Tying polyester string to Gamma tension gauge

[Gadz]

Hi all,

I don't know if I'm just being plain stupid or I'm doing it wrong. I've been trying to tie a piece of Head Sonic Pro string to my gamma gauge and I can't get the knot close enough to the little hole on the gauge. I use a XP PRO PLUS and where the knot is high up I can't seem to test the tension on 60lbs because the knot gets in the way of the gripper and the tension crank track isn't long enough so I need the knots closer to the gauge to allow me more room and length to pull the tension. Can someone please post a video or something of what I need to do because I think I'm tying the knot wrong and it's doing my head in! I don't have any nylon string or anything like that at present so I will have to make do with the polyester string I have.

Thanks

 

[esgee48]

If you have not removed the old string yet, tie the poly string to that. You just want to extend the length of string so that the device is not too close to the crank and gripper.

The best string to use is Kevlar. Next best string is a thin gauge poly that has been prestretched. Fishing line tested for 100 lbs is also good. You just want to use a knot that does not slip at 60 lbs. If you are having problems with the Overhand, then use something else.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

first video i came across,, looks good enough

 

[Irvin]

The string should not be a single string but a loop of string, as you can see in this video it does not matter how close the knot is to the gauge.

 

[Irvin]

@1HBHfanatic you beat me to it.

 

[Gadz]

Is there a video showing how to do the required knot alone as my gauge does not have the string already on there like in the videos

 

[Irvin]

Loop a long string through the gauge at least 1’ long for each end. Then take the 2 ends together and tie an overhand knot.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

as mentioned above, if 2 overhand knots dont hold, tie it 3x or 4x for safety,,
there are several fishing knots i use as well when i need them for stringing
the names scape me, sorry

 

[Irvin]

@1HBHfanatic @Gadz why do you even need a knot in the first place? Put a loop of string through the hole and pull tension using both ends of the string.

EDIT: It is like pre-stretching gut pulling by hand. You wrap a set of but around a pole and pull on the 2 ends. Except in this case you put the string the hole in the Tension Gauge and pull on the 2 ends.

 

[Irvin]

@Gadz it sounds to me like you want to use one end of the string to tie it to the gauge and pull on the other end of the the string. Don't do that, loop the string through the gauge and pull on the two ends.

 

[Gadz]

Will that work? Simply put the string through the gauge holes so it loops then put the two ends in the clamps? I guess it won't permanently be attached to the gauge but I don't mind that at all...

 

[Irvin]

Will that work? Simply put the string through the gauge holes so it loops then put the two ends in the clamps? I guess it won't permanently be attached to the gauge but I don't mind that at all...

Watch the video in post #4 I made. It does not matter is there is a knot between the tensioner and the gauge or not. On the other end I used a flying clamp to hold the other string on the other end of the gauge. Does matter it that end is knotted either.

 

[Gadz]

Right, I have a couple of pictures to show you and you will see what I mean. The string is also slipping like no tomorrow through the gripper but when stringing the same string on a racket it does not slip. As you can see the knot is in the way of the gripper and if I go back any further i dont have enough track to pull a higher tension. I tried doing it just like the videos without the knots and it just slips through still. Is it my gripper? I have adjusted it and is fine when stringing a racket. Im doing something stupid on this gauge setup. I also do not have a fly clamp so I can't do what was done in the video

https://imgur.com/a/Jgoq11G

https://imgur.com/a/p8OuXGP

https://imgur.com/a/EYWkR0M

 

[Irvin]

It is slipping because the string in not in the gripper far enough. Get the knot closer to the gauge, move the lockout farther out the rail, or don’t use a knot.

 

[Irvin]

It also looks like you’re only pulling a single string. Pull both ends.

 

[Gadz]

The picture wasn't to show me pulling it but just the knot. I have been pulling both strings. I think the main issue of all this is my gripper slipping

 

[Gadz]

As this picture shows, the screw is not going anywhere and has nowhere to go? I did buy the machine second hand and wondering if I need to replace gripper

https://imgur.com/a/9FC7tE5

 

[10shoe]

I would suggest that you are clamping the string on the other end of the calibrator with the wrong string clamp. Set the far side clamp base so it is perpendicular to the track and the string clamp is hanging pretty much over the center of your vise. Lock the base and clamp the string. Also set your brake. Then use the linear gripper on your tension head to grab the 2 pieces of string on the other side of the calibrator AFTER the knot, not in front of the knot.

