How to String A Tennis Racket: The Crosses

[@richardparnellknot]

Why do you feel the need to call out a fellow stringer, call them pretentious (you don't know me), you don't know how the Parnell knot got its name, a hint... I didn't name it, I had already been using it for about 15 years before it was given this name on a video filmed in the stringing room at Wimbledon & published back in 2003. On top of that you are not even doing it correctly. I was always taught, if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.

[@MarkSansait]

Hey Richard! At 1:19 it was very much sarcasm, because I also called out any KZbinr that names their channel by their full name. Cheers!

[@richardparnellknot]

@@MarkSansait I do apologise then, but my youtube channel started out as just that, my channel & that's why it has my name, that sort of grew and got a few more views. I didn't have a video of my knot on there for years as there were other really good videos out there showing it especially by Yulittle.

[@cldavis33]

@@richardparnellknot Mr. Parnell, it's an honor to see you commenting sir. I learned the 'Parnell; knot from Youlite on KZbin as you referenced. Beautiful knot btw - again an honor and THANK YOU SIR for sharing this with the tennis world.

[@richardparnellknot]

@@cldavis33 Thanks for your kind words. I now do a lot more teaching than working on the tour. I get more satisfaction, the hours are better and occasionally the pay is better :-)) . Yulittle's videos are a great source for learning.

[@cldavis33]

@@richardparnellknot Awesome to hear you are doing well. Funny thing on Youlite, I love his vids, but sometimes, I need to see the actual strings up close because they 'act/move' a little different than the demo rope he uses. --- which I saw Mark had, so both together really are very helpful. Best of luck to you in your current adventures.

[@smallboto]

watching you string this racquet is like asmr to my ears. it’s so satisfying watching people string rackets.

[@almostlegends1]

Thanks Mark. I’ve watched your stringing mains and cross videos a few times now and after buying my first stringing machine, I’m happy to say I’ve done two successful racquets already. Thank you 🙏

[@b.lakeberg7456]

You sold this idea to me. I am taking the plunge to buy a stringing machine, learn, and do my own frames. Thank you for the great instruction.

[@kushbhandari8365]

Helped a lot thanks Mark I'm 13 learning to string my own rackets

[@stevewilson8088]

Excellent tutorial and camera angle worth the pain to set. Thank you 🙏

[@Nick-kq2sw]

Oh my word, you thread those crosses like butter. Man I wish I could do crosses like that. I've been stringing for years and still am slow as molasses. That's largely why I feel the process to be so laborious.

[@MarkSansait]

Whiskey helps

[@ProyekAkhirPekan]

first stringing 4 hour at 13 years old is good. my first stringing at 22 it took me 2 hours to finish my own racket.

[@justinarnold3239]

Hi @MarkSansait - great video. At 3:30 - whats your theory as to pulling and weaving the cross ahead of the one youre going to pull tension on.... why does this make it more efficient?

[@dachness]

Where do you buy your strings from? How do you handle the different strings people request? Any suggestions on recommended strings to have on hand to offer for string jobs?

[@MarkSansait]

I get them all from retail. I ask what they want. I always have some polys and multis on hand in case they want me to use my strings.

[@youngsuit]

10:49: this is a similar story to mine. i lost many tournament matches because i only had 1-2 racquets at a time and i couldn't get my racquets turned around at the pro shop fast enough so i would have to borrow an old racquet from my mom. one of the best investments i ever made was learning to string. being not-super-rich in tennis is hard.

[@youngsuit]

and even now i'm finding out from the tennis warehouse forums and my friend that ever since i started learning (in probably 2003 or 2004) that i've been doing crosses the wrong way this whole time

[@saidhernandez731]

Jus strung my first raquet using your tutorial. Thanks Man this helped a lot 🙏🙏🙏

[@MarkSansait]

Do I get 10% of your revenue? :)

[@saidhernandez731]

@@MarkSansait i didn’t get paid 😭

[@markmeijerman]

Thanks for the tutorial. In another tutorial, the tension was upped by 4kg for the last string due to the loss of tension from knotting. What do you think about this?

[@Fred_P]

What you're calling a "double knot" is actually a Parnell knot, and what you're calling a "Parnell knot" is something else, which frankly I haven't seen before, but I'm sure it's good.

