GROMMETS--WHAT THEY ARE AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW {2003}
By Vince Chiarelli, PTR, MRT and Owner of String Along With Vince in Largo
If your strings are breaking sooner than they used to (and your play style hasn't really changed), here is something to consider. When taking your racquet in for re-stringing, you may want to check the grommets to see if they need repair or replacement. What are grommets? They are the tiny plastic cylinders that the strings go through. Most frames have them connected to each other in long strips and around the top in what's called the bumper guard. Typically, a racquet is made in a mold and then the holes are drilled. The edges of the graphite or aluminum holes are quite sharp and can easily cut the string under tension, especially during stringing and play. Grommets are the strings' protection, but only while they last.
Just like most synthetic string, grommets are made of plastic that deteriorates due to heat and UV rays. Additionally, grommets are subject to rubbing on the edges of the holes in the frame and will eventually wear through. After a period of time these grommets become brittle and you will notice them splitting. This is a sign that they need replacing, because the most serious problem may be hidden. You can't see the grommets that have worn through inside the holes where the real damage can occur.
Many folks don't realize that grommets are replaceable. As a bonus, grommets come in kits including the bumper guard to protect the top of the frame from being scraped when you go for those low shots. Sometimes just one or two grommets are badly split, so a whole kit may not be necessary. Temporary "tubing" can be used in most grommets. Also, many shops carry permanent individual replacement grommets.
If you break strings often, consider that the re-stringing process puts a great deal of stress on the grommets, especially in the shoulder areas where the strings are pulled at sharp angles. Replacing the grommets on a regular basis is a good way to ensure both longer string and frame life. If you're not a string breaker, but love your older racquet, you can extend its useful life by replacing worn grommets and bumper guards as needed. And it won't cost that much to keep "old faithful" playing its best.
By Vincent A. Chiarelli, PTR, MRT; Owner, String Along With Vince
Copyright 2003 (Previously published in FLORIDA TENNIS - June, 2003)
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Editor's note pertaining to all articles presented.
All articles are presented as they were written and published. Some information contained in these articles may have changed over the years. Please be cognizant of this as you read. Additionally, since these articles go back as far as 1994, some of the technology may have changed, and new methods and advancements may have come about. Please contact us if you have any questions.
