Starting Clamp

The starting clamp is not required but might come in handy in certain situations.  

I bought mine made by Gamma from ATSSports.com for $32.   Silent Partner at sptennis.com sells one for $30.  The one that pros recommend is the one by RAB which costs $45 available at grandslamstringers.com

Note:  I no longer use a starting clamp.  It failed in just a little over a year.  I start crosses using a flying clamp instead.  Click here for more info.

Used as a Starting Clamp

I use the clamp primarily to start the crosses. I feed the end of the string through the first cross grommet from inside the racquet frame. I pull about eight inches of string so that I'd have enough string to feed through the anchor point and later create the tie off. I then tension the first few crosses but retain a flying clamp on the first cross closest to the starting clamp. I keep a flying clamp there so that tension is maintained when I remove the starting clamp to create the anchor knot.

As a Jumper

If for some reason you realize at the last end of the string that you don't have enough for it to reach the tensioner, don't worry. You can use the starting clamp as a jumper. Get a scrap string about two fee or so. Line up one end to the other so that you have a loop at the other end. Feed each end of the string to the channels on the tip of the clamp. See the figure below.

Now clamp the string from the racquet with the grip up and the handle straight down and the ends of the looped string toward the tensioner. Guide the looped string to the tensioner and lock them into place. Tension and clamp as usual. Create the anchor knot and that's it.

There are other uses for the clamp but above are the ones I've actually done.

Thanks to ericb, David Pavlich, and Jaycee at stringforum.net who provided the wisdom on use of the starting clamp.

Got Tips or Suggestions?

If you have any suggestions or tips for other tennis enthusiasts, please let me know and I'll post it here for you.