[@albertrodriguez4500]

Caught that too but I've seen the second one simply called a "starting knot."

[@TigerWoodard]

Bravo Mark, these tutorials on how to string a tennis racket I found to be fascinating as heck. Please indeed do more of these in the future. I pray ultimately for your channel success and nothing less in the future. May my heavenly Master above provide you great prosperity in life as a whole. God bless you sir

[@elliottkami270]

Im very new to stringing and I've just bought the same stringers as you. The one thing I'm struggling with measuring out the right amount of stringing from a reel. I just got half way through the crosses and ran out of string with six wholes to go 🤦🏽🤦🏽

[@MarkSansait]

Start off with 22 feet on the mains and 18 feet for crosses. Packers (which is for one racket full bed) are sold in 40 feets

[@atrem7942]

I use a starting clamp so I don't don't pull on the starting knot. That way you restring the whole racket before you knot start & end knot. Also i pull the first cross again after I am Done stringing. Some would say that way is better.

[@JW-bw8nj]

Either way (using a starting clamp or starting knot) is completely acceptable. Although I own a starting clamp, I'll use a starting knot on 99% of the racquets I string as it saves time since I'll only have to pull the top cross once.

[@bradmcnutt9533]

I do the same.

[@MarkSansait]

JW and I seem.to have the same stringing technique

[@SJPDurham]

Interesting to know both techniques and then see which you prefer. 👍🏻

[@Deej_RC]

When I still new with stringing racquets I used to start with starting knot, now I use starting clamp and Parnell Knot all knots with additional 20% tension.

[@gregfinley3673]

Great tutorial! Very detailed, thanks for the education!

[@MarkSansait]

:)

[@VitalijVelichko]

Thank You, Mark! It was informative and very useful.

[@gabibboquinto129]

thanks mark very good way of teaching

[@ReidVV]

I appreciate the detail video about crossing, but the biggest slowdown on crossing is weaving technique. Could you do a video just about the best method and technique, and please be specific, about how to weave crosses quickly. What is the specific finger technique? What is the up downbeat? What is the push? What direction ( straight across? Angled a little downward toward the handle?) How-do-you-do that thing ?

[@pats300zx]

Great video series Mark !!! Thanks for putting it together. Definitely thinking of doing my own stringing at some point. I wish you lived closer I would have you do my mine. I pay 💰 at least $20 per and that’s with supplying my own string.

[@MarkSansait]

#ripoff

[@cldavis33]

What Mark calls a 'Parnell' is what I have seen called a bulky starting knot. The whole point is, not the name, but rather, that you can 'pull tension' on the knot. You cannot pull tension on a Parnell proper know which has a loop and tail, and is a finishing knot that you pull tension 'into', not against. Still great stuff from Mark here, names aside, principles are what are important here. I like the video quality Mark - ie resolution.

[@MarkSansait]

:) thanks for the insight!

[@Love-Forty]

Great video! Can you suggest what strings I should have on hand to restring people's rackets? Cheers

[@jeroenmolenaar8832]

Hey man,thans for your great video's again.Keep IT up🙏.Your the best👌😎🫵👍🤌🙏😉🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾🎾

[@ReidVV]

Can you cover the finger technique for weaving? The rest is easy. Finger weaving is the difficult (and slow, if you're not good at it) part of stringing a racquet. Thanks for this kind of video :-).

[@aaronrichey7801]

Was gonna ask for the same. Dude is super quick on those weaves! Especially towards the end of the crosses starts to get pretty tight. Nice vid!

[@calvinfong8888]

Makes it look like magic

[@jameskwan5008]

Could you do a video focusing only on the finger technique when stringing crosses and how to stop strings slipping between fingers? Looking for a video that shows how to hold the string between the fingers, which hand to use on top (dominant hand?), the weaving movement in closeup, the weaving rhythm. Step by step in closeup. I have seen only one youtube video which comes close to what I'm looking for but unfortunately not in english language. Is this some secret that pro stringers are reluctant to share?? The rest of the stringing process is easy

[@melgueta1]

Thanks and very good video. I saw some other videos where the person checked the cap position of the racquet before sitting it on the stringing machine. Any special reason for it?

