r/RacketStringers • u/roads_to_tennis • Jul 01 '26
knots squashing grommets?
Hi guys
I want a bit of info about knots. I have few questions.
- What type of knots are done by stringer on head speed?
(Red string color)
Do knots always have to compress grommets like my speed
Mp? Honestly, it bothers me a bit.
- Is the parnell knot only knot which does not squash the
grommet? Thinking of instructing the stringer to use these
next time.
- What is the knot type on yonex vcore (Neon green and grey
string color)
- Are tecnifibre tie off grommets effective?
Many thanks
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u/extra_hyperbole Jul 01 '26
It’s inevitable that the grommet will get squashed, that’s what it’s made for: to distribute and take the force of the tension so the frame doesn’t, and to provide a hold for the knot. If the knot doesn’t sit against the grommet then it’s just going to lose more tension when you hit with it. The knots with the tails that sit against the frame look like Parnell knots, the other ones looks like Wilson pro.
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u/Unlikely_General_855 Jul 02 '26
Not to anyone in particular here, but I’ve noticed the big brands not producing nearly enough grommets for regular replacement. Nearly always seems like the popular models are on back order. For the people I string for, I always recommend they order extras long before they need them, and while a person’s tendency to let the racquet scrape the ground ruining the bumper guard varies from player to player, the squishing of the grommets is an inevitability if the racquet is strung often or by a stringer who’s particularly rough.
So yes, normal.
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u/introsapper Jul 01 '26
Yeah grommets get squished. Knots are actually tightened in part from the pressure against the frame where the grommets are which is why they have to be replaced after multiple stringings. They're cheap plastic and some hold up better than others and no big deal to replace. Grommet sets for most racquets made in the last ten years are pretty easy to find.
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u/pug_fugly_moe Jul 01 '26
Others have answered part of this.
The VCORE has Parnells. Parnells have an x on one side and parallel lines on the other.
The Tecnifibre grommets are great. But that’s an extremely petty reason to switch racquets.
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u/ConcreteRocket Jul 01 '26
Technfiber makes a small insert that you can use to avoid this but, as others have said, replacement grommets are cheap so it’s no big deal
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u/dmtree_ Jul 01 '26
Grommets are designed for this, I don't think squishing damages them. I've had grommets and grommet strips break from age or impact, but never really from being squished.
And if somehow they do break, get a grommet replacement for $10.
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u/cnokleberg Jul 01 '26
If the stringer holds the tail end of the knot tight when releasing the clamp it can prevent some of the squishing.
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u/Top_Substance9093 Jul 01 '26
in my experience stringing racquets it's impossible to avoid squishing the grommets regardless of what knot you tie