Someone mentioned awhile ago that there's a handheld tool used for strining racquets. How would something like that work? Is there a pic or link of this somewhere? It sounds like a convient way of doing emergency stringing
That's exactly what it is. Yonex has one which is located on this page: http://www.yonex.com/badminton_bags.cfm The picture: http://www.yonex.com/graphics/8_StringingKit_A6170.jpg BK has one: http://www.blackknight.ca/eng/access.htm which is called the "Repair Kits BK133 "
thanks Yodums for the link. i think all of them have a rod in which you wrap the string around, by rotating the rod, you are applying tension to the string, and with other tools like the awl and may be some flying clamps, you can repair a couple of broken string in a racket. i really don't see much value in these kits as most people have spare rackets in their bags. and with today's tension of 22+ lbs, it will be difficult to achieve tension like that with just twisting the rod.
check out eanas site there is a cam -vise grip accesory that makes the task of hand tensioning much easier. The cam rolls against the racquet frame to create the tension. You still need a second handed operation to put on the flying clamp when you have the desired tension. The problem with hand pulling is the accuracy of pull is really by feel and experience.