[@johnweiss2087]

Just learning on a Klippermate. Trying to restring a couple dozen Wilson Impact for the Fort Atkinson High School tennis program. Twelve minutes, WOW. It takes me longer than that to tie my last knot. Is there some secret to finding a main to tie off? I am 80 and don't have much hair left. I pull some out trying to gain access to a tie off with each racquet. Help!

[@falekulotemitope2516]

Good video and detailed. How can I get a stringing machine please?

[@MarkSansait]

I made a video about that :)

[@studiotivideo5675]

Hi. I really liked your video. You explain your work in a very detailed and sensible way. And I would like to ask you a question: how do you distribute tension between Main and kross strings? I mean the tension in kilograms. Thanks. Hope for a quick response!

[@MarkSansait]

I personally string my mains and crosses the exact same tension, some of my clients lower the crosses tension by 2lbs.

[@Mason-ir3yi]

I used to worry about the knots when learning stringing as it did not come easy to me using thick poly. I experimented with some diff ones and just made sure I had two small knots on each tie off and snugged them up with pliers rocking them back & forward. I have not had any come undone since I started stringing my own racquets a few years ago. Now I tie different random knots on a whim just daring two knots to fail and they still hold tight every time from the friction of the string and being snugged tightly. I only string for myself and I am sure purists of knot tying will disapprove but this method has held as steadfastly as Hodor on a door.

[@SJPDurham]

Beautiful machine. I have a Pro’s Pro which uses flying clamps and is a crank model. That said, I have used an electric one when I used to work for APACS stringing badminton rackets. It was their own brand.

[@BrennonOne]

What grommets do you send the Parnell/starting knot through?

[@matthewtoothbrush]

Curious if you would recommend the Tourna 175-cs or an older Prince Neos 1000??

[@pamons423]

Hi Mark, Good video. I believe you're notching the main strings when pulling(with your hands) the crosses.

[@MarkSansait]

You are correct

[@pamons423]

@@MarkSansait I just realized you mentioned about notching the mains. Your channel is great and your comments are accurate, specially the Honda Civic with spoilers :-)

[@Dirk553]

Appreciate your video! Thanks

[@harrisonwekesa5406]

That RF is a beautiful racquet

[@RobertGarcia-s5z]

I know it's been years, but question. Do your clients bring you the string or donyou provide it?

[@MarkSansait]

Both. Depends on the client.

[@RobertGarcia-s5z]

Thanks Mark and awesome video

[@kennyhuie6879]

What is a fair price to get a tennis racket restrung? Thx

[@eartpeach2205]

Thank you! very informative.

[@LiamApilado]

It takes me like 1h and a half to strung using a drop weight machine. I struggle with the weaving especially at the end of the crosses where it gets tight.

[@LiamApilado]

now I do it in 35 mins :)

[@NetDan888]

Nice video. Any suggestions on keeping the string from slipping from between my finger when weaving, especially with poly?

[@MarkSansait]

Yes, I will give my specific answer to this on my Q and A that will be released this Saturday morning.

[@NetDan888]

I watched you Sat Q&A twice but didn't hear an answer. Did I miss it?@@MarkSansait

[@jonathanyoung3614]

Great videos! Why do you weave the next cross before you pull tension? I've seen a couple of videos recommend that, but they didn't say why.

[@MarkSansait]

It helps weave the current cross much faster

[@j.hatchell9585]

@@MarkSansait actually I still cannot logically put it together that that particular method is faster still confused

[@pbillings808]

@@j.hatchell9585 The mains are a little raised and lowered from the cross that is tight. The 2nd loose cross (the "one ahead") can almost "weave" straight through if you're weaving close to the crosses you've already done. If you tension then weave the very next cross, that path is significantly more "up and down". Try it both ways to feel the difference.

[@lauraulrich2837]

Thank you great tutorial!

[@edhwang2069]

Does it matter if you go over or under the main when starting a new cross?

[@yongtan8200]

Thanks Matt!

[@brocknamaka1895]

Hi just a quick question Mark, how much string did you need in terms of length to do the whole cross section?

[@JACKTOTTER]

I like to string my racket in two sets, I like my mains to be separate from my crosses. It works great for me

[@bulleston]

I LOVE your videos as they are very informative and super helpful for a dad with two kids (9 & 14) who play tennis. I just had one question....i noticed in the crosses you used a starting knot. I have watched videos and had stringing lessons and you do not see very many starting knots. It looks efficient, may I ask why you use a starting knot vs a starting clamp?

