Tie Off holes

[DKL]

Hello all, I guess I am the newest stringer here. So again, another amature mistake on my part. I finished stringing a racquet and now it is time to use the tie off knot, But I cant get the string through the hole to tie it off with, because the grommet is too tight. Is there a way to widen the grommet after the strings have been strung?

I assume now, I have to have an exit strategy before I even start the stringing, to know what holes I will need to tie off with. Do you widen the gromment before hand?

Thanks again

DKL

 

[weaver]

when i get a new racquet i usually use an awl to widen the gromment. As for now, you can still use the awl, just be careful not to hit the string and slice it while widening it. That's really the only help i can think of... good luck and you'll get the hang of stringing soon enough!

 

[jazar]

yeah leave an awl in the grommet for a few minutes, then use a pair of small pliers to guide the string through.

i was stringing an old drive z lite last night in wilson ultimate syn gut 1.35 and when it came to tying off the crosses, the string wouldnt fit. i literally had to leave an awl in the grommet for at least 5 minutes before it was wide enough to fit the string all the way through

 

[themitchmann]

Before you stick an awl in the grommet, try cutting the end of the tie-off string at an a thin angle...the thinner, the better. Guide the string into the grommet with some pliers, and hope that some of it might make its way through. Then you can grab the end with pliers, and pull the rest through.

You can also put a little lubrication on the string end, like some paraffin wax (or even some wax paper). Simply rub the wax on the end of the string, and work it gently into the grommet. I've also heard of using chapstick on awls when widening grommets, but I don't know about using it on the string itself. Good luck.

What racket is it, by the way?

 

[jim e]

Before you cut at a thin angle as described above, use a pair of pliers,and flatten the string on the end, then cut at an angle,as thin as you can, then apply a very very small amount of super glue to the tip, allow to dry, then try to slip through.If you work at it ,you should be able to get away without using the awl, as if you are careless with the awl, you could nick the string, and you will be starting over real soon. Best to stay away from the awl if you can.Good luck!

 

[kinsella]

are you absolutely sure you are trying to tie off in the correct hole? I agree that you should avoid the awl. I cut the end at an angle, then grab the string about 1/4" from the grommet and press straight in. This usually gets by any string obstructions. I have never had the grommet too narrow unless I was trying to tie off in the wrong hole.

 

[Gmedlo]

are you absolutely sure you are trying to tie off in the correct hole? I agree that you should avoid the awl. I cut the end at an angle, then grab the string about 1/4" from the grommet and press straight in. This usually gets by any string obstructions. I have never had the grommet too narrow unless I was trying to tie off in the wrong hole.

Some racquets only have one enlarged hole in each corner of the racquet, so doing a two piece requires one of the holes to be widened. I've learned to hate my friend's Drive-Z Lite (old version, new one was fixed!).

 

[themitchmann]

Before you cut at a thin angle as described above, use a pair of pliers,and flatten the string on the end, then cut at an angle,as thin as you can, then apply a very very small amount of super glue to the tip, allow to dry, then try to slip through.If you work at it ,you should be able to get away without using the awl, as if you are careless with the awl, you could nick the string, and you will be starting over real soon. Best to stay away from the awl if you can.Good luck!

Agreed. I usually don't have to get to this point, but is a good option. You can also use some nail clear coat/hardener if you don't have super glue. Again, STAY AWAY FROM THE AWL!

 

[dancraig]

If you must use the awl, cut the string point to a sharp angle. Carefully insert the awl and leave in the grommet for a moment. Then place the tip of the string right up along side the shaft of the awl, where it enters the grommet. Slowly extract the awl and press the string in as the awl comes out. This will allow the string to occupy the void being left by the exiting awl.

 

[YULitle]

I have to repeat sentiments already expressed.

Avoid the awl. Please.

 

[chrisplchs]

use the awl if necessary. MAKE sure you don't stab the string and use a solid lubricant like paraffin wax or akempucky. also, sharp point on string as well a nice pair of bent needle nose pliers are awesome

 

[themitchmann]

You know it's good advice if YULitle agrees.