Hi rogersfreek!

Are you absolutely sure these are 1/4-28 rods? I'm not aware of any MIJ rods with that size tension rod. If they are MIJ, they might be 8mm rods, but I don't recall the thread pitch. I'm attaching a picture of an MIJ rod from a snare drum I had. It's shown below a standard 12-24 tension rod. The 8mm rod was probably a 1.25 or 1.5 thread.

-Mark

One of the things I learned here, and I cannot remember from whom unfortunately, is that a cheap way to replace T-rods for MIJ kits (metric threading) is to grab an offshore childs kit. I have used RB kits before. They should be cheap and plentiful on CL. Or you could always swap the lug inserts and use generic T-rods.

Sorry! I verified the size, they are 1/4"-20 thread size. I know they are not metric, as I sized it at the hardware store with a thread check tool

there. Any more suggestions?? thanks.

I may have mislead you by saying metric threading in my previous post, what I meant was that offshore kids kits have t-rods with the same threading as 60's/70's MIJ kits.

I've run into the problem too. I always just replace the threaded insert (or swivel nut) that the tension rod threads into. That way, you can use modern T-rods or key rods. A bag of 12 threaded inserts should run you around $5-$6.

So, 10 does both sides of the bass drum?

You got to replace them all?

Try some of the MIJ experts here.

They might have some T-rods.

Is johnnysticks still around?

Or the swivel nut change out is the easiest way. 12-24 SAE

Make sure the new swivel nuts fit in the lug slots.

They should. Pretty generic.