DIY - Re-inserting shaft from handle

One of my regulars said his racquet felt different during play. We then discovered the shaft had came loosen from the handle.

I offered to assist since I have extra epoxy to spare.

A-B epoxy

Removing the shaft from handle, there was a layer of pinkish powder on the shaft. Hence these had to be removed from the shaft and from inside the insertion point on the handle.

Initial condition upon removal of shaft from handle

The insertion point on the shaft seem to have been drilled with care as the shaft fit with precision into the handle.

After applying a generous amount of epoxy on the shaft, I re-inserted the shaft back into the handle. Epoxy came oozing out due to the tight tolerances. I then had to quickly cleanup the extra epoxy and place the handle on the floor (with precision). Used part of the logo on the handle backcover as reference to ensure it was parallel to the floor. Satisfied, the re-assembly was left to cure overnight.

Felt ok upon handling the next day. The owner was happy to have the re-assemble racquet back.

More stringing patterns and the securing knot

As per below from the internet.

76-holes

4-knots or 2-knots?

Firstly an overview.

You can string a racquet using a single 10m string with 2-knots, or, with 2x5m lengths and secure these 2 strings with 4-knots - see examples below.

4-knots with equal tension of horizontal and vertical string

2-knot with equal tension throughout

INFO - If you strung a racquet and then remove the string used, it will measure 8.3-8.5m.

Browsing the internet for stringing patterns, you will notice different manufacturers show pictures of either 4-knot or 2-knot patterns.

In addition, there are references for the horizontal tension to be +1/2lbs higher than the vertical when doing 4-knots.

And talking to friend(s) overseas, there seem to be regional preference(s) eg 4-knots for Down Under (Australia, NZ), around 50/50 in ASEAN nations, etc.

Thus it looks like there is no clear dominance of either 2/4-knots, either than regional influences (at this point of time).

Personally, I prefer the feedback from racquets strung using 2-knots as a single string is used thru-out the frame which permits the tension to be spread out more evenly (especially after a few hits). It's alike the bi-wiring in HIFI e.g if you check the internals of an amplifier the 2 pairs of terminals are fed from the same source, and, HIFI designers say they provided the facility due to consumer demand not because it truly provide advantages.

Similarly I do the same tension on both vertical and horizontal lines when doing 4-knots - everyone who has tried my 4-knot hybrid stringing have provided good feedback so far.

"Waxing" of strings

Was extremely surprised when I received a request (from a chap age about 40) for a waxing treatment on the strings after I had restrung his racquet!

Why?

The practice used to be common long ago when strings were made from natural gut. In those days the racquets were made from wood. A layer of wax was normally applied to the strings before and after usage, to protect the strings from wear&tear (via friction) as well as from water.

I obliged and applied a layer of wax on (both sides) the strings after restringing with Yonex BG66 Ultimax @ 26lbs.

Pix of the result as per attached below.

Yonex Z-Force 2 after waxing the strings on both sides

Flying clamps

Not sure what the concerns are regarding stringing badminton racquets using flying clamps. Been doing so myself for over a decade.

The following are some examples of the flying clamps available in the market today.

Example - Yonex aluminium clamp

Example - Gamma composite clamp

Example - Generic floating clamp

I believe the concerns apply more to stringing tennis (or above 33lbs for squash) racquets, as the tensions in-use are much higher.

Suggest the following if you want to be sure your flying clamps are adequate for the tension you are stringing at.

- Take note when you are clamping near any logo or print on the string. If the area of the string with the logo slips a lot after you release the tensioner, your clamps are inadequate for the tension inuse
     - Work around (till you can obtain replacements) is to use 2 such clamps in-series

- If you retry the tensioner after securing a string and the tensioner does moves quite a bit... OOPS
    - Work around as per before

- Purchase a tension meter - an analogue unit will do. For verification purposes after completion


There's even a YOUTUBE of someone stringing a Panda badminton racquet at 40lbs tension using 2 flying clamps in-series without issues.

"Smart drop weight" vs Electronic tensioning

A couple months after the Stringway ML-100 purchase, I came across an article on BadmintonCentral regarding resulting tension.

The following is a CUT&PASTE from the PDF in one of those discussions.

My clients feedback the tensioning is consistent across the stringbed. Maybe there is something to the graphs after all.

Gravity (in a proprietary drop weight design) vs electronic motor controlled by a programmed firmware ...

Stringway ML-100

Please note the Stringway is designed differently than the standard drop weights and/or the drop weights with a ratchet mechanism. Hence it is not impacted by those issues.

The Stringway ML-100  is my 2nd and current stringing machine.

The ML-100 could be use as a portable unit, and/or, as a standard mounted stringing machine with the optional stand.

 

All stringing tools are not included unless you wish to purchase the Stringway clamps for non-badminton stringing ,or, substitutes clamps for badminton (Yonex).

I am using floating clamps vs those attached to the machine. Purchased the Yonex and Gamma clamps for badminton string.

An optional badminton racquet mounting kit is required for the machine - red coloured items in following pix

I am a customer and no way affiliated with Stringway in any commercial manner

I purchased the machine in 3Q2013 (with the optional stand) as the local stringing service was getting expensive with inconsistent quality eg you know the difference upon the first few hits.

Checking the internet, noticed there were now many choices of low cost electronic stringing machines compared to over 10 years ago. Was very tempted to buy a low cost model with a electronic tensioner ... VERY VERY tempted!

Nevertheless I decided against the low cost machine with a electronic tensioner at the 11th hour and ordered the Stringway instead.

Reason?

I required a machine which could provide a consistent result across the stringbed, simple to operate, reliable, and had to be maintenance free for years. Read many good reviews/feedback for the Stringway. In addition, my old flatmate in NZ had previously owned a Stringway and spoke volumes for their machines as well - nothing like word of mouth!!

Summary of my experience with the ML-100 to date:-

Pro(s):

My clients feedback the tension is quite consistent across the stringbed and the results provide nice feedback upon usage

Independent of power supply or electronic issues

Reliable and maintenance free after setup

Solid build quality which provides confidence during usage

Badminton mounting kit provides solid mounting of the racquet

Good ROI for high quality but low volume usage

Good support from factory for post sale enqueries 

Con(s):

Structure holding the racquet could be located closer to the tensioner to lessen string usage (only applicable when using reels)

Tension settings not engraved onto tensioner bar - need to use special ruler provided to set the tension

Need to add your padding(s) to the grippers (some racquets nowadays uses decals instead of the real stuff to decorate the racquet frame)

Need to purchase your own tools eg awl, clamps, hex-keys, etc

Mounting kit required for stringing badminton racquets