hi albert. im revisiting this video to review the parnell knot, #1 on your survey. online there are a few versions where the end of the string goes after the second loop. i'll email you the diagrams that im referring to.
I tried the parallel jaw pliers but prefer the excellent Babolat cam action pliers. I don't generally use the cam action feature but the pliers grip string very well and are designed to avoid breaking string so they don't have the sharp edges. If you need extra leverage the cam action does that and is padded to avoid scratching the frame.
Aloha Alan, The Babolat cam action pliers work well for cinching up knots. It's all a matter of preference. The one thing I appreciate about the parallel jaw pliers is the smaller jaw width, which helps when left with a short string length. 🤙
Aloha and you are welcome! I'm happy to hear my videos are useful. If you'd like a copy of my Stringing Guidelines, send me an email to amstringing@gmail.com. 🤙
Aloha, The plier is a Maun Parallel Jaw Plier. I featured it in this video - th-cam.com/video/4vpo0uaacpY/w-d-xo.html Watch from 17:50. The website is in the video description. 🤙
aloha albert. thanks for the video. i have always used and never had issues with the double half-hitch as a finishing knot. what do you think about using badminton knots for tennis racquets?
Aloha, Thanks for watching! Yes, I've had a lot of success with the double half-hitch knot for many years too. However, there have been some cases where the first half hitch would get sucked into the hole due to high reference tension or a thin string gauge. In these cases, I would tie a triple half-hitch knot to make it more stable. Also, as I mentioned, sometimes I've noticed that the second half hitch can undo itself where you can see a space in the knot (like in the video). By the way, that was a knot that I tied, and although I cinched it up tight, it still did what it did over time. 🤨 To be honest, I haven't had the opportunity to string a badminton racquet so I'm not a expert on advising you on this. 🤙
Nice job! Thank you for sharing. I use the parnell almost exclusively, but I have wondered what would be a good knot for those grommet holes that are larger and more worn than usual? Typically found on Babalot's. Maybe a topic for another video? Nice job, again.
Aloha Michael, Thanks for watching! I feel the Parnell Knot is a versatile knot that can stay stable and secure, even in those large/worn grommet holes. I still use the Pro Knot occasionally when there is a tight space to tie off, on thick gauge or aggressively shaped strings, or if the string is sensitive. So, I guess I didn't answer your question, but thought this might be good food for thought! 😆🤙
I use my Babolat stringer to pull the finishing knots. It's not a complete pull. You just have to do a lot of racquets to get the feel. I use DHH for finish, I'm faster that way. For starting , I use a special double loop, and in the case of a huge worn starting grommet, use a triple loop.
Aloha Tom, Although it's not recommended to use the tension head to tighten your knots (due to potential string breakage and marring the frame), are you stopping the pull halfway by pushing the button? Starting the crosses with a double half-hitch knot (especially at high tensions) puts pressure on the anchor string because of the tension applied to the woven string. This is the reason why the first half-hitch will typically get sucked into the hole. Tying the with the triple loop makes sense, but you may want to consider using a Figure 8 starting knot. 🤙
Nice video Albert! I liked the poll and also wondered if there were any other custom signature knots used by someone... Although nowadays mostly unused, could you make a video for cross strings starting knots?
Aloha Javier, Thanks for watching! Unfortunately, no one voted for using their own signature knot. It's been a while since I've used a starting knot, but something I might consider! 🤙
Great Video! You mentioned that you started with the Double Half Hitch Knot and moved to the Wilson Pro Knot. Are you mostly using the Pro Knot for all your tie offs assuming there isn't any restrictions (space, string length, etc)? I've always used the Parnell Knot for everything since it seems universal as long as space allowed it. Thanks!!
