Supplies

[Kenny022593]

Alright i searched this and i guess i was not searching the right thing or nothing came up.

I am buying a Klippermate with my x-mas money and would like to know if i need more supplies than what comes with the machine or am i set? For instance will i NEED a starting clamp or is that just a luxury?

Thank you in advance.

 

[COPEY]

Alright i searched this and i guess i was not searching the right thing or nothing came up.

I am buying a Klippermate with my x-mas money and would like to know if i need more supplies than what comes with the machine or am i set? For instance will i NEED a starting clamp or is that just a luxury?

Thank you in advance.

Hey Kenny, I've only been stringing a few months, but in my opinion a starting clamp is a darn good tool to have. Yes, you can string without it, so it's obviously not a necessity, but check this thread out and then draw your own conclusions.

This is a good thread to read as well: http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=207401

 

[jim e]

For instance will i NEED a starting clamp or is that just a luxury?

Thank you in advance.

Kenny
Most machine purchases will start you out with the basics on what is needed. Start with just that in the beginning. You will know your likes for any additional supplies in short order, like the starting clamp.
A starting clamp is not a real necesity, but it makes life easier as the reasons below,you may want to consider one after a while once you start stringing a few.
I know that I posted these before, but it is appropriate here as well.They certainly are cheap enough as well.
These are my reasons below:

BTW, you can also use a floating clamp in place of a starting clamp as some well known stringers do, as it can accomplish the same goal. So if you have a Klippermate, it has floating clamps so they can work to make do for you.Keep that in mind.it will do everything listed below, except for #1 flattening out the end of the string, and a pair of pliers will do that.

Reasons for a starting clamp: Not a necessity.

1.I have used it for flattening out the tip end of the string, which made cutting the tip at an angle easier, to help slide the string through a blocked hole.
2.Also used to bridge a scrap piece of string, to extend the length of string to reach tension head when string was a little short.(This saved my behind a # of times, I could have tied a string, but that is time consuming, and not reliable!)I keep a separate starting clamp with a scrap string on it when this situation happens, I am all set to bridge the string.
3.Also, there are some racquets where the cross tie off to start is listed to tie on a cross string,one example,Babolat PStorm, the cross tieoff is on the 3rd cross (not on a main). You need a starting clamp so you can weave the first several crosses , then tieoff at the 11 H.as listed. You can enlargen a grommet if you want to as long as you do this before you start, but is not what manuf. stringing pattern lists
4.I also use a starting clamp to start my crosses, so all knots are the same,and you would not be tying off on a main string and pulling tension against it, and when using thin gut or other 'fragile' multifilament strings, and especially at higher tensions, it is not uncommon to snap that first cross string right at the knot or at the two sharp turns the string makes, With using a starting clamp, you do not pull tension against these turns. The USRSA stated at the stringers symposium Oct.(2008 ) that they will be updating their recommended procedure, for using the starting clamp use to start crosses.Starting knots could be a thing of the past.
5. Some ATW patterns require the use of a starting clamp, (Or use of flying clamp, to use like a starting clamp), to hold the tension of the string on outside of the frame, until you free up a machine clamp
6. They are relatively cheap to purchase, and it makes life easier.

 

[tennisINmyBLOOD]

I just starting stringing and I would say that you may require additional tools.

I find that a pathfinder awl is very useful when getting a string through a hole that has been blocked by a main string. It saves you a lot of time and also protects the string as well. I don't think it is a necessity, but it sure makes the job easier.
Here is the link that demonstrates how to use this tool (Thanks YUlitle!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRjoiaJad6Q

Also, a pair of diagonal cutters would be necessary. The pliers that the klippermate come with don't cut the string very well. You could also use a nail clipper, but I'm not sure if this is good for the string.

I have the Gamma X-2 and have strung two racquets so far, no starting clamp needed. It would definitely be something to invest in in the future, but for now, I am perfectly fine without it.

 

[SirGounder]

I'm pretty new to stringing as well but have not found a need for a starting clamp. I think I will invest in one soon. I think a starting clamp is a really nice thing to have but not absolutely necessary. You can decide for yourself once you start.

I had picked up a plier set from Lowe's to use for fishing. It was an 8 piece set and I only needed 3 of them for fishing. The other pliers I have found to be perfect for stringing. I have a cutter that works great for string and some needle nose pliers that work great too. For $11 it was a heck of a deal.

Some sort of measuring device is good to have. I use the vinyl tiles in my kitchen. I double checked to make sure they are 1 foot and stretch out my string along the floor to measure it out.

 

[Steve Huff]

I've been stringing since 1979 and have never had a starting clamp. But, as Jim mentioned, some newer rackets require you to start the crosses tied off to another cross. In cases like this, a starting clamp or a 3rd floating clamp is sure handy. You can get around it, but it makes life easier.