New to stringing, Is it okay to use a double or triple clamp as a starting clamp?

[Rally]

I just bought a machine with 2 triple clamps and one double clamp. From what I understand, I only need 2 clamps inside the racquet so the third one will just be sitting on the side unused. Can I use that (which I assume is going to be the double clamp) as a starting clamp?

 

[Irvin]

If you do what two strings are you going to clamp the string to tension with?

 

[Rally]

If you do what two strings are you going to clamp the string to tension with?

I'm supposed to clamp off one side with a starting clamp and then proceed stringing normally on the other side, right?

 

[Irvin]

I'm supposed to clamp off one side with a starting clamp and then proceed stringing normally on the other side, right?

Not with flying clamps.

 

[Rally]

Not with flying clamps.

How should I start stringing? Do I pull both ends of the string through the racquet, clamp one end, pull tension in the other end, clamp off at the base, string the next main, and repeat?

 

[esgee48]

Edited:

I would do L1, L2 and R1. First pull is from the tip, so the loops are one at the tip and one at the throat (center mains.) Clamp L2 and L1 near the tip inside the hoop using a double. Then pull tension on R1, which should also tension L1. You may have to move left or right one main depending on whether the mains start in the throat or tip. I am assuming you have a DW. Let the weight pull on the strings for at least 20 seconds since it is pulling around 2 turns. The strings will stretch so readjust if needed. Clamp L1 and R1 inside the hoop and continue the mains normally.

Where are you people getting the idea that you use a flying clamp outside the hoop? This idea/technique was borrowed from the KM site and replaces their starting pin if you don't have one (or don't have a starting clamp.)

 

[Irvin]

How should I start stringing? Do I pull both ends of the string through the racquet, clamp one end, pull tension in the other end, clamp off at the base, string the next main, and repeat?

You would have been better off with two double clamps and one triple. Run in the two center mains and clamp then together near the frame where the mains start. Tension one main and clamp it outside the frame with another clamp. Tension the other main and clamp to other main. Now that you have two main in use your triple clamps to tension and clamp all the strings.

 

[Rally]

Are there any advantages in 2 triples and 1 double over just 2 singles or 2 doubles?

 

[Rally]

I would do L1, L2 and R1. Clamp L2 and L1 near the tip. Then pull tension on R1. You may have to move left or right one main depending on whether the mains start in the throat or tip. I am assuming you have a DW. Let the weight pull on the strings for at least 20 seconds since it is pulling around 2 turns. The strings will stretch so readjust if needed. Clamp L1 and R1 and continue the mains normally.

Yeah, I have a dropweight. Does clamping L1 and L2 and pulling tension on R1 put any extra stress on the frame than just clamping L1 and R1 and pulling tension in R1?

 

[Irvin]

I would do L1, L2 and R1. Clamp L2 and L1 near the tip. Then pull tension on R1.

at some point you are double pulling 2 strings.

 

[4-string]

If you do what two strings are you going to clamp the string to tension with?

If he clamps outside the frame, he doesn't need two strings.

 

[Irvin]

If he clamps outside the frame, he doesn't need two strings.

Think before you respond. If he clamps L1 and L2 outside the frame how will he / she tension R1? You're going to lock up a clamp. Remember were talking to a new stringer and he/she has no idea if the advice he is receiving is good or bad until he tries it. Then he / she will probably wonder why it does not work.

 

[4-string]

With three clamps no problem using one of them outside the frame.

And I'm pretty sure OP wonders if a flying clamp can be used in the same way as a starting clamp, which does involve only one string. Where do 1 and 2 outside the frame enter the picture?

 

[Rally]

So should I use the double clamp inside the frame to clamp L1 and R1 and use one of the triple clamps to clamp L1 outside of the frame and pull tension in R1?

 

[Irvin]

So should I use the double clamp inside the frame to clamp L1 and R1 and use one of the triple clamps to clamp L1 outside of the frame and pull tension in R1?

Se any clamp you want but remember if you have fewer than three in a triple (or two in a double) you have to adjust.

 

[Rally]

Se any clamp you want but remember if you have fewer than three in a triple (or two in a double) you have to adjust.

How should I adjust?

 

[Irvin]

You adjust so it holds the string. If you only have one string in a triple clamp it will close farther so there is no pressure if you don't tighten it. Then if it hold 1 string right you won't get it to close on 3.

 

[Irvin]

It would be so much easier with a starting clamp. If a racket starts in throat run in the center two mains and clamp then with a double inside the frame at the throat. Pull one main from head and clamp with SC outside the frame at head. Pull other main and move double to head to clamp center two strings. Pull 2nd main on side not held with SC and use triple in throat. Remove double, and tension 3rd main. Use triple at head. Then 4th and move triple to throat. Tension 1 main again, remove SC, and hold with triple. Tension and clamp 5 more mains then switch to other side to finish using only triple clamps.

 

[Rally]

It would be so much easier with a starting clamp. If a racket starts in throat run in the center two mains and clamp then with a double inside the frame at the throat. Pull one main from head and clamp with SC outside the frame at head. Pull other main and move double to head to clamp center two strings. Pull 2nd main on side not held with SC and use triple in throat. Remove double, and tension 3rd main. Use triple at head. Then 4th and move triple to throat. Tension 1 main again, remove SC, and hold with triple. Tension and clamp 5 more mains then switch to other side to finish using only triple clamps.

Besides the triple clamp being longer and being able to clamp 3 strings instead of one, will I have any tension loss if I use it instead of a starting clamp?

 

[seekay]

An alternative to adjusting the clamp every time is to put some scrap string in the unused side of the double clamp. That will allow it to reliably grab onto a single string, and you can use it like a starting clamp.