Aloha, Thanks for watching! I used the Double Half-Hitch Knot for most of my career. I guess some old habits are hard to break. At times, I would use the Wilson Pro Knot in tight tie-off spots or with very sensitive strings like the MonoGut ZX Pro. Then I switched to the Pro Knot because I liked its simple and compact look. However, at times, I needed a use bulkier knot to avoid slipping into the grommet hole, so then decided to use the Parnell Knot when necessary. After a while, I decided to switch to the Parnell Knot exclusively, to keep my string jobs more "uniform-looking." I still use the Pro Knot occasionally, but only for the reasons mentioned above. 🤙
Another great video…thanks! When I met Parnell at an IART conference he showed me a way to help reduce the slack on the tie off string by twisting it around the string you are tieing off on prior to creating the knot….if that makes any sense. It works really well, especially on poly string. Do you use specific knots for specific strings? I once totally botched a knot on natural gut using the Parnell and haven’t used it for natural gut since.
Aloha Brian, Thanks for watching! Yes, I've seen him in a video demonstrating it and watching it makes sense. Do you also skip the 2nd to last main, tension the last main, then go back to the 2nd to last main to tie off? Just wondering since that's how he used his "Parnell Loop" in the video. I'm primarily using the Parnell Knot, however, I'll switch to a Pro Knot in tight spaces, thick strings, or some aggressively shaped strings. A specific string that I also use the Pro Knot is Ashaway MonoGut ZX Pro, due to its sensitive nature when being tied. Sorry to hear about your natural gut blunder. If you tried to use the Parnell Knot on natural gut again, I'm sure you've learned from your mistake! 🤣
@@AMstringingFor the 2nd to last main question, “yes” sometimes I do but not all the time. For badminton I do it in every racquet, but only occasionally for tennis or squash. But that isn’t the Parnell loop I was talking about. I’ll see if I can find a demo of it. I think in the IART site there is a video but I’m not a member there anymore so can’t check.
@@bbulla Here's a knot featured in a 2018 RSI Magazine article called the Cranford Tail Tuck knot. Maybe this is it. th-cam.com/video/0A8USAdUZtE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=BmupCpg7ahy9ak6i
Great video! I’m new to stringing and I found my knots were loose and might be the cause of a lower than expected tension stringbed. Is there any tips when tightening the knots? I’m stringing hyper G on pro staff frame. Thanks
Aloha Elizabeth, Welcome to the world of stringing! Assuming that your knots are "not" coming undone, a loose knot shouldn't affect the overall string tension or string bed deflection. However, it does affect the way it looks. In other words, unprofessional looking. Before I help you with your question, please answer these two questions. 1) What tool are you using to cinch your knots? 2) Is your stringing machine set at the correct height? If you're not sure, watch this video for the proper height adjustment. th-cam.com/video/70JOyg8_g-Y/w-d-xo.html
@@AMstringing thanks for the Reply! I am using the gamma starting clamps to do the knots and I think the height is adjusted correctly. I would say for example when I m doing the first half hitch knot the first pull appears to me the knot already became a memory in the poly strings and further pulling and rocking back and forth doesn’t help moving the knots closer to the grommets anymore. Thanks
@@elizabethlam5356 Here are two recommendations. 1) Make sure to place your hand under the starting clamp and pull upward when cinching your knots. You'll have more leverage this way compared to having your hand on top of the starting clamp. NOTE: If t your machine is adjusted too high, where a mounted racquet is way above your elbows, it will reduce your leverage when tightening your knots. 2) Instead of using a Double-Half Hitch knot, use the Parnell Knot as demonstrated in this video. Since it works as a "self-tightening knot," you shouldn't run into the issue you described. Good Luck!
