Racquet Stringing [Tying Off the Last String | Techniques & Tips]

I was curious to find out what method stringers used when tying off a knot on the last string. So, I posted a poll and asked some of my colleagues at IART this question.
Here are the five methods and the results.
#1 - 40% Increase the tension by a certain number of pounds ranging from 3-5 pounds.
#2 - 35% Increase the tension by a percentage ranging from 10% to 20%, but mostly at 10%.
#3 - 22% Keep the same tension.
#4 - 1% Increase the tension and use an awl to lock the string.
#5 - 1% Other
Although there is no right or wrong method for tying off the last main or cross string, find out the USRSA's and IART's positions on this topic.
I'll share my 3-cents on this topic and demonstrate tips for creating a tie-off hole in two practical situations when tying off the last string.
5:53 - Tying polyester on polyester in a hybrid setup.
11:30 - Reduce string run and tension loss.
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I thank those who participated in my poll and colleagues at IART who helped me create this video. And if you learned something in return, please feel free to comment below.
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[@LegolasD]

your attention to detail is top notch

[@AMstringing]

Aloha Legolas, Thanks for your support and kind words! 🤙

[@johnyoungblood]

I prefer to enlarge the grommets before mounting the frame when changing tie off hole location. I also insert a string (usually poly) into hole before using awl. This creates a channel for the string to slide in easier. It’s an old badminton technique. As always, thank you for your content. I enjoy it. I’m in the increase tension on tie off pull camp, except when using proportional techniques or Sergetti. Customers don’t generally hit out there, but some do pull on the outer strings to check tension. I’m not sure why, but they equate tighter outer strings with a better string job. This is of course a myth, but for those who check, my jobs pass this silly test. :)

[@AMstringing]

Aloha John, Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. I agree that players who check for loose outer strings, are typically checking the mains. That's why I feel it makes sense when stringing 1-piece, to make sure to tie-off both ends of the string as crosses. In other words, not one main and one cross. I hope that makes sense. As far as checking for testing tension with your fingers, have you seen players (mostly professional) that check it by squeezing the bottom of the two center mains. Although you need to know the exact feel, this test has more merit than pulling on the outer strings! 😆

[@jimbo1san]

Richard Parnell recommend add 20% 🙃 from now on I'm going to string 10%. Great video thanks 🙏🏼👍🏻

[@AMstringing]

Aloha Jimbo, 👍10% is a good move if you were previously at 20%! The less tension, the less stress on the frame and grommet. Thanks for watching! 🤙

[@svlagonda7417]

Really useful content

[@AMstringing]

Aloha, Thanks for watching. I'm glad this video was helpful. 🤙

[@javierjimenez786]

Hey Albert! Awesome video as always. 😁 I try to respect all tie off grommets as stated by the manufacturers. I like to believe there's some thought put into the frames' design... However, it's not uncommon to find cross string tie off grommets way too close to a main string 😅. As already stated in another comment, sometimes the string job is judged by pulling the outer strings out of place, so I also add 10% tension for the knots.

[@AMstringing]

Aloha Javier, Thanks for watching! Yes, I agree for the most part, you should use the designated tie-off holes for the racquet. Creating a tie-off hole should only be done when it makes sense in the two situations that I mentioned. Whether you increase the tension or not, the main thing to remember is when stringing 1-piece of ATW, to tie-off ends of the string on the top and bottom crosses. That way your two outer main strings are nice and tight, while the two outer crosses are looser, but equal. 🤙

[@dbk7238]

aloha albert, another great video. i find them interesting and informative. ive learned a lot from you. ive always been under the assumption that tie-off locations per mfg were mandatory. warranties were null and void when cracked or broken racquets were returned with incorrect tie-offs. when 2-pc string method started, most racquet mfgs still recommended 1-pc and the grommets were designed as such. im glad mfgs have redesigned grommets for 2-pc method. my ttsm machine does have a prestretch that i use to lock out additional tension for the last mains and cross tie-offs. i will consider not increasing tension on the last mains per your recommendations.

