So my Gretsch Progressive Jazz Max Roach Snare Drum seemed to have a stripped thread on the Microsensitive strainer where the snare wire threads through and holds wire tension. I thought long about what to do here.....

1) purchase a new upgraded throw-off? True, the modern design is much nicer. But for an est. $95, wouldn't that hurt the originality of the drum? YES! So I moved on.

2) hunt down a replacement strainer altogether. Wella! EBay has one for(gulp!) $190!!!! NOT!

3) a helicoil! Yes! That's the answer. Well, turns out, not for a 4-40 thread.

4) buy the next largest thread(6-32) tap and bore and re-tap. Well, yes, but this is VERY THIN and could crack under that pressure. What then? See possible solution 1 & 2.

Now what?

Enter Loctite Form-a-thread. Relatively inexpensive considering the above options for sure! About $20, but I had to order it.

So how easy was it?

I prepped the hole with alcohol to clean it. Taped off around the hole to minimize any possible product getting on the chrome(notice on the product label - cured product requires sanding to remove. Careful with your chrome!).

I bought an extra long brass 4-40 screw for about $.13 at Ace Hardware to use as the dummy screw. Cleaned it with alcohol also. Apply the Release Agent to the brass screw and set aside.

Mix a small amount of both parts of the epoxy on a piece of cardboard for about a minute. Apply the epoxy to the brass screw and thread into hole. Make sure you go all the way through. I also put a small piece of tape underneath the hole to catch any product.

Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

Unscrew the brass screw and allow to cure for at least 30-45 minutes(let it go for at least 2-3 hours).

At this point I wiped off any excess and pulled the tape off to reveal the repair.

Now I can just reassemble!

Now I have a strong, like new thread, the original strainer, and the value of this rare gem is in tact.

Thought I'd share.