new grommets-help!

[msalamon]

I am installing new grommets and having a tought time. I cannot get the X string tied off because I cant get it through the new grommet. What type of awl should I get to make this work?

 

[esgee48]

Cut a sharp angle on the string you are trying to get thru the grommet. You may need to flip the point around a few times. Once you get the point of the poly embedded, use a needle nose plier to gently push the rest of the string thru until you can grab it on the other side. A little dab of vasoline or chapstick may also help. Another option that is frowned upon here is to use your awl to gently push a path thru the tie off hole. What you are trying to do is create a small path/groove for the cross to get thru.

What racquet and are you using the correct tie off for crosses?

Just realized your sig says MCS for a cross. That's a softish multi. May need to dab a little super glue on the tip to stiffen up the string.

 

[MAX PLY]

So I assume the grommets are already installed and you are restringing. I do not recommend you use an awl since there is already a tensioned main string in the hole--the risk of breaking is too great. Instead, you should use a "string awl" that is, take a piece of scrap string--the stiffer the better, cut as fine a point as you can on the tip and use your pliers to get it in the hole from either side. Once you are able to do that, put a little wax or chapstick on the scrap string awl and work it in the hole. This should give you clearance to get your tie off string through there. Good luck.

 

[msalamon]

for clarity and additional detail-I am stringing a PT57A with VS touch 16 in the mains and mosquito bite 18 in the crosses.

I am (trying to)tying off the cross at 12B---there are no mains in that hole-just the second to last cross line

I managed to install the grommets-they are brand new and thus not stretched out...

 

[MAX PLY]

Still think the sting awl is your best bet. Otherwise, you could back out the cross that is in the hole and use an awl to try to open it a bit but I wouldn't think that would be necessary with the thin gauge you are using.

 

[Chotobaka]

Smush the end of the string completely flat with your starting clamp then cut the tip of the string as thinly and sharp at the tip as possible. Dip in Chap Stick or Vaseline and you are ready to go. Use small straight nose pliers to push the string through the grommet in minuscule increments -- patience is key.

As an aside, with new grommet sets I like to run a piece of scrap poly through each grommet to make sure there aren't any issues with blockage/burs and enlarge and flare holes as required for the racquet. Kind of a homage to prepping with sand paper string on wooden racquets.

 

[Irvin]

Hopefully there is some extra string at the bottom. Back off tension so there is no tension on the anchor string. Then insert the tail from bottom cross. Tension all crosses and tie off.

 

[jim e]

for clarity and additional detail-I am stringing a PT57A with VS touch 16 in the mains and mosquito bite 18 in the crosses.

I am (trying to)tying off the cross at 12B---there are no mains in that hole-just the second to last cross line

I managed to install the grommets-they are brand new and thus not stretched out...

If above tips like small pointed string tip does not do it, then....
If you are tying off on 2nd to last cross string, then clamp off third to last cross, pull out bottom 2 cross strings, place lubed awl into grommet to make a little larger opening, then finish job.

 

[uk_skippy]

Head tie-off's for that type of frame are on the 3rd from bottom cross, which is 12B.

If you are trying 12B, there should be no probs; if you're trying 2nd from last cross then it'll be harder

Regards

Paul

 

[Irvin]

In post 4 he said he was using 12T, I'm wondering if he miscounted.

 

[uk_skippy]

for clarity and additional detail-I am stringing a PT57A with VS touch 16 in the mains and mosquito bite 18 in the crosses.

I am (trying to)tying off the cross at 12B---there are no mains in that hole-just the second to last cross line

I managed to install the grommets-they are brand new and thus not stretched out...

In post 4 he said he was using 12T, I'm wondering if he miscounted.

Irvin, technically he says 12B, but we all know he means 12th hole from the bottom/throat.

Regards

 

[msalamon]

thanks guys-I ended up getting an awl and pushing it gently through the grommet to widen it--the string went right through after that.