[@AMstringing]

Aloha Coach Dudley, Thanks for watching, and glad to hear it was helpful. I don't know if racquet manufacturers would void the warranty if it was strung with altered tie-off holes. However, the best way to handle a warranty return is to cut the strings off before turning the racquet in for inspection. Whichever way you decide to handle the last string is up to you. And if you're always stringing 2-piece, then no problem. This issue of looser or uneven tension on the outer mains typically occur when stringing 1-piece or ATW. If that's the case, always tie-off both ends of the string as a cross string. 🤙

[@scottwalker9354]

Great video as always, thanks! Do you have any videos showing the awl string lock technique? I’m having an issue getting my bulky floating clamps on the last cross strings for some racquets and this is causing low tensions on these strings.. any tips for this problem?

[@AMstringing]

Aloha Scott, Thanks for watching! I'm sorry, but I don't have videos on using an awl to lock the string when tying off. If you're not buying a new machine with fixed clamps anytime soon, you could try getting a pair of cam-action pliers and using this technique. Watch at 2:27 and 5:15. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3imfYZsgd-Kic0 🤙

[@vnishpt7036]

Great tips as always so much appreciated🙏 for sharing. Re: Your 3 cents tips No. 2 @ approx. 4:45 in the video, "keep all outer strings consistent", can you clarify that as you said "when starting X's I don't recommend using a starting knot in which tension is pulled on a string that is secured by a knot" (as results in tighter top X than bottom X) so assuming X's start at top are you saying to (using 1 ahead technique) weave the 1st 3 X's & 1st pull tension on the 2nd X to start the X's or are you referring to something otherwise? Do you increase tension then on that 1st X pull or not (because of risk of starting knot pulling too tight & possibly damaging grommet)? I typically weave the 1st 2 X's & then pull tension on the 1st X @ 3 lbs more than rest of X's except last X which is also 3 lbs more. I've not experienced any issues until a couple weeks ago I had just installed new grommets on a 2021 HEAD Prestige Pro & all knots looked fine when doing quality check @ finish & clipping knots however on 1st play the top X starting knot pulled thru (sort of destroying the grommet) against the frame & on a shanked ball near top cracked the area of the frame by where the starting knot pushed against the frame (ouch!). I concluded that either that particular grommet was bad from the factory or I inadvertently damaged it on install but maybe it had to do with tensioning the 1st X rather than the 2nd (as 1st X tension pull) idk. SM is Prince NEOS 1000 fyi.

[@AMstringing]

Aloha, Thanks for watching! 🤙 Q: So assuming X's start at top are you saying to (using 1 ahead technique) weave the 1st 3 X's & 1st pull tension on the 2nd X to start the X's or are you referring to something otherwise? A: If you watch my video "Install Crosses Faster & Reduce Friction," it demonstrates why I start from the 3rd cross string. The reason why I pulled tension on the 2nd cross is because of where I'm clamping the 1st cross using my string clamp, which can only be preformed with the 360-degree rails. On your machine, you would use a starting clamp on the outside of the frame to secure the 1st cross, then pull tension on it. When you finish installing the last cross, go back to the 1st, re-tension, then tie-off. Q: Do you increase tension then on that 1st X pull or not (because of risk of starting knot pulling too tight & possibly damaging grommet)? A: Yes, I typically use my knot function (5 pound increase) on all tie-off strings. Q: Are you using a starting clamp or starting knot to start your crosses? Q: What gauge string and tension were you using?

[@vnishpt7036]

@@AMstringing I use a starting knot to start my X's & weave 1st 2 X's (1 ahead technique) & pull tension on 1st X as my initial X's tension pull. For the Presitge Pro issue referred to in my original msg. I was using Head Hawk Power 17G with Xs @ 51 lbs so initial (and last) X pull was 3 lbs > @ 54 lbs. Same string was in M's @ 53 lbs. with tension increased by 3lbs on the last M's tension pulls.

[@vnishpt7036]

@@AMstringing I'll have to go back to that video you referenced & watch again to see if I can get a better undertanding of your reply. Thanks for the responses.as much appreciated.

