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Stringing the Mains

Preparing to String the Mains

Note: I have pre-laced the mains in this picture. This is not a requirement, I do so to get excess string on the floor off the floor, and it helps me focus on the other side of the racquet, as well. This way I only have to hold one string end. If you pre-lace the mains, please leave a loop of string as indicated on the first main so you can tension the string.

Beginning To Tension

Begin stringing the main strings as usual.

Proceed As Usual

Continue stringing the mains as usual. At this step I have tensioned about three strings. Continue as normal until you reach the second to last main.

Almost There..

Once you have reached the second to last main on both ends (they should both end at the tip of the frame) prepare for the tricky parts. Tension each main string and clamp according to the directions in the next frame.

Note the Clamping Point!

As you can see here, the main string has been tension and clamped. Normally a stringer would try and get the clamp as close to the frame as is convenient. For this pattern, however, there is a slight change to this. Clamp the string about 3 "cross strings" down. Skip three cross holes and clamp accordingly. You can see in this picture that three crosses have been left open. This prepares the racquet for the next series of steps, which is the first "Tricky" part of the string job. It's really not that tricky, so don't panic.

Applies To Both Sides

As you can see, both sides were clamped leaving spare room for at least three crosses. The slack will be pulled out with minimal friction on the next pull. If you feel like you must adjust the weight a little to make the string tension even, adjust no more than 2 lbs, if you DO feel it is necessary, I recommend adjusting one lb. max. Once you've reached this point, you are ready to proceed onto one of two tricky parts in this pattern.

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