 

[4-string]

When I hear triple clamp I think Stringway. If Stringway is what OP has, adjusting is as simple as can be. Adjustments can be made with one hand in a couple of seconds, no biggie. Scrap string would also work.

That being said, get a starting clamp!

 

[Irvin]

Besides the triple clamp being longer and being able to clamp 3 strings instead of one, will I have any tension loss if I use it instead of a starting clamp?

At the point you're at it will be close and as soon as you tension the string to take off the clamp any tension that was lost is recovered, so why worry?

 

[Rally]

At the point you're at it will be close and as soon as you tension the string to take off the clamp any tension that was lost is recovered, so why worry?

That's a relief.

For everyone saying I should invest in a starting clamp, can I get one for under $15? I don't have $35 right now to spend on a starting clamp.

 

[Irvin]

That's a relief.

For everyone saying I should invest in a starting clamp, can I get one for under $15? I don't have $35 right now to spend on a starting clamp.

No I don't know of any that inexpensive. Just wait until you feel like you can afford one and get it then it is not a necessity, just a nice to have tool.

 

[Rally]

No I don't know of any that inexpensive. Just wait until you feel like you can afford one and get it then it is not a necessity, just a nice to have tool.

After I get a starting clamp, will I be able to use both triple clamps and the double clamp for stringing or will I not need all three clamps?

 

[Irvin]

I would prefer to have 1 SC, and 2 double clamps than , 2 triple clamps without a SC.

 

[Rally]

I would prefer to have 1 SC, and 2 double clamps than , 2 triple clamps without a SC.

I guess my real question is this. Will I be better off with 2 triple clamps, 1 double clamp, and 1 starting clamp than if I only had 1 triple clamp, 1 double clamp, and 1 starting clamp? Is there any advantage in having an extra triple clamp? Time, tension maintenance, etc?

 

[Irvin]

I guess my real question is this. Will I be better off with 2 triple clamps, 1 double clamp, and 1 starting clamp than if I only had 1 triple clamp, 1 double clamp, and 1 starting clamp? Is there any advantage in having an extra triple clamp? Time, tension maintenance, etc?

It may be slightly more convenient but I would rather have 1 SC and any combination of 2 other clamps. BUT you should know you're talking to someone that uses fixed clamps and flying clamps.

 

[Rally]

It may be slightly more convenient but I would rather have 1 SC and any combination of 2 other clamps. BUT you should know you're talking to someone that uses fixed clamps and flying clamps.

Is it a personal preference for you or do you actually get more utility with having only 2 clamps and a starting clamp?

 

[Irvin]

Is it a personal preference for you or do you actually get more utility with having only 2 clamps and a starting clamp?

I'm not going there. It will just start an argument but IMO comparing flying clamps to fixed clamps is like comparing toys to real tools.

 

[Rally]

I'm not going there. It will just start an argument but IMO comparing flying clamps to fixed clamps is like comparing toys to real tools.

I won't argue with you. I'm very new to stringing so I'm all ears to every style of stringing. I'm just looking to learn.

 

[spoonfed]

It would be so much easier with a starting clamp. If a racket starts in throat run in the center two mains and clamp then with a double inside the frame at the throat. Pull one main from head and clamp with SC outside the frame at head. Pull other main and move double to head to clamp center two strings. Pull 2nd main on side not held with SC and use triple in throat. Remove double, and tension 3rd main. Use triple at head. Then 4th and move triple to throat. Tension 1 main again, remove SC, and hold with triple. Tension and clamp 5 more mains then switch to other side to finish using only triple clamps.

Sorry to bump an old thread, but just to make sure. I'm in the process of ordering a stringway machine - and in their offer they included an extra triple flying clamp. (One double and one triple comes with the machine.) I already own a starting clamp. If I read these instructions correctly, I should simply instruct them to remove the extra triple flying clamp from their offer and save myself some money?

 

[Irvin]

Sorry to bump an old thread, but just to make sure. I'm in the process of ordering a stringway machine - and in their offer they included an extra triple flying clamp. (One double and one triple comes with the machine.) I already own a starting clamp. If I read these instructions correctly, I should simply instruct them to remove the extra triple flying clamp from their offer and save myself some money?

I’d rather have 2 double clamps and 1 triple. Often when you clamp with a triple you’re only clamping 2 strings and you’ll have to adjust the clamp switching from2 string to 3 and back.

 

[spoonfed]

I’d rather have 2 double clamps and 1 triple. Often when you clamp with a triple you’re only clamping 2 strings and you’ll have to adjust the clamp switching from2 string to 3 and back.

Thank you, I understand. But could I make do with 1 double and 1 triple and the starting clamp I already own? I've been watching a few of your videos on starting mains with flying clamps and a starting clamp, and it looks like I should.

I'm only used to fixed clamps and the way some people start their mains with flying clamps seems a bit off to me, btw. They double clamp the first two mains in the middle of the strings - and never pull them. They only pull the third and forth mains, and so forth. Could that really produce good results?

Thanks for always replying, @Irvin

 

[Irvin]

A double and a triple would be fine

 

[Jerry Seinfeld]

I guess my real question is this. Will I be better off with 2 triple clamps, 1 double clamp, and 1 starting clamp than if I only had 1 triple clamp, 1 double clamp, and 1 starting clamp? Is there any advantage in having an extra triple clamp? Time, tension maintenance, etc?

Two triples and a double is a great setup! Use the double plus 1 triple to get started and then convert to using two triples for your mains. The triples maintain good alignment/less twisting. When getting to crosses you may need to use the triple as a double with big space for bottom and maybe top. For rest of crosses, I would just use the double. Triples on crosses leave a les perfectly aligned stringbed to clean up after removing from the machine. I do believe for starting you will eventually want to add a starting clamp. They come in handy, but are not absolutely necessary.