[@jimcahill8143]

I notice that you don’t clamp right at the edge of the racquet. Is this to avoid scratching the racquet, and does this compromise the actual string tension in any way.

[@ajith007-ytb]

Thx Mark! It was very helpful!!!

[@SJPDurham]

Do you add extra tension for your final string to compensate for any tension loss after tying the finishing knot?

[@blarpieman]

How did you get full tension on that last cross knot. I always lose tension there and its has like 25 lbs on it. Can't get it.

[@joshz6289]

Hey Mark, I just started stringing and I have a thicker gauge (16 gauge) and stiff poly (solinco confidential), which is harder to handle and it slips off my hands when I am weaving. I am not sure how to go about that, and the string often blocks off certain gromets, making it super difficult to get the string through. Currently considering using an awl to open up the gromet a little more but I'm not sure if it would damage the racket in any way. I also string my Head Gravity Pro at around 60lbs on a drop weight (I got it before ur video) so any feedback would be appreciated!

[@pbillings808]

Might try putting a scrap pieces of string in the skip holes so the mains won't block them as much. Also cut the cross tip at a very sharp angle and angle that bevel so the cross exits either above or below the main as needed.

[@robertjacobson941]

@@pbillings808 besides the sharp tip, you can use the starting clamp to flatten the tip which makes it easy to slip the string above or below the blocking string.

[@jayp123]

Is this one piece or two piece stringing? Also which is better?

[@MarkSansait]

This is two piece. Two piece is always better

[@jayp123]

@@MarkSansait ty

[@briancalloway5665]

Mark, I'm a big fan. You take pride in what you do and I respect that. Also love your match content. You've inspired me to string more tennis racquets 😁

[@MarkSansait]

MAKE DAT MONEY

[@majfilms6625]

Hello, I've purchased my stringing machine and I have gotten the hang of it. I wanted to know what's the best way to get customers? Thanks!

[@Ivanrei1530]

That's an interesting starting knot for crosses. My issue is i have to tie it on a crosses cause usually do gut/poly hybrid

[@mario12341808]

Very nice, helped me a lot! I would enjoy more advanced techniques definitely

[@blu1806]

Hi Mark, is it possible to string the crosses first (with an external clamp) and the main after? IMHO that will make the DT more uniform along the main side and lasting longer in overall tension decay.

[@jeroenmolenaar8832]

Do u use the string Weaver normaly??

[@kennethrunk1202]

Great video.

[@pravinpatel350]

Which machine are you using here? And can it be used to do badminton and squash rackets? I'm thinking of buy one

[@Thomas-74]

Hello! What string are you using in this video?

[@MarkSansait]

IsoSpeed Baseline Control. I did a review on it

[@assembledbrick9639]

Nice vid!

[@CurtDawg00]

Do you use the knot feature on the last pulls? Any reason for or against not using the diablo?

[@arnaudguillon8318]

Not using the diablo means the angle of your string into the gripper is not completely straight, hence you may scuff the end of your string a bit. While it can be an issue if you are halfway around the racquet, on the very last cross it makes no difference (since the end of your string gets cut away anyway) and means you need less string length to reach the gripper. I always use extra 10pct tension on knots myself.

[@LiZiLiang]

Hey Mark, I see that you don't put too much pressure in the last cross string knot, I started stringing a racket for a friend and he said hey last string is too loose, how fine is it? I'm using a fixed clamp machine, and also put a 10% extra tension on the last main

[@josephyfho]

hi mark, i am your fan. Love your content. Just use black string might not be very visible and easy to follow.

[@bayonahall7657]

Are those aftermarket Clamps? They are way beefier than what came with my Gamma ELS

[@guiltyspark3823]

2:40 .... When you pull the Parnell knot tight it all seems to tighten up neatly. When I try to do it I always have a lose section that I can't get to tighten. I even made sure to pull it outward from the racquet like you did. Any advice?

[@chipypt]

great video

[@iaminbetweendays]

Thank you.

[@Patty_mahomes133]

What kinda stringing machine is that

[@snoopy7574]

This dudes weaving is insane

[@DanTuber]

Do you need to use two clamps for the crosses?