 

[Gadz]

The string that comes pre tied to the Gamma tension calibrator, what string is used for that? Should have never cut it off!!

 

[jim e]

Do what @Irvin said in post #14, and you should be all set.
If you use a knot, then have knot either before or after gripper, but not in the middle of your gripper or string will slip, or just don't even use a knot like @Irvin said.

 

[Gadz]

The whole issue is my gripper. I just can't seem to get it adjusted to hold more tight. I have messed around with the screw which adjusts the gripper and not much happens. New gripper needed maybe? The strange thing is that when stringing a racket is doesn't slip near as much and as often.

 

[Irvin]

The screw is a stop adjustment. It it not going to look like it is doing envy thing. You may think turning it in will make the gripper grips tighter but it is just the opposite from that. The farther you turn it in the farther it sticks out toward the gripper touching it sooner as the gripper moves for when tension is applied. That means the gripper stops squeezing the string. Take the screw out and the gripper please hold at maximum pressure and see if it slips.

 

[Gadz]

Here is a video I've done. Screw taken off gripper .

 

[Irvin]

The top string in the gripper is not being held. The string is no good for anything so try twisting the 2 ends of the string before you put it in the gripper so the gripper is smashing the 2 strings together. That way it may hold.

 

[Gadz]

Do you think if I ordered a new gripper for the machine that would help or is it more to do with the string used? When I used the original string that came with the calibrator which was a synthetic gut on the gauge it never really slipped which surprised me. I can buy a new gripper for 30 pounds UK. I don't want to buy one if you guys don't believe it's necessary.

 

[Irvin]

That gripper is not easy to replace just get a set of thick 15l gauge SG string.

 

[Gadz]

Okay ill try that

 

[10shoe]

After watching your video I would suggest the following: Either put a knot in that string you are using so that it rests BEHIND the gripper or use a starting clamp BEHIND the gripper to keep the string from sliding through. In either case, whether it is a knot or a clamp, you should be able to test without slippage and without further purchases.

Also, you will have more room to operate your tension head during the calibration routine (and your clamp base cannot possibly shift) if you clamp with the far side string clamp, like so:

 

[Irvin]

Another option @Gadz is to tie an iKnot on the gauge, and pull a single string. Just make sure the string is down in the bottom of the gripper jaws.

 

[Gadz]

How come some machines are able to pull two strings together better than others? I'm quite sure when the gripper was more new it was having issues pulling two parts of string. Perhaps I'm just doing it wrong.

Regarding using the iknot, do I need to still thread and loop round the gauge? I'd like to try and copy what they do with the string that comes already tied to the Gamma gauge. I am hopeless with knots at present

 

[10shoe]

Do you think if I ordered a new gripper for the machine that would help or is it more to do with the string used? When I used the original string that came with the calibrator which was a synthetic gut on the gauge it never really slipped which surprised me. I can buy a new gripper for 30 pounds UK. I don't want to buy one if you guys don't believe it's necessary.

I doubt it is necessary to buy a new gripper. However, it may be necessary to clean the working surfaces of the gripper. For some reason I thought someone had already suggested that in an earlier post. Isopropyl alcohol will work but be aware that the gripper, the alignment pins in the gripper and the springs that hold it open are ferrous materials and alcohol does contain water so try to go light with the stuff. Others here have mentioned using shoe laces dampened with alcohol. I prefer the elastic band from an old pair of briefs. If you have access to medical supplies, the cotton webbing used for arm slings is superb for this.

 

[10shoe]

I'd like to try and copy what they do with the string that comes already tied to the Gamma gauge. I am hopeless with knots at present

World's most uncomplicated knot.



It is this....times 2.

 

[Gadz]

If I do it exactly like that above can I use a single string? As in loop it round do the knot and snip one end so it's just one part string instead of two. I guess it doesn't matter to be fair

 

[10shoe]

If I do it exactly like that above can I use a single string? As in loop it round do the knot and snip one end so it's just one part string instead of two. I guess it doesn't matter to be fair

I believe the knot will slip if you do that. Safer to pull the two ends in tandem.

