A Brief Glossary of Terms often encountered in the world of Racket Servicing

‘n’ O’clock- When talking about various points on a racquet face it is common to
use the positions of a clock So the Head of the racquet becomes 12o’clock, the
Throat 6 o’clock and so on.

String numbering – The general convention for referring to a specific sting is to refer
to MAINS or CROSSES. The Mains are numbered from the centre of the string bed
outwards towards the rim at 3 & 9 o’clock. So the centre mains would be either 1LM
or 1RM i.e. the first main string to the left of centre and the first main string to the
right. This holds good for almost every racquet except a very few that have an odd
number of main strings. Then we talk about CM centre main and of course 1LM,
1RM etc.

Actual Tension – this is the tension the string is under at any particular time and
constantly reduces from the time a string is clamped, due to the very nature of the
material. The rate of reduction is initially relatively high and following this initial loss
of tension stabilises again dependent upon the material.

Reference Tension – this is the tension set on the stringing machine to which the
string is initially pulled and of course always higher than the subsequent Actual
tension.

Alternating Mains – a stringing technique that ensures the frame is not subjected to
uneven pressures and so distort the frame. it is normal to pull tension on the main
strings alternately, LM1, RM1, RM2, RM3 RM4, LM2,LM3 and so on, no more than 3
ahead on either side.

Anchor String – the string to which the starting and tie off knots are anchored.

Angle of pull - the angle of the string from the outer edge of the frame/grommet
to the tensioning head of the stringing machine, a parallel pull being the one
which gives the most accurate resultant string tension.

Aramid Fibre – is a aromatic polyamide better known by trade names such as
KEVLAR and TWARON. As such many different grades are available, with properties
to suit various applications. It is produced by spinning a solid fibre from a solution.
Usually yellow in appearance, good impact resistance, good abrasion resistance
high strength are amongst its properties.

Around the World (ATW) – a one piece stringing pattern used to ensure the cross
string start at the head of a racquet. Some players will insist of a one piece string
because they feel it ensures a more balanced final string bed.

Awl – a tool used in various trades, and some have sharp points. The Stringers awl
should have a tapered shank but a BLUNT END. It is used to help form a path
through shared grommets when the first string may be blocking the hole.
Balance – the Head to Butt distribution of weight of a racquet that is conventionally
referred to in points Head Heavy or Head Light. A racquet, which balances about
the centre point between Head & Butt, is referred to as, of EVEN BALANCE. For every
1/8th of and inch the balance point moves, then the reference is ONE POINT. So a
racquet said to be 4 points head heavy has a balance point half and inch towards
the head from the centre point of the racquet, and 4 points head light indicates
the balance point is half an inch towards the butt of the racquet. Balance is usually
measured on racquets that are fully strung and with the playing grip fitted.

Balance Board – a tool on which the balance of a racquet can be measured.

Butt Cap – a moulding that is fitted to the end of the racquet handle, which helps
prevent the racquet slipping from the player’s hand. Often made of a hard plastic,
which can produce sharp edges, which are uncomfortable in play. Some racquets
have butt caps made of rubber or other softer materials that don’t produce sharp
edges.

Calibrator – a spring tension gauge used to check the accuracy of stringing
machine’s tensioning system.

Cam Action Pliers – pliers that have a padded surface on one jaw, which allows it
to be placed against the frame to lever, tension when tightening tie off knots. It
should be used with great care to NOT DAMAGE THE FRAME or OVERTIGHTEN THE
KNOT