How many knots should I see for 1 string 2 tensions

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I went to the store for restringing. Told them different tensions on
main and cross. When it's done I asked why there is only 2 knots
they said 2 knots is good with one piece of string.
How could this be possible to have different tensions on man and cross ?
Thanks.
Brian

[asharpe]

You can certainly lower the tension without using two strings; the friction of the strings though the grommet holes around the racquet will hold the tension to some degree. That said, it does seem that you would get more accurate results if you used two pieces of string. Some stringers really don't like to use 2 piece stringing, and go far out of their way (ATW pattern, box pattern, etc.) to avoid it. I personally don't prescribe to that philosophy, because it is easier in some ways to do 2 piece, and it really isn't that much more work (cutting, measuring, knotting).

[gb120566]

i disagree completely. There is no way you can have different tensions on the mains and crosses with one piece of string. As soon as the clamps come off the tension will equalize across the frame.

[Mongolmike]

With one string, the tension might not equalize fully over crosses and mains as soon as you remove raquet from stringer, but they should equalize pretty rapidly as soon as you start striking balls.

Then again, as soon as you start striking balls, you are already starting to loose tension as a whole.

Someone should invent a tensioner that can be used on a raquet inbetween games! Some little doo-dad could make someone a lot of money... then again, maybe not! ;)

[jeffkupers]

With any bend of the string through the frame or grommet hole, there is SOME tension holding ability. But as mentioned, with one piece stringing, the higher tensioned strings would lose tension faster than if it were a 2 piece string.

As for 2 piece over 1 piece. If your knots are tied well, a 2 piece will actually hold tension better. You have two shorter pieces of string therefore the elongation of the string is less, hence the better tension holding ability. But, if knots are not your forte, you have twice as much opportunity to lose tension at the knots.

[Mongolmike]

One way that I checked to make sure that my knots were tight correctly, was this....

AFTER you tie all your knots, and AFTER you cut the excess string, take a permanent marker and make a small mark on the little piece of string still protruding from the knot. If your knot is slipping, as you play, you will notice that the ink mark will slowly withdrawl into the knot... and that shows you that your knot is not holding tight. Simple, easy way to check.