A good tennis stringing machine does most of the work, but the right accessories make stringing safer, more consistent, and less frustrating. A dependable starting clamp, sharp cutters, and a way to check tension can save time on every racquet—whether you string for yourself or handle a steady queue at a club.
The best tennis stringing machine accessories depend on your setup. A home stringer may need a few basic tools, while a busy shop may benefit from spare clamps or an electronic tension-head upgrade. Here are useful options, what they do, and how to choose without buying tools you will rarely use.
Useful Tennis Stringing Machine Accessories
These recommendations cover common jobs: holding a string, pulling tension, checking results, and making clean cuts. Check the machine’s mounting system and clamp design before ordering anything meant to attach to it.
| Accessory | Useful for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Gamma Starting Clamp | Starting mains and holding string temporarily | A quality clamp costs more than a basic backup |
| Wise 2086 Electronic Tension Head | Upgrading many crank-style machines | Requires a compatible machine and proper adapter |
| Tourna Stringmeter | Comparing stringbed tension over time | Provides an estimate, not an exact stringing tension |
| Stringway flying clamps | Machines that use flying clamps | They need correct placement and care to hold securely |
| Digital tension calibrator or pull scale | Checking whether a tension head pulls accurately | Needs careful setup and occasional rechecking |
1. Gamma Starting Clamp
A starting clamp holds a string securely when you begin a job, and it can also help bridge a short section of string or hold tension while you reposition a clamp. It is one of the most versatile tools on a stringer’s bench. The Gamma Starting Clamp is a familiar option for home and shop stringers.
Why it’s useful: It can help when starting the mains, handling blocked holes, or working around a clamp that cannot reach a spot. Trade-off: A starting clamp is not a substitute for the machine’s main clamps. Keep its gripping surfaces clean and avoid squeezing the string harder than needed.
2. Wise 2086 Electronic Tension Head
The Wise 2086 is an electronic tension head designed as an upgrade for many lockout crank machines. It can give an older machine an electronic constant-pull function, which is useful for stringers who want to change tension quickly or prefer that style of pull.
Why it’s useful: It may extend the life of a solid crank machine instead of requiring a full machine replacement. Trade-off: Compatibility depends on the machine and mounting arrangement, so confirm the required adapter before buying. It also adds cost and electronics to maintain. It is an upgrade, not a must-have for a beginner.
3. Tourna Stringmeter
The Tourna Stringmeter measures how much a string deflects under its gauge. Stringers use it to compare a racquet’s stringbed with its previous readings or to check how tension changes after play. It can be handy when a player says, “This one feels looser than last week.”
Why it’s useful: It offers a repeatable check without cutting out the strings. Trade-off: Its reading is an estimate of stringbed tension, not a direct measurement of the reference tension used on the machine. For a meaningful comparison, use the same racquet, string, gauge, and measuring method each time.
4. Stringway Flying Clamps
Flying clamps grip two strings and move along with the stringing process, rather than attaching to a machine base. Stringway flying clamps are an option for stringers whose machine is designed for this type of clamp. They can also appeal to players who need a portable setup.
Why they’re useful: A well-made flying clamp can provide a reliable hold without a fixed-clamp rail. Trade-off: They must be positioned correctly, and the machine’s design matters. Do not assume a flying clamp will work well with every machine or string pattern. Keep the jaws clean and inspect them for wear.
5. Digital Tension Calibrator or Pull Scale
A calibrator or suitable pull scale helps check whether a machine is pulling close to its set tension. This is especially useful if the machine has been moved, serviced, or used heavily. A reading that is off does not automatically mean the machine is faulty; setup and the way the scale is attached can affect the result.
Why it’s useful: It helps you spot drift and maintain consistent settings. Trade-off: It needs to be used according to the scale and machine instructions. Check calibration at more than one setting if the device allows it, and avoid treating one reading as proof that every part of the machine is perfect.
Other Small Tools Worth Keeping Nearby
- Sharp diagonal cutters: Clean cuts make it easier to thread string through grommets and trim knots. Replace or sharpen cutters that crush the string instead of cutting it.
- Awl with a smooth, rounded tip: Useful for guiding string through a blocked grommet. Work gently; forcing an awl can damage a grommet or the frame.
- Needle-nose pliers: Helpful for pulling string through a tight opening or handling knots. Smooth jaws are less likely to mark the string.
- Spare grommet pieces and tubing: These can help protect string where a grommet is damaged or a hole creates excess friction. Use a repair that fits the racquet and does not put pressure on the frame.
How to Choose Accessories for Your Setup
Start with the jobs you actually do. For occasional home stringing, a starting clamp, cutters, and a safe tool for blocked holes may be enough. If you string several racquets a week, a tension-checking tool and a spare clamp can reduce interruptions. Consider an electronic tension-head upgrade only after confirming compatibility and deciding that its features suit your workflow.
Good accessories should also protect the racquet and string. Keep clamps clean, check their grip before pulling hard, and use tools gently around grommets. If a clamp slips, stop and inspect it rather than compensating by overtightening. A damaged string or frame can cost far more than the accessory you were trying to avoid replacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most useful accessory for a beginner?
A starting clamp is a strong first choice because it can help with several parts of a string job. Pair it with sharp cutters and learn how to use each tool without pinching or damaging the string.
Do I need a tension meter to string racquets?
No. A tension meter is optional. It can help you compare stringbeds over time, but it does not tell you the exact reference tension used during stringing. Consistent technique and a well-maintained machine matter more.
Can I add the Wise 2086 to any crank machine?
No. It is designed to work with many crank-style machines, but mounting requirements vary. Check the machine model and the required adapter before purchasing.
How often should I check my stringing machine’s tension?
Check it when you first set up a machine, after moving or servicing it, and periodically if you string often. Follow the calibrator’s instructions and use the same setup each time so readings are comparable.
Final Thoughts
The right tennis stringing machine accessories make routine jobs smoother and help you catch problems before they affect a racquet. For most stringers, a starting clamp, reliable cutters, and a careful tension check are practical places to begin. Add upgrades like the Wise 2086 only when they fit your machine and solve a real need in your stringing routine.
