A tennis racket grommet replacement usually costs about $20 to $50 in the United States when you include the parts and a shop’s labor. A bumper guard or a few individual grommets may cost less, while a hard-to-find set for an older racket can push the bill higher.
The exact price depends on your racket model, how much of the grommet system is damaged, and whether you do the work yourself or take it to a stringer. Here’s what to expect, how to tell when replacement is worthwhile, and which repair option makes sense for your frame.
Typical Tennis Racket Grommet Replacement Costs
Most rackets use a model-specific strip of plastic grommets, often joined to a bumper guard at the top of the frame. Shops commonly replace the whole set rather than fit several loose pieces, since the parts are designed to match the racket’s hole pattern.
| Repair or part | Typical cost in the U.S. | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Complete grommet set | $8–$25 for parts | Price depends on the racket model and part availability. |
| Shop labor for replacement | $10–$25 | May be less when done with a restring, or included in a shop’s service package. |
| Full replacement at a shop | $20–$50 total | A common range for a current racket with an available grommet set. |
| Bumper guard or partial repair | $5–$15 for parts, plus labor | Only an option if a matching bumper or separate pieces are sold for your frame. |
| Individual grommet tubing | $3–$10 for a small supply | Useful for a limited repair, but it won’t fix a badly worn strip. |
These are general estimates, not a quote. Shops set their own labor prices, and some charge more if the old grommet strip is brittle or difficult to remove. If the racket needs restringing too, ask for the combined price. Removing and fitting grommets is often easiest while the frame is already unstrung.
What Affects the Price?
Racket model and parts availability
Grommet sets are usually made for a specific racket model and sometimes a particular generation of that model. Two rackets with similar names may have different hole layouts, so a set that looks close may not fit. Current, popular frames are often easier to source parts for than discontinued models.
If the racket is older, ask a stringer to check the exact model before ordering. A scarce set may cost more, take longer to arrive, or be impossible to find. In that case, a small repair using tubing might keep the racket usable, but it is not always a sound substitute for a complete set.
Extent of the damage
A worn bumper guard may be the only problem, especially if the rest of the grommet strip is in good shape. But if several grommets are split, flattened, or missing, replacing the complete set is usually the more dependable fix. A string should not rest directly against a sharp or exposed edge of the frame.
DIY versus professional labor
Doing the repair yourself can save labor, but fitting a full strip takes patience. Grommets need to sit correctly in the frame holes, and forcing them can damage the plastic or scratch the frame. If you do not already own stringing tools or plan to restring the racket yourself, paying a stringer may be the better value.
Five Repair Options to Consider
1. Model-specific OEM grommet set
Best for: A full, reliable replacement on a racket with available parts.
A genuine set made for your racket is usually the safest choice because its spacing and shape match the frame. Expect roughly $8–$25 for parts, then add shop labor if you are not installing it yourself. The drawback is that a discontinued model’s set may be hard to find.
2. Replacement bumper guard
Best for: A racket with damage limited to the bumper at the top of the hoop.
A matching bumper can cost less than a full grommet set and protects the frame when it scrapes the court. It only makes sense if your racket’s bumper can be purchased separately and the side grommets remain sound. Ask the shop to confirm compatibility before ordering.
3. Individual grommet tubing
Best for: One or two worn holes when the rest of the strip is in good condition.
A stringer can use short tubing sleeves to protect string at a damaged grommet. The material is inexpensive, but this is a targeted repair, not a replacement for a cracked bumper or a badly deteriorated strip. A professional can judge whether the repaired hole will still hold tension safely.
4. Pro shop replacement with a restring
Best for: Players who want the job handled in one visit.
Having a shop install the new set while restringing is convenient and can be more economical than paying for separate jobs. Ask for the total with parts, labor, and strings before you leave the racket. This option is especially useful if the old grommets are brittle or you are unsure which set fits.
5. DIY installation with a racket-specific set
Best for: Experienced stringers who already have the right tools.
You pay for the parts and avoid labor, but the savings can disappear if the strip is damaged during installation. Work slowly, keep track of the set’s orientation, and avoid forcing a grommet into place. If you are new to stringing, practicing on a less valuable frame—or asking a shop to do this repair—is a sensible choice.
When Should You Replace the Grommets?
Inspect the bumper and grommet holes when you restring, especially if you play often or scrape the racket on hard courts. Replacement is worth considering when you notice:
- A split, cracked, or missing grommet.
- A string pressing against the frame or cutting into the plastic.
- A bumper worn through enough to expose the frame.
- Strings breaking repeatedly at the same hole without another clear cause.
- Grommets that are loose, flattened, or so brittle they crumble during restringing.
Don’t assume every broken string means the grommets are at fault. Off-center hits, string age, and the type of string can also cause breaks. But a sharp or exposed grommet can damage a fresh string quickly, so have the hole checked before paying for another restring.
How to Avoid Overpaying
- Give the shop the exact racket model and generation. A photo of the frame’s model label can help.
- Ask whether the quote includes parts and labor. “Grommet replacement” may mean different things at different shops.
- Check if a full set is necessary. A separate bumper or small tubing repair may be enough for limited damage.
- Combine the repair with a restring. The frame is already being handled, which may reduce the total service cost.
- Compare the repair cost with the racket’s condition. A $40 repair can make sense on a favorite frame, but less so if the frame itself is cracked.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace tennis racket grommets?
A complete replacement commonly costs about $20–$50 at a U.S. shop, including parts and labor. The final price depends on the racket model, local labor rates, and whether the parts are easy to find.
Can I play with a broken grommet?
It depends on the damage. A small cosmetic mark may not affect play, but a missing or split grommet can leave the string rubbing against the frame and may cause it to break. Have a stringer inspect it before your next restring.
Can a stringer replace just one grommet?
Sometimes. Individual tubing can protect a damaged hole, and some models allow a partial repair. If several holes or the bumper are worn, replacing the full set is usually the better long-term fix.
Is it worth replacing grommets on an old racket?
It can be, particularly if the frame is in good condition and you still enjoy playing with it. First confirm that a compatible set is available and compare the full repair cost with the price of a replacement racket.
Final Thoughts
For most current rackets, budget around $20–$50 for a complete grommet replacement at a shop. A partial repair may cost less, while rare parts or extra labor can raise the price. Get the racket model checked, ask for a parts-and-labor quote, and replace damaged grommets before they start cutting into your strings or frame.
