Starter clamp causes string breakage

[duckiesca]

Hi I have a starter clamp, and every time I try to use it, it causes the string to break, what am I doin wrong?

[kwick]

Hi Duckiesca,
Can you explain a little bit more about which SC you have bought and how you are using it.
There are many scenarios in which you might use this tool but to start the stringing process, you normally clamp on the outside of the frame and pull tension against 2 strings. I.e. If you clamp on the centre-right main at the throat, your string is looped at the head and you are pulling tension from the centre-left main also at the throat. Some people add a couple of kgs to start as you are pulling against 2 strings.
Hope this helps.
regards,
kwick

[duckiesca]

This clamp looks a little like a pair of plyers-it's spring loaded and has two holes along each side. I feed the string thru the holes in 1 side then thru the holes in the other side, then thru the teeth, which hold it I use it in the manner which you have described-pulling 2 string from the outside of the frame, the string always breaks-and it doesn't matter what kind of string I'm using. Any thoughts?

[kwick]

Hi again,

Here's an example of what the tool should look like which seems to match your description.
http://www.grandslamstringers.com/cart/Details.cfm?ProdID=33&category=0
However, you shouldn't feed the string though the holes to start :o
All you do is grip the string in the jaws of the clamp (put the string as far into the jaw as possible) and let the springs hold it. If it's a good quality clamp such as shown on the URL, it should not slip unless you are using some outrageously high tension ;)
You only use the holes if you have a short tail length which does not reach the tension head. In this scenario you grip the tail with the starting clamp and use it to bridge to the tension head with another piece of spare string rather than tying a knot.
Check out this link from one of our buddies on this forum for the uses of a starting clamp.
http://www.keohi.com/tennis/misc/startingclamp.htm
Hope this helps,
kwick

[duckiesca]

That is exactly the clamp I have. I'll try your method. Thanks very much for the advice.
Duckiesca

[kwick]

Let us know how it goes. Here's a very brief bullet list of how I start the mains using a starting clamp :

Assumptions-
Racquet is mounted on your stringing machine and you have threaded both the centre-left (1L) and centre-right (1R) which loop at the head and you are working from the throat to begin. I'm assuming fixed clamps also.

1) Grip string 1R in the jaws of your starting clamp on the outside of the frame (touching the frame)
2) Attach string 1L to your machine tension head and apply your required tension. It may stretch a lot as you are pulling 2 string lengths.
3) Clamp 1L at the throat using your machine clamp and release tension head.
4) Thread 2L to the head end and apply tension. Remove clamp on 1L and place on 2L at the head end. Release tension head.
5) Now, go back to 1R that still has the starting clamp attached. With the SC still attached, apply tension on 1R.
6) Now carefully remove the SC as you've finished with it for now.
7) Apply your other machine clamp to 1R at the throat just inside the frame.
8) Thread 2R to the head and apply tension. Remove clamp on 1R and now clamp 2R at the head end.
9) Continue the stringing process as normal and alternating each side....

If you're starting a 2-piece, for the crosses you can do almost the same but the important point to note is that always re-tension any string that is being held on the outside of the frame in the jaws of your starting clamp before removing the clamp itself. If not, you can damage the string in the jaws as it is released under tension and you will suffer tension loss :(

cheers,

kwick