A:

This grommet and bumper guard kit is a semi-transparent silver color (like the ones the racquet comes with). It is designed to replace damaged grommets and bumpers like the one describe. Each set is $6.95. To install these, first remove the grommet and bumper strips that are already in the racquet. I usually prefer to work from the bottom up, putting in the bottom piece, then the side pieces, followed by the bumper guard on top last. The pieces will generally snap in pretty smoothly, but you can use an awl to gently get the grommets properly aligned in the hole. The top bumper guard piece can be difficult to get in, but the same method applies: work from one side to the other—again, gently using an awl to align the grommets in the holes if necessary. If that approach doesn't work, you can try working from the center out, but I find in most cases that going from one side to the other works better. If you are having a very hard time getting them in, you can try heating the grommets up with a hair dryer. A little bit of heat can help soften the plastic temporarily so you can more easily get the grommets installed. Keep in mind that the grommets may not seem fully "seated" in their holes until string has been installed for the first time.