find a way.

 

[TimeToPlaySets]

No, you don't need one.
I never use one.

I now use my starting clamp to push the string thru.
Works well for that. That's the only use I've found for a starting clamp

 

[Irvin]

Duplicate post

 

[Irvin]

I've never done ATW or am not willing to do it either. It seems tedious. I envy those who can do it casually. I'd switch around 6T and 8T between main and cross if I can't find a way.

Without a doubt an ATW is by far the easiest method to use when stringing a PS85. Your 2 tie off locations will be 5H and 6T. Your short side can be on either side but I prefer it on the left so my tie off will be on the bottom right and the easy weave will be when stringing crosses right to left. Run in and tension the 10 center mains, stop and preweave the last 3 mains on the long side, the bottom cross (start by going under the 6th main coming out of 6T, this puts the anchor string for the 17 cross tie off on top of the intersecting string,) and finish with the 8th main on the short side. Then run and tension the 7th main on the short side and the 6th main on the long side. Now preweave the top 2 crosses making sure you start by going over the 5th and 7th mains on the short side (the 6th main on the short side has not been ran in yet.) Finish by running in and tying off the 6th main on the short side. I prefer to use a Parnell loop on both tie offs. Finishing up the long side string is easy.

It is actually easier than it sounds.

 

[Rabbit]

@TimeToPlaySets , I've never used a starting clamp to push a string through. I have bent needle nose pliers for that. And there are a ton of uses for starting clamps. I love them.

 

[ElMagoElGato]

Without a doubt an ATW is by far the easiest method to use when stringing a PS85. Your 2 tie off locations will be 5H and 6T. Your short side can be on either side but I prefer it on the left so my tie off will be on the bottom right and the easy weave will be when stringing crosses right to left. Run in and tension the 10 center mains, stop and preweave the last 3 mains on the long side, the bottom cross (start by going under the 6th main coming out of 6T, this puts the anchor string for the 17 cross tie off on top of the intersecting string,) and finish with the 8th main on the short side. Then run and tension the 7th main on the short side and the 6th main on the long side. Now preweave the top 2 crosses making sure you start by going over the 5th and 7th mains on the short side (the 6th main on the short side has not been ran in yet.) Finish by running in and tying off the 6th main on the short side. I prefer to use a Parnell loop on both tie offs. Finishing up the long side string is easy.

It is actually easier than it sounds.

I hope it is actually easier. Anyway, it is a clear instruction to follow. I’ll do it when my mind is full of challenge.

 

[MAX PLY]

A starting clamp to push a string through a tight hole? Seems as effective as weaving crosses with oven mitts.

 

[jim e]

I now use my starting clamp to push the string thru.
Works well for that. That's the only use I've found for a starting clamp

There are many reasons for a starting clamp, your post comes at no surprise .
Comments like yours just shows your lack of stringing experience.
You can use a starting clamp to start cross strings, to start main strings using Yusuki method,or used just to back up the anchor clamp when starting mains, needed for many of the ATW patterns, some Babolat racquets if you want to string crosses top down, and pattern calls for top cross string to be tied to a cross string a starting clamp can accomplish that. I use it to flatten string end to make it easy to cut tip to a point to navigate string through blocked hole,
Some use starting clamp to cinch up knots.
Also comes in handy if when you get to a racquet to string and find out cross string length is 2-3 inches short to reach tension head on last cross string just what would you do @TimeToPlaySets , start all over, as starting clamp works great as bridge to finish as normal, string enough different racquets and that happens from time to time with all stringers.
Starting clamp is not necessary, but makes life better for a stringer.

 

[TimeToPlaySets]

A starting clamp to push a string through a tight hole? Seems as effective as weaving crosses with oven mitts.

It's actually insanely effective. Try it sometime. It's a very common use for the starting clamp.
I no longer bother using a scrap of string to use as a lever for blocked grommets

 

[TimeToPlaySets]

@TimeToPlaySets , I've never used a starting clamp to push a string through. I have bent needle nose pliers for that. And there are a ton of uses for starting clamps. I love them.

Try using the starting clamp. It's tons more effective than pliers because of the automatic tension.

 

[mmk]

A starting clamp to push a string through a tight hole? Seems as effective as weaving crosses with oven mitts.

The things you miss when you've put someone on your ignore list. Maybe I should change that for comic relief.

 

[Rabbit]

Try using the starting clamp. It's tons more effective than pliers because of the automatic tension.

I prefer the needle nose.

 

[MAX PLY]

It's actually insanely effective. Try it sometime. It's a very common use for the starting clamp.
I no longer bother using a scrap of string to use as a lever for blocked grommets

Darn, 40+ years of stringing experience and an MRT certification has been a lie and a waste of time and effort. . . I now have a new quest . . . I must become INSANELY EFFECTIVE!

 

[Rabbit]

@MAX PLY, and I supposed you've never used a screw driver to hammer a nail either?!?!?!?!? We have much to learn from TTPS.....

 

[CosmosMpower]

Nope, never need an awl. Cut the string at a sharp angle and use some small pliers to push it through.

 

[loosegroove]

@TimeToPlaySets , while I can see how using a starting clamp to push a string through could be effective, I find it much more efficient to use needle nose pliers as @Rabbit and others do. And there are many uses for a starting clamp, even a crappy Pro's Pro one like mine.

I'm still not sold on the pathfinder awl though. Mine just sits in the tool bag.

 

[am1899]

A starting clamp to push a string through a tight hole? Seems as effective as weaving crosses with oven mitts.

GOLD

 

[Rabbit]

Nope, never need an awl. Cut the string at a sharp angle and use some small pliers to push it through.

