Why is the starting clamp(or starting pin) neccessary?

[turbo_slug]

Why is the starting clamp(or starting pin) neccessary?


i have a klippermate and i was able to start the mains without a starting clamp or starting pin. all i did was start off buy pulling two mains at once. the bar fell parallel without any problems.

do other drop weight machines require the starting clamp because there is too much initial string stretching, to make the bar fall parallel, when pulling two mains at once?

[ericb]

Why is the starting clamp neccessary?

A starting clamp is very useful for pulling the initial main to reduce the chance of slippage. For example, if you have a racquet whose start loop is at the throat, you would place the starting clamp just inside the throat and tension the string on the other side of the loop, clamp it, then pull the second main while the starting clamp is still in place, clamp normally, and then remove the starting clamp. Never remove a starting clamp which is holding tension as you will damage the string (this applies to regular clamps as well, but slightly less so since they are usually much less abrasive).

A starting clamp is also necessary for more advanced patterns like ATW, as well as for using as a jumper when the string is too short to reach your tensioner. All in all, an invaluable tool. Babolat clamps are excellent, and the RAB clamps are also supposed to be very good, although I haven't used one personally.

Cheers,

Eric