[@MarkSansait]

I use two clamps because if the leading clamp slips (which happens from time to time), then the backup clamp will still hold the tension from the previous crosses!

[@garettmatheis933]

That starting knot is not a Parnell knot

[@johnakkji8784]

Yessir video finally

[@samlee458]

awesome vid Mark! can i call dibs if u decide to sell ur machine? pls 😂

[@MarkSansait]

Mebbe

[@samlee458]

@@MarkSansait 🙌🏻🤝

[@unclejamo94553]

Solid video- I especially appreciate the steady closeup of the ending knots- nice work…

[@Ayanami0001]

Dude! Thanks!

[@pencilcheck]

You da man

[@MarkSansait]

No u

[@Javi_C]

Thank you!!

[@ay0ussef]

Isn’t Parnell knot a finishing knot not a starting knot?

[@madbadtrad7746]

Why not just use a parnell knot on all the tie offs?

[@jeroenmolenaar8832]

I am thinging to buy Them so.

[@alexgrant4864]

Yep that isn't the Parnell knot

[@jameskwan5008]

This video is about stringing crosses but you don't show technique for stringing crosses esp hand and weaving technique and how to hold the strings with push technique.

[@shorelinestringingracquetc9550]

There are better, more professional ways to start crosses. Try using a starting clamp next time 🤙

[@jessicareddish9048]

Where I'm from, the most popular stringing guy charges $25 per racquet, over the cost of the materials.

[@ByBlackpigStringer]

wilson pro knot

[@monstertrucktennis]

$10/stick? Pull the old string and dispose. Inspect grommets and frame for cracks. Open string, measure cut. String. Inspect for cracks. Label. Pay taxes and overhead. $10/ stick. Ouch.

[@MarkSansait]

Yep :)

[@j1mster3]

In Canada, pro shops charge 20$cdn labour. Home stringers charge only $15, newbs charge 10$ to get foot in the door, those who try to charge same price as shops end up getting phased out since you have to offer an incentive for players to not go to a shop. I manage to generate consistent profit each year as a side hustle($5-10k annually). It is somewhat competitive amongst home stringers as small shops are slowly bleeding out with their huge overhead lease/rent cost per month, especially during covid times. Stringing a racket is not rocket science anyone can do it if they have the skill, patience and time, the demand and supply of the market(your area) dictates the price unfortunately. People with more $$ than time, will pay for these services regardless of price.

[@monstertrucktennis]

@@j1mster3 what's your tax rate on that $10K?

[@kdoublec973]

Have you ever misweaved?

[@MarkSansait]

Of course!

[@kdoublec973]

@@MarkSansait dude, the fact that Parnell himself gave you the what for below makes this the best comment section ever.

[@Patty_mahomes133]

I hate how you have to measure the string out is there an easier way to do that.

[@GordonXu-j2d]

This guy spent 10 min 39 sec to string a racquet, demonstrated here Stringing Nadal's Racquet Setup (Record Fast?), kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKGsdXptrdieg7c.

[@andrewchudow9418]

Parnell knot? WTF....pre weave!!, you are burning the crosses. AND, we do not use starting Knots......

[@titoallover9844]

Starting knot? What a joke….beginners use strarting knots

[@Fury5.010r]

Perhaps you need an expert to help with this video😁😁😁

[@MarkSansait]

Oof

[@Bikerbeest]

No this is wrong , use a starting clamp for the first cross string

[@JW-bw8nj]

It's not wrong. It's a different, yet acceptable, way to start the crosses hence the name "starting" knot.

[@Bikerbeest]

@@JW-bw8nj You can distroy the grommet with your way of working.

[@JW-bw8nj]

@@Bikerbeest I used to string racquets as my profession and have used that method to literally string over 15,000 racquets and have never damaged a grommet from doing so.

[@MarkSansait]

What JW said

[@SuperBaylisstic]

How about use a starting knot but only start pulling tension on the 2nd cross and after? I figured with a starting clamp, you're gona lose some tension anyway.

[@AskForBUSY]

i hate this guy

[@GeneralRock114]

12 minutes. BS. Show a video .

[@MarkSansait]

Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJLVemCNfJdjeaM