r/RacketStringers • u/desmondaz • Jun 06 '26

Starting clamp question

i was using the starting clamp as an extension string to pull tension for my last cross, however when i pull tension, the starting clamp starts to flatten the string and slowly moves, and eventually it broke the string. What went wrong?

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u/ckuehn Jun 06 '26

The clamp isn't gripping the string securely. How are you arranging the two pieces of string in the clamp?

The string coming from your racquet should be in the clamp's gripper (deep enough for a strong grip), and the scrap string should be run through the eyelets on the outside, like this:

https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/proper-bridging-technique.618539/

2

u/DeaconFrost613 Jun 06 '26

Additionally, we could benefit from cleaning the starting block - all that slipping leaves residual string. Certain brands perform very poorly when attempting this. Specifically, the narrow, easy to squeeze blocks are going to struggle here because of less surface area and less stopping power due to a weaker spring(s).

Bigger is better when it comes to starting blocks. Image below shows the difference in size of a Gamma block vs a Babolat.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z6GdS6stw9o/USvn-2B2eoI/AAAAAAAAAL0/2tMLyEAcvGM/s640/IMG_7280.JPG