Thanks for the reply! Have you tried experimenting the feel tensioning mains / crosses at diff tensions? Same / higher on main / higher on cross? Would like to know how it makes a difference 😄
@@elizabethlam5356 The only time that I vary the reference tension on the mains and crosses, is on a hybrid setup of a polyester string with a softer string (synthetic, multifilament, natural gut). From my experience, the polyester string is strung lower, regardless of whether it's installed as the main or cross string. I usually lower the reference tension by 2 pounds, but some players/stringers will go as much as 5 pounds. This practice of lowering the tension of the polyester string is to compensate for its stiffness. As for varying the reference tension on the mains and crosses with a full bed of the same string, commonly it's the main strings that are strung higher than the cross strings. Although I don't use this on my clients' racquets, there are other players and touring professionals who do for a couple of reasons. 1) Allows more snapback action of the mains, therefore enhancing spin potential. 2) Creates a more "pocketing feel" at contact. I personally don't use this on my racquet. I simply adjust the tension higher or lower, and/or change the string combination in my hybrid string setup. 🤙
Aloha Dinos, Sorry to hear. In what scenario are you experiencing string breakage? 1) When cinching the knot and using the starting clamp? 2) When using the starting clamp to secure the string outside the frame and starting your crosses? 3) When using the starting clamp to back up the string clamp when starting your mains? 4) Or is it another situation? Also, what brand is your starting clamp? 🤙
@@dinosgigas You might be overtightening the knot or rocking it back and forth too aggressively. Watch this video from 10:40. Hopefully, this will help. th-cam.com/video/CEMaUINCw7k/w-d-xo.html🤙
releasing tension on the string before releasing the string clamp avoids the string scuffing across the clamps which loads the clamps with string debris and damages the string
![Racquet Stringing [Starting Main Strings | 5 Methods]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4Fy46Axh3is/mqdefault.jpg)
![Racquet Stringing [Starting Main Strings | 5 Methods]](/img/tr.png)
![Racquet Stringing [Tying Off the Last String | Techniques & Tips]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/V83Uq97W5r0/mqdefault.jpg)
hi albert. im revisiting this video to review the parnell knot, #1 on your survey. online there are a few versions where the end of the string goes after the second loop. i'll email you the diagrams that im referring to.
Aloha Coach Dudley,
I'll take a look at your email and reply there. 🤙
I tried the parallel jaw pliers but prefer the excellent Babolat cam action pliers. I don't generally use the cam action feature but the pliers grip string very well and are designed to avoid breaking string so they don't have the sharp edges. If you need extra leverage the cam action does that and is padded to avoid scratching the frame.
Aloha Alan, The Babolat cam action pliers work well for cinching up knots. It's all a matter of preference. The one thing I appreciate about the parallel jaw pliers is the smaller jaw width, which helps when left with a short string length. 🤙
Thank you.
I learned how to string watching your video.
I also choose strings for my kids as per your guidence on your other video.
Aloha and you are welcome!
I'm happy to hear my videos are useful. If you'd like a copy of my Stringing Guidelines, send me an email to amstringing@gmail.com. 🤙
great instruction! what brand and where did you purchase the tightening pliers?
Aloha, The plier is a Maun Parallel Jaw Plier. I featured it in this video - th-cam.com/video/4vpo0uaacpY/w-d-xo.html Watch from 17:50. The website is in the video description. 🤙
aloha albert. thanks for the video. i have always used and never had issues with the double half-hitch as a finishing knot. what do you think about using badminton knots for tennis racquets?
Aloha, Thanks for watching!
Yes, I've had a lot of success with the double half-hitch knot for many years too.
However, there have been some cases where the first half hitch would get sucked into the hole due to high reference tension or a thin string gauge. In these cases, I would tie a triple half-hitch knot to make it more stable.
Also, as I mentioned, sometimes I've noticed that the second half hitch can undo itself where you can see a space in the knot (like in the video). By the way, that was a knot that I tied, and although I cinched it up tight, it still did what it did over time. 🤨
To be honest, I haven't had the opportunity to string a badminton racquet so I'm not a expert on advising you on this. 🤙
Nice job! Thank you for sharing. I use the parnell almost exclusively, but I have wondered what would be a good knot for those grommet holes that are larger and more worn than usual? Typically found on Babalot's. Maybe a topic for another video? Nice job, again.
Aloha Michael, Thanks for watching!
I feel the Parnell Knot is a versatile knot that can stay stable and secure, even in those large/worn grommet holes. I still use the Pro Knot occasionally when there is a tight space to tie off, on thick gauge or aggressively shaped strings, or if the string is sensitive.
