How to String a Badminton Racket

If you play badminton or are a beginner, you shouldn’t avoid stringing. Your racket strings are bound to snap after some time, primarily if you have used the racket for a long time. If that happens, don’t worry, you just need to learn how to string a badminton racket.

How to String a Badminton Racket

Stringing a racket is a complex process, and before starting the process, you need to know the type of string, the proper string tension, and the correct string pattern you want to use. For these reasons, take note of the following:

String Diameter

String diameter used for racket stringing comes in two options: 

• Thick strings: are more durable, produce less sound, and do not create powerful shots.
• Thin strings: are less durable, produce excellent solid sound and powerful shots and smashes.

Generally, thin badminton strings provide the best performance; however, they are not durable in the long run since they are prone to breaking every time. They need restringing from time to time, and they end up being more expensive than thick strings.

String Tension

The badminton racket’s string tension is measured in pounds. It is essential to know your racket’s maximum string tension so that you can avoid tightening the strings beyond that tension. This is because the framework may bend, develop cracks or even bend.

Strings with the highest pressure have more pounds, whereas those with the lowest pressure have fewer pounds. Due to advanced technology, modern racket frames come with a supporting string capacity of even 30 pounds.

If you are a beginner, then the correct string tension is between 20-25 pounds. Professionals and advanced players using rackets with pressure above 30lbs are okay.

Preparing a Badminton Racket for Stringing

Having made up your mind about the racket’s string diameter and tension, then you can move to prepare the racket.

1. Detach the previous string: you can use a knife to take out the frayed and broken strings; begin by cutting the lines from the center as you spread outwards.
2. Examine the grommets: look at the grommets, and check for the worn-out ones or the missing ones. If few require replacement, fix them before stringing.
3. Scrutinize the frame: check the frame for any signs of cracks or broken joints. Stringing exerts lots of tension on the racket’s frame; thus, it’s crucial to fix the damages or the broken badminton racket first.

Stringing a Badminton Racket by Hand

You can string by hand or by a machine. Let’s look at it by hand first.

Vertical Strings

1. Slip one end of the string through the hole at the bottom of the racket closest to the shaft. Straighten it to go through the corresponding spot on top of the racket frame.
2. Pass the string through the top two holes and drop it down to the hole on the opposite side of the shaft, where you started. Ensure that the excess line is in equal portions so that each side has the same amount.
3. Continue stringing up and down the pattern moving outwards. Thread the strings until you reach the point where the head frame begins to curve.
4. There should be some string left at the end to make a knot. If the length of the line is short, adjust the strands to get the appropriate size.
5. When you know that the correct string length is in place, make two knots on top of each other. The knot prevents the string from sliding back through the hole.
6. Having made a knot, adjust the string strand’s tension. Start with the outermost thread with the knot moving towards the center strand so that the string tightens up.
7. Carry out the exact steps of stringing on the other side of the racket and make a knot at the top. Before tying, make sure the tightness of the string reflects the tension you want.
8. Use pliers to keep the line tight while tying the second knot. Ensure the knot is as close as possible to the hole for best performance.

Horizontal Strings

1. Please start at the fourth hole from the base. Thread the string through it, and make a knot inside the frame. Pass the line back inwards through the seventh hole from the bottom.
2. When stringing the horizontal strands, you should ensure that the strings alternate over and under each vertical strand, ensuring the series remains tight.
3. If you begin stringing over-under, then change to under-over. Alternate the pattern as you start a new horizontal row to the end.
4. Alter each horizontal row so that you eliminate any slackness in the string. Make a knot after passing through the last hole to avoid the line from slipping back. You may make several knots on top of each other to make a big lump.
5. Cut off the excess string, and leave some space after the knots. In case the cords are slack, you can pull each strand and improve the overall tension of the racket.

Stringing a Badminton Racket Using a Machine

There are a few items you need before starting the stringing process, and they include:

• Strings
• A stringing machine
• A badminton racket
• Clippers
• Pliers
• A ruler

Here are the steps you should follow when stringing your badminton racket with a machine.

1. Measure the string that you want to use depending on the racket you have.
2. Straighten the string to remove unwanted kinks to avoid any messes once you have started the stringing process.
3. Remove any old strings on the racket and unblock the string holes.
4. Set the tension rating of the stringing machine you are using.
5. Assemble the racket and look for the starting point for your stringing.
6. After identifying the starting point, insert the main string and pull one end through the string hole directly opposite the starting point.
7. You need to tie the string end on the starting point and run the other end through the holes parallel to the starting point. The stringing machine will pull the strings to the pre-set tension.
8. Once the main strings are complete, tie a knot. Before you tie the knot, it’s crucial to ensure that the racket is clamped to prevent the tension on the lines from loosening.
9. Since the main strings are complete, you should proceed to the cross strings and tie them just like the main strings. When all the cross strings are over, you can link the finishing knot and unclamp your racket.

Related Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to string badminton rackets.

Is It Worth Restringing a Badminton Racket?

Yes, it is better to restring your badminton racket than to replace it. This process can be done quickly and, even though it could be a bit tedious, it is effective.

What String Tension Is Best for Badminton?

A good string tension for beginners is between 19 and 20 pounds. Professionals, on the other hand, can handle a racket with more than 30 pounds of string tension.

How Long Does It Take To String a Badminton Racket?

It may take longer than an hour if you have never strung a badminton racket before. However, if you are familiar with it, it usually takes less than fifteen minutes to complete.

Conclusion

The process of stringing a badminton racket is simple if you do it yourself and is helpful for badminton racket maintenance. Should you do your stringing by yourself, or will you use the stringing machine? That depends entirely on you.