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Tension Rods maintenance.

Posts: 527 Threads: 57

A message for those of you that use drums with old fashion tension rods. It is very important that you change washer on the tension rods every so often it's a part of maintaining your drum parts working in order. What happens if you do not change they through heat and friction mend with the tension Rod and do not do the work that they are meant to do and cause damage to the claws or rims and the tension rod itself of your drums. I recommend use nylon washers and simply because when the wear out you can see and replace them. Metal washers just fuse with tension rod and creates damage also by using Nylon washer drum tunes a bit better as rod glides on Nylon.

Posted on 9 years ago
#1
Posts: 2023 Threads: 47

Defo use the nylon washers on all drums here! It does indeed make tuning so very much smoother, with no "grabs" on rough patches of rim or metal washer. Good advice, I say!

Mitch

Posted on 9 years ago
#2
Posts: 241 Threads: 2

I find it hard to believe metal washers would do any harm, they have been used for a good many years with no problems,( maybe if drum was left in high moisture for a long time)

the change to nylon was to likely save money.

Posted on 9 years ago
#3
Posts: 5550 Threads: 576

I think the brass/copper washers of pre 65 drums are the best ...

April 2nd 1969 scarfed pink champagne holly wood and 65/66 downbeat snare, and , supra same year very minty kit old pies
66/67 downbeat with canister
Super 400 small round knob
1967 super classic obp





once the brass ceases to glitter, and the drum looses its luster, and the stage remains dark, all you have left is the timbre of family.
Posted on 9 years ago
#4
Posts: 5295 Threads: 226

From jaghog

I think the brass/copper washers of pre 65 drums are the best ...

I agree!! Brass is a soft metal which allows forgiveness...

Cheers

1976 Ludwig Mach 4 Thermogloss 26-18-14-14sn
1978 Ludwig Stainless 22-22-18-16-14-13-12 c/w 6-8-10-12-13-14-15-16-18-20-22-24 concert toms
1975 Sonor Phonic Centennials Metallic Pewter 22-16-13-12-14sn (D506)
1971 Ludwig Classic Bowling Ball OBP 22-16-14-13
1960's Stewart Peacock Pearl 20-16-12-14sn
1980`s Ludwig Coliseum Piano Black 8x14 snare
1973 Rogers Superten 5x14 & 6.5x14 COS snares
1970`s John Grey Capri Aquamarine Sparkle 5x14 snare
1941 Ludwig & Ludwig Super 8x14 snare
Posted on 9 years ago
#5
Posts: 527 Threads: 57

From burgundy

I find it hard to believe metal washers would do any harm, they have been used for a good many years with no problems,( maybe if drum was left in high moisture for a long time)the change to nylon was to likely save money.

Burgundy Try removing one that has been on a drum for some time being tuned constant, you will note it unites with collar of the tension rod and it intended job is not done. Brass washer also they wear out in time. and when removed you will see that they have bevelled taking shape of rim hole

Posted on 9 years ago
#6
Posts: 241 Threads: 2

not saying I know it all, or have see it all, i'm 65 years old, been fooling with drums for 40 of them, not saying rods and washers shouldn't be cleaned and oiled now and then, but I fail to see why a machined and hardened washer would fail any quicker from being turned than the rod end in the insert, both ends are taking the load.

as for brass washers loosing shape, I would think nylon washers would deform first.

Posted on 9 years ago
#7
Posts: 5550 Threads: 576

From burgundy

not saying I know it all, or have see it all, i'm 65 years old, been fooling with drums for 40 of them, not saying rods and washers shouldn't be cleaned and oiled now and then, but I fail to see why a machined and hardened washer would fail any quicker from being turned than the rod end in the insert, both ends are taking the load.as for brass washers loosing shape, I would think nylon washers would deform first.

I've seen plastic washers deform , spread sideways , and plain just disintegrate...

April 2nd 1969 scarfed pink champagne holly wood and 65/66 downbeat snare, and , supra same year very minty kit old pies
66/67 downbeat with canister
Super 400 small round knob
1967 super classic obp





once the brass ceases to glitter, and the drum looses its luster, and the stage remains dark, all you have left is the timbre of family.
Posted on 9 years ago
#8
Posts: 3467 Threads: 116

I now use nylon on all toms & Bd.... Stainless steel on all Snares.. no more rust transfer... or damaged hoops...

Cheers

John

'77 Slingerland 51N,Super Rock 24,18,14,13.. COW 8,10 Concert toms
'69 Slingerland Hollywood Ace
'75 Rogers Dynasonic 6.5 x 14, 10 lug COB
'77-78 Slingerland 6.5 x 14, 10 lug COB
'78-79 Slingerland 5 1/4 x14 8 lug COB
'79 Biman 5 1/4, Acrolite
'82 Slingerland 5 1/4 x 14. Festival COS
'84 Tama MasterCraft Superstar 6.5 x 14, 10 lug Rosewood
'98 Slingerland (Music YO) 6" 10 Lug Maple.. NOS
Zildjian, Sabian , UFIP & Paiste mix.
Posted on 9 years ago
#9
Posts: 527 Threads: 57

burgundy We are in same age bracket jaja I have been in the music business since age of 7 and I have experience this problem numerous times specially when you use calf heads and are constant tuning and de tune. I am going to post a photo , just waiting for camera to charge, of how washers get after a bit of constant usage specially on vintage raw claws and cast iron rims. they also grind into the claw at times. Yes the plastic deforms with time and this is the time to replace. Metal one just grinds in the rim and expand on the neck of the tension rod fusing them together and that when the grinding effect starts.

Posted on 9 years ago
#10
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