Now that I've been string for several months..

[eelhc]

Now that I've been string for several months there are still a couple of basic Stringing 101 questions I have:

Opening a new Single Set
The tie wraps on some 40ft length single sets are so tight that they're actually crushing/bruising the strings.... very annoying.
It's hard to get the get the diagonal cutters in there without risking damage to the strings so I tend to just pull on the end of the string through the tie wrap multiple times so there's room to get a cutter in there. Any better/easier method?

Adjusting Clamps
I'll take a piece of scrap (I'll actually cut some from a new set if I think I'll have sufficient length left over) and pull tension on it several times each time adjusting the clamp so that it just stops slipping and add a bit or margin. After I'm done with a string job I'll save the leftover scrap in the package and use it to adjust the clamps each time I do a job with that particular string. Am I overly paranoid about crushing/bruising strings or making clamp adjustment ore complicated than it needs to be?

 

[Tamiya]

Opening a new Single Set
The tie wraps on some 40ft length single sets are so tight that they're actually crushing/bruising the strings.... very annoying.
It's hard to get the get the diagonal cutters in there without risking damage to the strings so I tend to just pull on the end of the string through the tie wrap multiple times so there's room to get a cutter in there. Any better/easier method?

Just snip into the ziptie's head with your ****s, it'll release.
Blades don't need to go anywhere near the string.

 

[diredesire]

Now that I've been string for several months there are still a couple of basic Stringing 101 questions I have:

Opening a new Single Set
The tie wraps on some 40ft length single sets are so tight that they're actually crushing/bruising the strings.... very annoying.
It's hard to get the get the diagonal cutters in there without risking damage to the strings so I tend to just pull on the end of the string through the tie wrap multiple times so there's room to get a cutter in there. Any better/easier method?

Adjusting Clamps
I'll take a piece of scrap (I'll actually cut some from a new set if I think I'll have sufficient length left over) and pull tension on it several times each time adjusting the clamp so that it just stops slipping and add a bit or margin. After I'm done with a string job I'll save the leftover scrap in the package and use it to adjust the clamps each time I do a job with that particular string. Am I overly paranoid about crushing/bruising strings or making clamp adjustment ore complicated than it needs to be?

You can clip the tie head, or just stick your cutters right into the tie and cut. It's pretty difficult to cut the string underneath, TBH. The strings are all parallel, and the cutter heads are presumably aligned. Unless you approach diagonal to the tie, the risk of cutting the string is very low...

I'm surprised you've seen "crushing" by the tie. I've never seen this in my 10+ years behind the machine.

As far as string adjustment, yes, you're probably being a bit paranoid. When the first main or so is under tension, just clamp on it and make your adjustments there. Assuming the previous string you strung was within a gauge (or two!) it's hard to crush strings. You might err on the side of caution on a delicate string and test on a string end instead of right in the middle of the racquet, but your clamps are going to be pretty "close" regardless. You'll feel if they're too tight before you lock all the way down on the clamp, too.

 

[Clintspin]

You can also try this: use your needle nose pliers or any pliers to grab the tie head and give it a twist. That will snap about 6 out of 10 ties.

For string clamp adjustment just use the end of the string you are getting ready to string. It's not going to hurt you to damage the very end and you can play around getting it just right for you. Of course you can always cut that little section away once you are satisfied.

 

[Irvin]

I agree with DD on zips too tight never seen one crushing the string.

Forbadjusting a clamp you want the string tight enough to hold the string but not damage it. Set your tension to 60 lbs and use a scrap string . Adjust the clamps until it slips when you pull tension around a friction point. By that I mean clamp one string next to the grommet then go through two grommets to the next string and tension that free string. If the string does not slip move the clamp to a new spot on the string, losen the clamp, and repeat. Once you find the point where it just slips you can tighten just so it does not. Then you can get the feel for how tight the clamps have to be.

 

[Radicalized]

It's probably more difficult, but you can also release zip-ties by inserting a small, firm point in the head and move the pawl that holds the teeth away from the tape. Not just for tennis, but in general, I've used the ends of compasses, small/sharp finishing nails, and whatever else fits. Generally, high-end ties are easier because the plastic isn't as soft.

And aside from diagonal cutters, I have small end cutters in the set that I use to squeeze sideways into the tie to make it fail. Again, it's unlikely you'll do damage.

 

[Lakers4Life]

Now that I've been string for several months there are still a couple of basic Stringing 101 questions I have:

Opening a new Single Set
The tie wraps on some 40ft length single sets are so tight that they're actually crushing/bruising the strings.... very annoying.
It's hard to get the get the diagonal cutters in there without risking damage to the strings so I tend to just pull on the end of the string through the tie wrap multiple times so there's room to get a cutter in there. Any better/easier method?

Like the others said, cut the square lock on one side, it's easier with flush cutters than with diagonal cutters. Or insert a pin into the lock and the end will slide right out. I find the ones with the logo fob are easier to just pull out and re-use for half sets.

Adjusting Clamps
I'll take a piece of scrap (I'll actually cut some from a new set if I think I'll have sufficient length left over) and pull tension on it several times each time adjusting the clamp so that it just stops slipping and add a bit or margin. After I'm done with a string job I'll save the leftover scrap in the package and use it to adjust the clamps each time I do a job with that particular string. Am I overly paranoid about crushing/bruising strings or making clamp adjustment ore complicated than it needs to be?

If you adjust the clamp pressure to hold the string under tension, that's too much pressure and you will crush the string. String will slip if pulled directly without going through a grommet loop. You only have to worry about string slipping when you are starting mains. That's why some people use a starting clamp to back up the string clamp when starting mains.

 

[eelhc]

I'm surprised you've seen "crushing" by the tie. I've never seen this in my 10+ years behind the machine.

The Strings I saw this on was the Ashaway Dynamite Soft 18 which is a Zyex multifilament. The tie wraps were so tight I actually had difficulty pulling an end out underneath it. This is also happens to be a very soft string.

I love this string BTW...

 

[struggle]

i usually just pop the zip tie off by twisting it with my fingers, otherwise if it's too dificult I'll do as others have said.

regarding clamps, i adjust them based on slippage (or lack of).
often I'll place a finger on the string where it come out of the clamp and feel if it slips as i release tension (lockout in my case). or make a tiny mark with a sharpie and observe as tension is released.

 

[Woolybugger]

after stringing a few months, you should be able to get a "feel" for how tight your clamp needs to be. just trust your instincts.

 

[zapvor]

i am barely looking when i cut the tie and i have never come close to cutting the string. you are just new and being paranoid

 

[sstchur]

The Strings I saw this on was the Ashaway Dynamite Soft 18 which is a Zyex multifilament. The tie wraps were so tight I actually had difficulty pulling an end out underneath it. This is also happens to be a very soft string.

I love this string BTW...

This string lasted me about 45 minutes before it broke, and no, it wasn't a mishit.

 

[eelhc]

This string lasted me about 45 minutes before it broke, and no, it wasn't a mishit.

The Dynamite 18 for me lasted ~20HRs before it broke. I did not use any string savers (no sense in using $8 string savers for a $12 string). My pro... who uses the same string will break a set in less than an hour uses string savers.