[@AMstringing]

@@vnishpt7036 Got it! Here's the issue. Pulling tension on the 1st cross using a starting knot does not require increasing your tension since the string is secured by the starting knot. Increasing your tension on the last cross makes sense since you're tying off that string. The extra tension compensates for the slight tension loss after tying off. This is why I mentioned that I would not recommend a starting knot. Instead, use a starting clamp on the outside of the frame to start your 1st cross if you have one. If you use a starting clamp on polyester strings, use an Offset Tube or Starting Block to reduce the chance of premature breakage like the one you experienced. 🤙 Here are two resources. Offset Tube - Watch my video and use the link in the description. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYmpXq2JdpVqlbs Kimony Starting Block - kimonyusa.com/tools.html

[@vnishpt7036]

@@AMstringing Thanks 🙏much for the reply, tips and resources post references as will view those & make adj. accordingly to my existing methodology. Take it easy & thanks again!

[@a2casius]

The only reason commercial stringers have increased the tension on the last main has been to stop novice Tennis players from judging the string job by how much the last string moves. It's as silly as that ! I agree wholeheartedly with USRSA and IART on this issue.

[@AMstringing]

Aloha, That's a good point. I believe some of this "judgment" stemmed from 1-piece string jobs where one main was tie-off and the other wasn't. The increased tension on the tied-off main was to make it appear as tight as the other non-tied-off main. 🤙

[@a2casius]

@@AMstringing Yes, true as well 😀

[@leftyspinn]

If i dont have a 360 degree clamp rail like you should i use a starting clamp inside the frame to start tensioning the cross? I currently pllace the starting clamp on the outside against the frame but i feel it may put stress on the frame

[@AMstringing]

Aloha, Sorry if this confused you, but clamping inside the frame will only work with this type of string clamp. If you're using a starting clamp, you can continue using it outside the frame. However, when using a starting clamp on polyester strings, use an Offset Tube or Starting Block to reduce the chance of premature breakage. 🤙 Here are two resources. Offset Tube - Watch my video and use the link in the description. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYmpXq2JdpVqlbs Kimony Starting Block - kimonyusa.com/tools.html

[@nicholasl9119]

Aloha Albert! Curious why the grommet hoke is not enlarged before racquet stringing is started? I have also heard of others using heat gun that overheated grommet. I use tension setting and use babolat cam action to hold against frame while releasing clamps, then releasing the string, as you mention the 2 industry standard advise no additional tension on tie off. Wilson rooms don't use added tension on tie off?

[@AMstringing]

Aloha Nicholas, The grommet holes that I was enlarging were not the tie-off holes designated by the manufacturer. As mentioned, there are two main reasons for creating a tie-off hole. 1) To tie-off poly on poly in a hybrid setup where the poly is the cross string. 2) To shorten the string run, which reduces the "crowded-looking" grommet strip. Thanks for sharing your method of tying method with your cam action pliers. It would make sense if the position of Wilson's stringing team is NOT to increase the tension of the tie-off string since Ron Rocchi is with them. 🤙

[@nicholasl9119]

@AMstringing Aloha Albert! I get that you are enlarging other grommets for tie offs, wouldn't it be better to do that before you start? So knowing you have to do before, I prefer not to stop the process of stringing even for a minute or two..knowing you prefer to tie to similar string.

[@nicholasl9119]

@AMstringing Richard Parnell increases tension on tie offs as well doesn't he?

[@AMstringing]

@@nicholasl9119 Yes, I believe it is 20%!

[@AMstringing]

@@nicholasl9119 Yep, it makes sense to plan ahead if you have the time to prepare it beforehand. 👍

[@robertjacobson941]

The long string run for the last X has always bothered me (ugly) and I've never understood why the manufacturers (Wilson) do this when better options are so obvious. I prefer to decide ahead which grommet to enlarge and sometimes leave the awls in overnight before stringing. The big grommet Wilsons are far better

[@AMstringing]

Aloha Robert, It's a great idea to leave it (enlarging ) overnight if you have the time and can plan ahead! 🤙