So, I guess I didn't answer your question, but thought this might be good food for thought! 😆🤙
I use my Babolat stringer to pull the finishing knots. It's not a complete pull. You just have to do a lot of racquets to get the feel. I use DHH for finish, I'm faster that way. For starting , I use a special double loop, and in the case of a huge worn starting grommet, use a triple loop.
Aloha Tom,
Although it's not recommended to use the tension head to tighten your knots (due to potential string breakage and marring the frame), are you stopping the pull halfway by pushing the button?
Starting the crosses with a double half-hitch knot (especially at high tensions) puts pressure on the anchor string because of the tension applied to the woven string. This is the reason why the first half-hitch will typically get sucked into the hole. Tying the with the triple loop makes sense, but you may want to consider using a Figure 8 starting knot. 🤙
Nice video Albert! I liked the poll and also wondered if there were any other custom signature knots used by someone...
Although nowadays mostly unused, could you make a video for cross strings starting knots?
Aloha Javier, Thanks for watching! Unfortunately, no one voted for using their own signature knot. It's been a while since I've used a starting knot, but something I might consider! 🤙
Great Video! You mentioned that you started with the Double Half Hitch Knot and moved to the Wilson Pro Knot. Are you mostly using the Pro Knot for all your tie offs assuming there isn't any restrictions (space, string length, etc)? I've always used the Parnell Knot for everything since it seems universal as long as space allowed it. Thanks!!
Aloha, Thanks for watching!
I used the Double Half-Hitch Knot for most of my career. I guess some old habits are hard to break. At times, I would use the Wilson Pro Knot in tight tie-off spots or with very sensitive strings like the MonoGut ZX Pro.
Then I switched to the Pro Knot because I liked its simple and compact look. However, at times, I needed a use bulkier knot to avoid slipping into the grommet hole, so then decided to use the Parnell Knot when necessary.
After a while, I decided to switch to the Parnell Knot exclusively, to keep my string jobs more "uniform-looking." I still use the Pro Knot occasionally, but only for the reasons mentioned above. 🤙
Another great video…thanks! When I met Parnell at an IART conference he showed me a way to help reduce the slack on the tie off string by twisting it around the string you are tieing off on prior to creating the knot….if that makes any sense. It works really well, especially on poly string.
Do you use specific knots for specific strings? I once totally botched a knot on natural gut using the Parnell and haven’t used it for natural gut since.
Aloha Brian, Thanks for watching!
Yes, I've seen him in a video demonstrating it and watching it makes sense. Do you also skip the 2nd to last main, tension the last main, then go back to the 2nd to last main to tie off? Just wondering since that's how he used his "Parnell Loop" in the video.
I'm primarily using the Parnell Knot, however, I'll switch to a Pro Knot in tight spaces, thick strings, or some aggressively shaped strings. A specific string that I also use the Pro Knot is Ashaway MonoGut ZX Pro, due to its sensitive nature when being tied.
Sorry to hear about your natural gut blunder. If you tried to use the Parnell Knot on natural gut again, I'm sure you've learned from your mistake! 🤣
Could you please post videos where this trick is explained with a demo? Thanks!
@@AMstringingFor the 2nd to last main question, “yes” sometimes I do but not all the time. For badminton I do it in every racquet, but only occasionally for tennis or squash.
But that isn’t the Parnell loop I was talking about. I’ll see if I can find a demo of it. I think in the IART site there is a video but I’m not a member there anymore so can’t check.
@@SimurghMyTube Aloha, Sorry, I'm not sure what trick you are referring to. Please clarify. Thanks! 🤙
@@bbulla Here's a knot featured in a 2018 RSI Magazine article called the Cranford Tail Tuck knot. Maybe this is it.
th-cam.com/video/0A8USAdUZtE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=BmupCpg7ahy9ak6i
Great content! Keep them posts coming 👍
Great video! I’m new to stringing and I found my knots were loose and might be the cause of a lower than expected tension stringbed. Is there any tips when tightening the knots? I’m stringing hyper G on pro staff frame. Thanks
Aloha Elizabeth,
Welcome to the world of stringing!
