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?
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.
Thanks Bumz!! Yea, that helps. I will take a look at disassembling it when I get home today.
I have had problems with the white lithium grease hardening up...
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.
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.
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
Maybe needs a spring....Mine are original and can still pop a set of 15 inch zildjy HH cyms when I want to.
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.
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.
