You're right...WD-40 is not used specifically as a lubricant...but it does have a small amount of penetrating oil in it....and I have never had a problem with "t-rods" backing out, either...but I think TMTM is asking mainly about lug screws, not t-rods.:Snow Flake:

My $0.02 here... For me it depends on the drum. It seems like some older drums, especially drums where they didn't use gaskets under the lugs (or where the shells are undersize) benefit from a little lubrication. The tension rods just seem to spin a little easier with some lubrication.

I've noticed that on my Acrolite, the lugs and T-Rods line up nicely, and therefore don't need any juice.

My Kent's on the other hand.. well, a little juice helps them greatly.

I've recently started trying out a homemade concoction on my more stubborn drums. It's a combination of vasoline and graphite, mixed together to form a paste. Just a tiny bit applied to the t-rod helps quite a bit. As for Vasoline breaking down, I generally clean up my lugs and rods fairly often, so I don't really worry about that.

I don't have a problem with rods backing out, probably because I'm not a hard hitter.

Only talking about tom tension bolts and lug screws. I've played other brands of drums but I have only kept up maintenance on Ludwigs. I KNOW! I,ve probably missed a lot of good sounds and easy licks but in the 60s & 70s as far as owning anything other than ludwigs was out of the question for me.And BTW I DO remember the 60&70s. TMTM

PK: I am sure the gun oil I used for rust prevention is probably the same oil you got from your father. Its really good stuff. I,ve used it for many years as a rust preventor because it is a very thin oil and I don,t think its a penetrating type oil.TMTM

Hello everyone, just joined a few minutes go.

I use ViperLube by LOCTITE. It's a synthetic grease and I purchased from Drum Supply House, perhaps a hardware store has it. I've had no detuning problems using this product, and I prefer a little lube because I like to stay on top of my tuning on all drums (have many) and like a smooth action on rods. I put a dab on my hand and using a tooth pick, apply to the lug nut. Hope that helps!

Viperlube! I learn something new every day DARB. Welcome to the forum I,am also a newby but have lots of questions. I,ve found that members of this forum are THE ONES that you will get straight answers from.TMTM

I agree, I only use 3 in 1 oil on the tension rods, lugs for a little lubricant.

I would never consider tightening the rods dry............