Assuming that your knots are "not" coming undone, a loose knot shouldn't affect the overall string tension or string bed deflection. However, it does affect the way it looks. In other words, unprofessional looking.
Before I help you with your question, please answer these two questions.
1) What tool are you using to cinch your knots?
2) Is your stringing machine set at the correct height? If you're not sure, watch this video for the proper height adjustment. th-cam.com/video/70JOyg8_g-Y/w-d-xo.html
@@AMstringing thanks for the Reply! I am using the gamma starting clamps to do the knots and I think the height is adjusted correctly. I would say for example when I m doing the first half hitch knot the first pull appears to me the knot already became a memory in the poly strings and further pulling and rocking back and forth doesn’t help moving the knots closer to the grommets anymore. Thanks
@@elizabethlam5356 Here are two recommendations.
1) Make sure to place your hand under the starting clamp and pull upward when cinching your knots. You'll have more leverage this way compared to having your hand on top of the starting clamp.
NOTE: If t your machine is adjusted too high, where a mounted racquet is way above your elbows, it will reduce your leverage when tightening your knots.
2) Instead of using a Double-Half Hitch knot, use the Parnell Knot as demonstrated in this video. Since it works as a "self-tightening knot," you shouldn't run into the issue you described.
Good Luck!
Thanks for the reply! Have you tried experimenting the feel tensioning mains / crosses at diff tensions? Same / higher on main / higher on cross? Would like to know how it makes a difference 😄
@@elizabethlam5356 The only time that I vary the reference tension on the mains and crosses, is on a hybrid setup of a polyester string with a softer string (synthetic, multifilament, natural gut). From my experience, the polyester string is strung lower, regardless of whether it's installed as the main or cross string. I usually lower the reference tension by 2 pounds, but some players/stringers will go as much as 5 pounds. This practice of lowering the tension of the polyester string is to compensate for its stiffness.
As for varying the reference tension on the mains and crosses with a full bed of the same string, commonly it's the main strings that are strung higher than the cross strings. Although I don't use this on my clients' racquets, there are other players and touring professionals who do for a couple of reasons.
1) Allows more snapback action of the mains, therefore enhancing spin potential.
2) Creates a more "pocketing feel" at contact.
I personally don't use this on my racquet. I simply adjust the tension higher or lower, and/or change the string combination in my hybrid string setup. 🤙
my Starting Clamp breaks the string .Is there any way to install it so it doesn't damage the string;
Aloha Dinos,
Sorry to hear.
In what scenario are you experiencing string breakage?
1) When cinching the knot and using the starting clamp?
2) When using the starting clamp to secure the string outside the frame and starting your crosses?
3) When using the starting clamp to back up the string clamp when starting your mains?
4) Or is it another situation?
Also, what brand is your starting clamp? 🤙
@@AMstringing Hello 1) When cinching the knot and using the starting clamp.My starting Clamp it is not a brand, I bought it for about 30 euros .
@@dinosgigas You might be overtightening the knot or rocking it back and forth too aggressively. Watch this video from 10:40. Hopefully, this will help. th-cam.com/video/CEMaUINCw7k/w-d-xo.html🤙
This dude's the Olivander of stringing 🐐
Aloha, Thanks for your kind words. I haven't heard that one before. 😆
@@AMstringing Harry Potter reference. Olivander was the wand maker.
@@K4R3N I knew about the Harry Potter reference, but I meant no one has ""called" me that before. 🤣
@@AMstringing lol, you're the MAN!
I was wondering what is the reason/purpose to release the clamp before releasing the pliers?
releasing tension on the string before releasing the string clamp avoids the string scuffing across the clamps which loads the clamps with string debris and damages the string
@@alanb76 Yes, I should have mentioned the reason why in the video. This is especially true when stringing multifilament and natural gut strings. 🤙