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repairing sluggish speed king HI-HAT

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Hey fellas! I have an old Speed King Hi-Hat stand that I currently use. I have had it for about 12 years or so and it has been really nice... until about a month ago. The lifting action is now sluggish and sometimes it feels like it sticks in the closed position before opening at times.

Any suggestions on how to fix these issues?

-Justin

"People might look at you a bit funny, but it's okay. Artists are allowed to be a bit different."- Bob Ross

"After silence, that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music..." - Aldous Huxley
Posted on 11 years ago
#1
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I had the same problem with my 60s "spur-lock" hi hat. Basically a Speed King Pedal like clean and lube is the answer.

The pull rod unscrews from the pedal linkage at the bottom. Uses Hex at top of lower rod to loosen and remove the rod (counterclockwise). Use WD-40 as necessary to release the linkage at the bottom.

Disassemble (pay attention to what goes where), remove the spring, rod, linkage, and any other pieces. Spray all metal parts well with WD-40 and let sit for 24 hours. Threads too.

Ramrod the tube gently with small terry cotton towel soaked in WD-40. Inspect for washers, felt, etc wear and replace worn.

Rinse and dry prices. Completely, but lightly grease spring and all moving joints. A touch in the lower tube as well. I use white lithium grease. Reassemble and you should have like new action.

Make sure pull rods are true as well. Roll on felt surface and adjust.

Hope this helps.

Ludwig Drums ('65-'69)
Posted on 11 years ago
#2
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Thanks Bumz!! Yea, that helps. I will take a look at disassembling it when I get home today.

-Justin

"People might look at you a bit funny, but it's okay. Artists are allowed to be a bit different."- Bob Ross

"After silence, that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music..." - Aldous Huxley
Posted on 11 years ago
#3
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I have had problems with the white lithium grease hardening up...

My kit:
Ludwig Vistalite Big Beat set consisting of:
14” X 22” bass, 16” X 16” floor tom, 8” X 12” ride tom, 9” X 13” ride tom, 5” X 14” snare
Ludwig 201 Speed King bass drum pedal
Ludwig 1124 Spur-lok hit-hat with Ludwig Standard Paiste 14” cymbals (760 & 770 gr) with ching-ring
Two Ludwig Standard S-270 cymbals stands
18” Zildjian crash cymbal (1550 gr) and 20” Zildjian ride cymbal (2130 gr) with CAMCO sizzler
Gibraltar motorcycle seat-style drum throne with backrest
Posted on 11 years ago
#4
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I have not had issues with Lithium Grease, but their are many synthetic grease choices out there. Ask someone at the hardware store or auto shop. No heat build up, no rpms, just long lasting and somewhat exposed to the elements (dust, etc.). Its so easy that if you see grease problems on the spring re -open, clean and choose another.

Ludwig Drums ('65-'69)
Posted on 11 years ago
#5
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From your description I would suspect that the spring is worn out and needs to be replaced. I would include a spring replacement along with the disassembly, cleaning, and lubrication.

Posted on 11 years ago
#6
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From BUCKIE_B

From your description I would suspect that the spring is worn out and needs to be replaced. I would include a spring replacement along with the disassembly, cleaning, and lubrication.

Have done all my 1124s and have had good luck with simply stretching the

spring a little (following the thorough clean up described above).

MW

Ludwig Maple 3 ply 22 13 16 '72 SBP
Ludwig Maple 3 ply 20 12 14 '73 BDP
Ludwig CM 20 12 14 2011 Natural Maple
Gretsch Renown Bop 18 12 14 2012 Piano Blk

Ludwig Hammered Bronze 5 x 14 '82 Chicago
Ludwig Supraphonic 5 x 14 '72 w/Die Cast
Ludwig Jazz Fest 5 x 14 B/O OBP '72
Ludwig Pioneer 5 x 14 KS Black Lacquer '67
Ludwig Acrolite 5 x 14 B/O '70
Ludwig 6.5 x 14 Birch Natural - Monroe '90s
Slingerland Bronze 6.5 x 14 '70s
Posted on 11 years ago
#7
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Maybe needs a spring....Mine are original and can still pop a set of 15 inch zildjy HH cyms when I want to.

Ludwig Drums ('65-'69)
Posted on 11 years ago
#8
Posts: 1017 Threads: 349
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This is the model with the spring beneath the footboard strap connection, yes?

One idea to increase spring tension is to shorten/preload....which basically means putting something in the base of the tube to shorten the spring. A good nylon spacer

I also worked on one that had mechanical wear on that strap piece that screws into the rod. Just plain wear was causing that to stick in spots, instead of sliding smoothly.

And, just my :2Cents: , I don't like lithium grease. Don't really know why, except that the mechanics who were good enough to teach me car stuff would never use it.

I just popped for a can of Mobil 1 at Walmart.

I have NO idea whether this is based on fact, or just bias.

Posted on 11 years ago
#9
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What ever grease you choose, choose for corrosion protection and use a thin coat. Also something that wont leak or run onto to your "drum shoes".

I play bare foot.

Ludwig Drums ('65-'69)
Posted on 11 years ago
#10
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