Tennis Restringing Guide ATW Method (2 Piece Stringing)
This is the stringing guide for 2-piece stringing using the Universal Around The World (ATW) method. The 2-piece stringing method can be used for any kind of tennis racket. It is the most fail-proof stringing method.
Our machine is the Prince P-7000 electronic 6-point stringing machine. There are 6 points to secure the racket while stringing: the top and bottom points for the top and bottom of the racket head, and 4 other points to secure the sides of the racket.
How To Correctly Mount The Racket On The Machine
Start with the top and bottom points of the racket; tighten the points with the knobs at the side of the machine just enough to hold the racket in place.
Move to tighten the knobs for the other points/mounts to hold the sides of the racket.
Make sure that the racket is secured tightly enough so that it does not move around whilst stringing.
If you have a 2-point stringing machine with only the top and bottom points, please do the same but skip the second step. Please note not to over-tighten the racket onto the machine, as doing so might cause the racket to warp or crack, even before you start to string!
Strings come in mainly two different forms: in reels or pre-packed. If you are using pre-packed strings you will need to cut the strings into 2-parts before stringing. Pre-packed strings usually come in 12.2 m or 40 ft in length, which is more than sufficient for a 2-piece string job.
If you are using strings from reels you will need to measure out and cut 2 times 6 m or 20 ft for the string job depending on the head size of the racket. You can use any measuring tape.
Pro Tip: Once you have the length that you want, you can take reference of that length in comparison to the length of your arms and you can just measure the length of the strings using your arms for your future stringing jobs.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Once the racket has been secured and its string has been measured out, you can proceed to string:
1. Pull the string through the centre 2 grommets (for the 2-piece stringing method, you will need to make sure that the strings are even in length when it is through the grommets).
Pro Tip: You may apply a light coat lubricant like vaseline on the strings to reduce friction between the strings while pulling them across one another.
2. Clamp either side of the strings (could use a starting clamp for additional support if your swivel clamp slips).
3. Start to pull the tension of the mains on either side and alternate after 3 main strings have been pulled. Always string on alternate sides after a few pulls to make sure the pressure on the head is evenly distributed.
Pro Tip: Always try to clamp the string close to the racket frame to minimize uneven tension on the mains.
4. String all the mains.
5. Pull tension on the last 2 mains and do the tie-off on both sides. Always pull an additional 10% tension on the tie-off string to reduce tension loss. You can use any knot you are comfortable with as long as the tie-off is secure.
6. Release the clamps holding the last mains.
7. Prepare the strings for the cross as you did on the mains. Weave the top cross and pull enough strings through to be able to pull tension on the top cross.
8. Start to weave the second cross, pulling all the remaining strings through.
9. Clamp and pull the tension on the top cross and hold the tension with a starting clamp.
10. Start to weave and pull tension on the crosses from top to bottom.
Pro Tip: Always push the strings upwards while passing the strings through the mains. Also, try to string one ahead so that you would not be hindered by the clamps while weaving for the next cross. Try to straighten the string as much as possible while pulling tension on the crosses to ensure a more dynamic and consistent tension throughout the racket. You may cut off excess strings, reducing the length of strings passing through one another.
11. Once all the crosses have been completed it is time to tie-off with a knot. Always pull an additional 10% tension on the tie-off string to reduce tension loss. You can use any knot you are comfortable with as long as the tie-off is secure.
Pro Tip: Find the tie-off grommet, usually one that has a bigger opening.
12. Once the tie-off on the last cross is completed, release the clamps on the bottom and move to clamp the 2nd cross before releasing the starting clamp to pull tension on the 1st cross and tie-off.
Pro Tip: You may tie off the top cross after stringing a few (3-5) of the crosses on top as long as you have at least 1 clamp holding the tension of the cross.
13. Lastly, straighten the strings one last time before releasing the racket from the machine.
The Pros & Cons Of 2-Piece Stringing
Pros
Working with shorter lengths of strings so it's easier to handle.
Applicable to most if not all rackets.
Able to string different tensions and strings on the mains and crosses.
Easier to string when using strings that are prone to kinking.
Easier to string from the head down.
Cons
Generally uses more string as compared to 1-piece stringing so there's more string wastage.
More tension loss due to 4 tie-offs.
Generally, most stringers prefer using the 2-piece stringing method because it does not involve passing through as many strings compared to the 1-piece stringing method. Also, the 2-piece stringing method is applicable to any racket while it is not the case for the 1-piece stringing method. It is a matter of personal preference and also the kind of rackets you are stringing. The principles of stringing apply to rackets whether you are using the 2-piece or 1-piece stringing method.
Sign up for our restringing course if you are interested in becoming a certified stringer.