Exactly. It is just this side of amazing how cutting string at a sharp angle makes inserting it through a blocked hole almost effortless. Honestly, there are times I use my needle nose, can't get it in, stop, cut the string and can push it through with my fingers.

 

[Irvin]

For anyone that thinks a starting clamp is useful in pushing a string through anblocked hole they must be using poly. A 2 year old can push poly through a blocked hole. Try pushing a 18 g braided Kevlar string through a blocked hole with a starting clamp. Try cutting an 18 g braided Kevlar to a point! You better have some good side cutters, and if you do pushing the point through a blocked hole is next to impossible. But if there is a pathfinder awl in the grommet, you can push the 18 g Kevlar through the awl even if the end is frayed.

 

[Rabbit]

Try cutting an 18 g braided Kevlar to a point! You better have some good side cutters, and if you do pushing the point through a blocked hole is next to impossible. But if there is a pathfinder awl in the grommet, you can push the 18 g Kevlar through the awl even if the end is frayed.

And I was just about to post that a 2-year old could cut 18 gauge braided Kevlar to a point and then put it through a blocked hole. I guess it just depends on how good you are. Then again, none of my rackets "jump" off the Mighty Sensor after stringing.

 

[esgee48]

Do not have a pathfinder awl and do not plan on getting one. I have done my share of Pro Blend and I do not have issues getting the Kevlar thru "blocked holes." I use the 'borrow the GF's nail polish, apply to tip + 1 inch, cut to point after dry" routine. Works on soft SG, multis and NG. I also plan in advance to have a thick scrap in holes where 2 strings are needed.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

agree with a lot of the feedback here,
i would buy a pathfinder-awl if i worked extensively with multis and/or Kevlar (softer strings), where this specialty tool would come in handy most!! "every tool has its purpose!",
but since I work mainly with polys and/or syngut (stiffer strings), the occasional multi and/or nat.gut, a pathfinder-awl tool is not needed as much (various workarounds out there), for this, few and far between cases

 

[Shroud]

one of the reasons I stopped making my ShroudbiteTM which was metal and kevlar was because it was too big to fit through the pathfinder awl...

 

[Chadalina]

Have always used one, no idea people didnt. New grommets/rackets can be difficult with thicker string.

I also use mine to put on grommet sets as well, line up the tip to the hole and it snaps right in

 

[loosegroove]

A 2 year old can push poly through a blocked hole.

Sorry dude, but you're wrong! Just gave my two year-old son the end of some ALU Power to push through a partially blocked hole. Not only was he NOT able to get it through the hole, but he missed the point of the exercise completely, and proceeded to play tug of war with my Prince Neos 1500!...as to be expected, the Neos lost.

 

[kato669]

Nope, never need an awl. Cut the string at a sharp angle and use some small pliers to push it through.

+1, this is the preferred method, 97% of the time this works. For remaining 3, I'm glad I have the pathfinder

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[RyanRF]

I have an awl but never made use of it. Cutting the string to a point and then forcing through with needlenose pliers has always worked for me.

To be fair, I'm always stringing the same 2-3 racquet models with the same 2-3 types of string.

 

[elsk]

I use mine but only for my RF97 using 1.3mm string, I never need it when stringing a DR98 with 1.25mm strinf so it depends on the racket/string used.

 

[Rossyspsce]

After about 7 years of stringing, I realized that the slidy awl had a use and had made it a lot easier when doing hybrids with multi in the crosses and poly in the mains

 

[albertobra]

I use the pathfinder with multi at times. When there is a problem with a blocked hole, I look no further, just get that tool to resolve.

 

[Kevo]

I suspect the best answer is dependent on how often you use soft strings. I only remember one time I would have liked to have one. I was using a klip multi, sterling maybe, and it was turning into mush if it didn't push through on the first try. I think I had to re-cut the end of that string maybe 10 times before I finally got that frame done.

That is the only time I can recall I had to re-cut a string end more than once to get it through blocked holes. I do string some kevlar on occasion and never really have trouble with that, but mostly I use polys and syn guts. Usually have no trouble getting those through holes. Just cut a sharp enough angle and it's good.

 

[tennisbike]

I have one that came with the 2nd hand DW stringer I bought. I used to use it more often. Now I rarely reach for it.

One thing I found useful, to cut end of string into a sharp point, is using a scissor rather than a diagonal cutter. The shearing action cut cleaner then the di-cutter which squishes the string. I was having problem pushing gut through the tight Prince clear throat grommets. I trimmed the end of gut string multiple times and it went through. I always use a scissor to cut strings to length, and trim end of string from strung racket with a small diagonal cutter.

 

[jim e]

It probably depends on how sharp your cutters are more that what is used.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

I use the pathfinder with multi at times. When there is a problem with a blocked hole, I look no further, just get that tool to resolve.

agree
I feel that the pathfinder awl, is a "1-trick-pony",, but the one trick it does, it does it well!!

 

[LOBALOT]

Earlier in the post I said I hadn't used a pathfinder awl in a while. Well, my buddy came over at 930PM a few weekends ago with an older pro-staff with a request for a full bed of 16G NXT to be restrung prior to his district match the next morning. He had just finished playing and snapped the string.

I could not get the dag-gum last cross through the final grommet with the 2 strings blocking the way. I cut the string at an angle.. and tried... and tried.. and tried. Meanwhile, I was tired after a long day..... I am sure I will get feedback for not using the prescribed technique but I pulled out the pathfinder awl and it did the trick.

I guess I have to admit there are times it is needed but that is the fist time I have used one in over a year.