 

[struggle]

If I do it exactly like that above can I use a single string? As in loop it round do the knot and snip one end so it's just one part string instead of two. I guess it doesn't matter to be fair

The thing is.....unless you are using kevlar string....doubling it up will help to reduce stretch, giving you more "accurate" readings.
The string won't stretch/relax as much. Doubling a thick poly should work well, especially after it is stretched a few times.

If you "stack' the two strands in the linear gripper it should pull them both just fine.

 

[fritzhimself]

.........hmmm - I'm for repairs, too. But in this case you want to saddle a dead horse.
On the video you can also see the pliers, which are certainly not among the best. A crank machine is also not the standard a stringer wants.
At your place I would separate from this machine and buy something decent.
This will only be a never ending story and in the end you are only frustrated because it never really works.

 

[Gadz]

.........hmmm - I'm for repairs, too. But in this case you want to saddle a dead horse.
On the video you can also see the pliers, which are certainly not among the best. A crank machine is also not the standard a stringer wants.
At your place I would separate from this machine and buy something decent.
This will only be a never ending story and in the end you are only frustrated because it never really works.

Pliers?

 

[fritzhimself]

Sorry the translator linked with "clamps" I meant.

 

[Gadz]

Sorry the translator linked with "clamps" I meant.

The ironic thing is that that those clamps are actually the best part. They work like a dream, don't slip or give any drag what so ever when stringing. They also did a red machine of the exact model so I took the clamps off that and replaced them with the black ones that were originally on there.

 

[fritzhimself]

Well, if you say so. Have you ever worked on a higher quality stringing machine?
Try it and you won't cry tears at your crank machine.

John Ruskin said:
It's unwise to pay too much, but it's worse to pay too little. When
you pay too much, you lose a little money - that's all. When you pay
too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you
bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The
common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a
lot - it can't be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well
to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will
have enough to pay for something better.”

 

[Irvin]

@fritzhimself those clamps are very similar looking to my Babolat clamps and I love my clamps.

 

[Gadz]

Well, if you say so. Have you ever worked on a higher quality stringing machine?
Try it and you won't cry tears at your crank machine.

John Ruskin said:
It's unwise to pay too much, but it's worse to pay too little. When
you pay too much, you lose a little money - that's all. When you pay
too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you
bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The
common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a
lot - it can't be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well
to add something for the risk you run, and if you do that you will
have enough to pay for something better.”

No, but I might cry tears at my bank account after I've spent thousands!

 

[jim e]

@fritzhimself those clamps are very similar looking to my Babolat clamps and I love my clamps.

I rather doubt those are Babolat clamps. Also, similar looking and similar preforming are two different things.
Take Nike shoes for example, you may have a pair that looks like Nike but they may not fall apart like Nike.

 

[Gadz]

I rather doubt those are Babolat clamps. Also, similar looking and similar preforming are two different things.
Take Nike shoes for example, you may have a pair that looks like Nike but they may not fall apart like Nike.

Not sure who your agreeing with here!...

 

[jim e]

From looking at the video you posted, it certainly looks like a tension head gripper issue. You may want to send it out for repair, as slipping like it shows is pretty poor.

 

[fritzhimself]

I rather doubt those are Babolat clamps. Also, similar looking and similar preforming are two different things.

exactly - in another thread he says it's a Pros´Pro machine - they really are at the end of the food chain.

 

[fritzhimself]

I have such grippers at home - built out of a crank machine.
It's very simple - I can disassemble it and upload photos for you.

 

[Gadz]

What's very simple, changing the gripper?

 

[fritzhimself]

…………...there are 3 screws you have to loosen, inside are small balls and two small springs.
carefully open, clean, assemble and the thing should work.

 

[Irvin]

I rather doubt those are Babolat clamps. Also, similar looking and similar preforming are two different things.

Those are not Babolat clamps there is no logo on them so I can't tell what the manufacturer is but I see nothing wrong with the clamps. I'm sure the top string is slipping in the gripper and @Gadz said he had no issue pulling a stingle string so I assume the issue is the gripper plates are not be held parallel like @loosegroove's recent issue.