At one glance, it was clear many grommets had cracked and split. Since it was an old frame, chances of finding a new strip of grommet were slim. So I told him to just buy a new stick.
However, the racket was of significant sentimental value to him. So I agreed to help him fix the grommets and restring it.
There were eight grommets that needed work. Two were missing and six badly split. I marked them with a piece of masking tape, then drilled them out slowly and carefully from the outside of the frame.
After the grommets were done, I strung it with synthetic gut using the varied tension as he had tested on my racket. (link)
If you have an old racket with worn and obsolete grommets, consider buying some Fittex individual grommets (link1)(link2). There's some work involved, but I think it's worth the effort to bring an old favourite back in play.
hey,
ReplyDeletefrost5541 here from TT.
i have a question. have you tried this on a 16x15 wilson 95s? i have the racquet as well as your friend has one and i seem to be out of the head bumper guard. will it fit?
thanks a ton and happy stringing!!!
Hi Elias,
DeleteI have not done this on a 16x15 Wilson 95s but I don't see any reason why it cannot work.
Other than Fittex grommets, you can salvage and re-use old grommets. Just snip one out and insert into your desired location.
Grommets at the bumper guard may be a little more tricky though. Take a look at:
Yonex RD7SP-UL2 + Poly/Syn Gut @ 35/33 lbs (Part 1)
If it is only to address the worn bumperguard, perhaps you can consider some head guard tape instead?
Have fun!!!