I read here that it is better to cut the stings as soon as it is broken since the uneven tension from the broken string can warp the racket, especially when the strings were strung at high tension. My rackets were strung with BG80 at 25#. If it ever breaks, how should I cut the strings up ? By that I mean, do I : 1. cut the main (vertical) strings starting from the center of the racket then cut the horizontal strings starting from the center of the racket 2. cut the horizontal strings starting from the center of the racket then cut the vertical strings starting from the center of the racket 3. nip the strings tracing the path along the rim of the frame starting counter-clockwise at 6 o'clock 4. cut only the main (vertical) strings starting from the center of the racket leave the horizontal strings un-cut 5. cut only the horizontal strings starting from the center of the racket leave the vertical strings un-cut Any thoughts are welcome. Thanks.
Way I've seen done is to cut diagonal on the racket frame like an X, then cut like a cross shape. The result woudl be the string cut up into 8 sections like a pie.
i always just cut it horizontally across the middle, then vertically down the middle. so effectively a small t shape, nothing has broken so far.
I think Matt's way of cutting the strings will be better, because it cuts both the main and the cross together, meaning less stress on the frame of the racket. First you cut X then you cut +
Just diagonal is fine. The key is to remove tension as fast as possible. Cutting diagonal once remove most of the strings, not need to cut diagonally again. After that you cut the remaining side mains. Use a sharp pair of scissors that can cut through two strings at a time.
Yes, cutting diagonally is all it takes but there is a wrong way and a right way. Cutting it diagonally from one corner towards the other corner is the wrong way; doing it from the center and alternating one cut up and one cut down until the two corner ends are cut is the right way. This is to ensure minimal distortion and allows the stress to gradually and evenly dissipate.
Agreed with cappy. One diagonal cut, from corner to corner, getting every string is good, and should be done asap to minimize warping of the frame from uneven pressure.
I cut starting from the center, like 4 orf 5 strings at a time, cutting upwards, then right, then down, then left...until i cut all of them
Try to visualize how the stringbed will collapse as you cut the strings. If you cut it from one corner the stress is increased pulling to one side. You don't want to do that. Now try cutting from the centre diagonally, starting with a cut on the + of the main and cross intersection in the middle on the upper diagonal, then on the lower diagonal. Repeat again, one up one down diagonally, always on the + intersection. You will find that at no time will the frame be pulled to any side. This is controlled "explosion" or "implosion". Remember every cut must be on a main and cross intersection, never on a main or a cross alone, because the latter will merely increase your distortion.