Abstract: A method for the insertion of a weft thread into a shed of a rapier weaving machine is presented in which the weft thread (3) is taken up by a bringer rapier (10) and fixedly clamped in the same by means of a thread clamp, is inserted into the shed by means of the bringer rapier and is taken up by a taker rapier. In the said method the clamping force of the thread clamp in the bringer rapier is additionally controlled during the weft insertion in such a way that the clamping force (F0) during the take-up of the weft thread and/or during the transfer of the weft thread is reduced relative to the clamping force (F1) in the insertion phase lying therebetween.