Guys I was wondering if you could give me some insight as to the process of putting a badge on a shell. I have a old WMP 6 lug Gretsch snare that came to me missing the badge and my Gretsch Harlequin two piece that both came without badges on them. I have found badges but I dont know if I dare attempt this myself or hire it out to be done. I've never done any before.
Any recommendations for me?
There are several grommet tools out there. I oown a upholstery shop and have all sorts of grommet tools, but the best tool for reinstalling badges is one I got one from myoldkentuckydrums on ebay. It is the best drum grommet installer on the planet, but it cost 34.00 heres one
Is it me or does it seem like you could make that tool very easily with a trip to the hardware store?
Also can I get grommets from any hardware store?
Is it me or does it seem like you could make that tool very easily with a trip to the hardware store? Also can I get grommets from any hardware store?
I've made that exact "tool" making a trip to the local hardware store like you suggested. Sometimes some of the better hardware stores do carry grommets, so as long as you get the correct size and finish grommet, I don't see the hard. However, if you come up empty on the grommets at a hardware store, Precision Drum does sell the correct size and finish grommets for Gretsch badges....
Ive never seen a nut that large with a hole that small in it. The nut is 22mm with a 5mm hole. This size nut usually takes about a 10mm bolt, plus it has that little slope on it. Where did you find this??
I've made that exact "tool" making a trip to the local hardware store like you suggested. Sometimes some of the better hardware stores do carry grommets, so as long as you get the correct size and finish grommet, I don't see the hard. However, if you come up empty on the grommets at a hardware store, Precision Drum does sell the correct size and finish grommets for Gretsch badges....
Ace hardware carries standard grommet tools, but they dont work lke this does. I have used this thing probably 15 times and it works perfectly every time. We have about 6 different sizes of commercial grade grommet tools at my shop and none work nears as good as this little baby.
I have to agree I also have that tool and it works flawlessly every time..buy the correct grommet and finish it makes the badge job look that much better..
The guy selling the tool will probably have the correct grommet also. Different thickness shells require different grommets
Another method that works just fine and doesn't cost $35-40 for the tool: Use a 5/16" flat head machine screw on the inside of the shell where you need to flare the grommet. On the badge side use a sturdy flat head washer and nut and crank it until the grommet starts to flare. This won't get you all the way there, so then, remove the screw, place the outside of the grommet (badge side) on a smooth anvil, and place either an appropriately sized ball bearing or round end of a ball peen hammer on the inside and hit it with another heavy piece of metal (avoid a second hammer, try to use something not as hardened. I use a splitting wedge. Striking two tool hardened items together can fracture or shatter.)
Hmm, come to think of it, I have a metal lathe. I could turn a die.
