Greetings,

I just wanted to share a trick I found on older Ludwig flat base stands that do not have the "collar" that the wing screw threads into at the base section, instead, on the older ones, the wing screw threads right against the stand. See below for my awesome MS Paint skills showing the "collar" in photo 1.

Photo 2 shows a "no collar" older stand (not rusted or brown, just reflecting off my natural wood basement ceiling). Since the wing screw tightens directly against the stand, there is always potential (and usually cause) for slippage, especially if a wayward guitar player or over exuberant dancer steps on the tripod base.

I found a way to combat that. I took out the wing screw and used a fine tip Sharpie to make a small dot where the wing screw tightens against the base pipe. I then used a 3/16" drill bit and drilled a hole in that exact spot. It's a bit tricky, but as long as you secure the base against a wall and tap the center of the Sharpie mark with an awl and hammer, so they drill bit will "grab" in the right spot it's not too difficult.

Next, I threaded the hole with a 1/4"-20 tap (same threading as the wing screw). I then put the stand in "playing position" without the wing screw and re-threaded the main (existing) hole and the new hole in the tube, just to make sure it was lined up and smooth.

Now, the wing screw threads all the way inside the tube, so the wing screw can't slip. It's much more secure this way, and just feels safer (See photos 3 and 4). This is a standard, garden variety Ludwig "Mickey Mouse" screw. It had plenty of length to thread all the way into the tube.

I hope this helps,

V