How to String Racquets

Strings give racquets in sports, such as tennis and racquetball, the power and control needed for optimum performance. Strings break after prolonged use, however. Learning how to string your own racquet can save you time and money in the long run if you are a regular player. There are costs involved, such as purchasing a stringing machine. However, an option of stringing racquets for others at a cost could pay for the machine in short time.

Things You'll Need

  • Stringing machine
  • Yardstick
  • Cutting tool
  • Awl
  • Parallel jaw pliers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase stringing machine. Research different types based on how much you wish to spend. See the website below for detailed descriptions of different machines and their costs. Find someone you know who strings racquets to show you how to use the machine the first time.

    • 2

      Determine the length of your string, based on the racquet's size and string pattern. If stringing for the first time, cut off 39 feet to ensure enough string for the job. See how much is leftover and plan accordingly for future stringing.

    • 3

      Prepare your frame. Cut off strings as soon as possible after they tear to avoid stress on the frame. Cut strings from the middle out. Mount the frame on your machine in a balanced way. Make sure the racquet cannot move during stringing, but be careful not to mount too tightly.

    • 4

      Determine how much tension you want on your racquet. Less tension gives more power, and more tension provides more control. Research with the company who produced your racquet what tension ranges are acceptable.

    • 5

      Place a level on your machine if it is not equipped with one to ensure your racket is horizontally positioned. Do this often during the stringing process, in case the racquet moves slightly.

    • 6

      Thread the main strings one at a time, going from the head to the throat of the racquet. String symmetrically to avoid stress on the frame. Use the machine as directed to tighten the strings to the desired tension. On the last hole, or grommet, thread an awl through and tie the string to the neighboring string. Tighten the knot with parallel jaw pliers. Cut off excess string.

    • 7

      Pull cross strings in a weaving fashion across the racquet, going above and below the main strings. Check to make sure after each pass a main string has not been skipped. Tighten cross strings row by row. Tie off the last row like you did with the main string.