Tribute to flying clamps (as adjuncts)

[Trinity110]

Sort of off the wall topic, but wondered if anyone else dances with the devil in this way.

I used a Klippermate for a few years. I only string a few times a week, for myself, friends, and to rehab poor sad racquets I find.

So I wanted a fixed clamp machine for a couple of reasons, including that tough stretch on the final open crosses where flying clamps were a pain, as well as some spread patterns. I got a Gamma X-6FC. I like it fine, but my stringing time actually increased just a tad. Not that I obsess over the time.

For my last 4 racquets I started using the fixed clamps for the first couple of mains and then using my Klipper clamps for subsequent mains and crosses after 1X.

The drawback you see with the Klippermate clamps looks bad, but as many have said, this absolutely gets corrected on the next pull. There is no measurable difference on my main racquets, for which I have tension stats. What I felt might be true is in fact true. There is no question that they are faster than the fixed clamps on this particular machine. YMMV.

Now I especially like using a fixed clamp on the last main, giving a bit of a push before clamping the base, then backing it up with the Klipper clamp. Reduces drawback in that instance and improves the knot tension for sure. And if the pattern is closed enough, I do the same on the last cross as well. (I do a lot of one-piece).

Share thoughts if you wish. Not a topic that should cause much controversy, though!

 

[Irvin]

Now I especially like using a fixed clamp on the last main, giving a bit of a push before clamping the base, then backing it up with the Klipper clamp. Reduces drawback in that instance and improves the knot tension for sure. And if the pattern is closed enough, I do the same on the last cross as well.

I find it easy, with my push down clamp bases, to give it a little push when engaging the base. So I’m careful not to do that because I don’t want to apply any unknown tension to the string. If you push the base you stretch the string applying some unknown tension. Different string means a different tension dependent on stiffness. The higher the tension on the string you’re tying off the greater the drawback.

 

[Trinity110]

I find it easy, with my push down clamp bases, to give it a little push when engaging the base. So I’m careful not to do that because I don’t want to apply any unknown tension to the string. If you push the base you stretch the string applying some unknown tension. Different string means a different tension dependent on stiffness. The higher the tension on the string you’re tying off the greater the drawback.

I see your point, and while it is true that the tension is then "unknown," I know beyond any doubt that no matter what I do, I lose tension at the knot. More with some racquets/strings, stringing patterns than others, but I can tell it is not at reference tension. (it isn't just the illusion of not having a subsequent string then tightening it up. So I am fighting "unknown" tension loss by adding "unknown" tension, for sure, but still probably not quite up to reference tension. I'm good with it. (meaning no offense)

 

[graycrait]

@Trinity110 , as long as it feels good to you is all that matters. To not lose tension at the knot I use a Babolat Cam Action pliers and awl at the knot. It works for me and that is all that matters.

 

[Irvin]

@graycrait @Trinity110 I understand both of your points. And if that’s what you want to do it’s fine with me. I doubt you would ever notice a different in any of our 3 methods. I think it is a silly idea to over think such a simple thing like tying off a string.

EDIT: As long as the end result is repeatable and consistent is all that should matter.

 

[Irvin]

At one time before removing the tensioner (after moving the fixed clamp) I would back up the fixed clamp with a flying clamp on the opposite end. That also will eliminate a lot of drawback. But I consider that an unnecessary step now and it just puts more stress on the string and placing the flying clamp on them.

 

[Trinity110]

Right. (concerning overtightening)

What I was most surprised at was how much more convenient I found them to be over the fixed clamps (on that particular model) for the majority of the runs. It feels like using them should be a downgrade, but it is so direct and immediate. tension, unclamp, wiggle and straighten the string to equalize tension a bit with it in your hand, clamp. Very direct. (and the sound they make is an old friend!)