Racquet Stringing – Tubing Tips & Techniques

Racquet Stringing Tubing and Tools

Typically, when I teach a beginner racquet stringing lesson, 2 hours is just enough time to cover the basics. I’ll usually mention what tubing is used for but never get a chance to demonstrate tips and techniques on how to install it.

As a matter of fact, on the USRSA Certification test, the installation of tubing is not included in the practical hands-on section.

So, I’m inspired to write this article and produce a video. I want to share some techniques I’ve learned and developed during my stringing career over the past four decades.

Tubing Supplies

  • Straight Awl
  • Flush Cutting Pliers
  • Parallel Jaw Pliers
  • Lip Balm
  • Nylon (preferred) or Teflon Tubing
Nylon tubing (bottom: clear color) vs. Teflon tubing (top: black color) – See above
  • Nylon tubing is larger in diameter than Teflon tubing.
  • Nylon tubing is stiffer and less pliable than Teflon tubing.

Tubing Tips: Detecting Broken or Worn Grommets

When stringing a racquet, it might not be obvious that you’re dealing with a bad grommet. The most common areas to check are the tie-off holes and the last 2 or 3 main strings holes. Use a straight awl to probe the inside wall of the grommet. If you can feel the part of the frame instead of the smooth wall of the grommet, you probably have a broken or worn grommet.

Watch my Tubing Tips & Techniques YouTube video HERE.

Tubing Tips: Techniques for Nylon Tubing

Step 1: Splice (half) tubing – Install for small holes where the whole tubing cannot fit.

Splice (half) tubing

Step 2: Whole tubing – Install for larger holes. Anchor on the outside of the frame and cut the end of the tubing at an angle.

Whole tubing

Step 3: Prince O3 Port tubing – Install to replace the missing or deteriorating plastic throat piece.

Prince 03 Port tubing

Measure each piece leaving about 1/8” of tubing sticking out from the frame.

Measure tubing

Step 4: Whole tubing with a tie-off knot – Install by leaving 1/4” of tubing sticking out from the grommet. Create an anchor on the outside of the frame with the end of the tubing cut at an angle.

Whole tubing with a tie-off knot - knot
Finished Product

I notice tubing installed in racquets that other stringers strung and always find it interesting to see how they installed them. If you have any “go-to” tubing tips, applications, or techniques you’d like to share, I’d love to hear from you!

Racquet Stringing Stories & Tips Library

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