1. Prepare the workstation
If you’re anything like us, you’ll like taking apart your bits and pieces of drum gear, either to see what makes it tick or to sort out a squeak or rattle. Makes a mess and we usually forget which bits go where.
Still, from time to time, it is a good idea to strip down your drums and give them a good going-over. By following our step by step guides to gear maintenance each month, you’ll soon have your gear tip-top. in this month’s workshop, we guide you through the simple process of removing your shell hardware and bringing it back to its former glory.
For this simple job you will need: a polishing cloth, metal polish, a screwdriver or cordless drill with the correct bit(s) and some containers to organise your removed parts.
Optional extras include fine wire wool, your choice of lubrication, a small brush and some white spirit. Of course, don’t forget your drum key.
2. Remove both heads
Evenly de-tune and remove the tension rods, setting them to one side. Soaking the rods in white spirit is a great way of stripping any old grease away and leaving them fresh.
Next, remove the heads and rims from the drum shell. This is necessary in order to access the fixing screws of the lugs.
3. Loosen the lug screws
Using a screwdriver, wrench or cordless drill, loosen the bolts from the inside.
This Sonor drum requires a torx head but manufacturers will vary. If working on a snare drum, you will also find screws to remove the strainer and butt plate.
4. Remove the lugs
Take the lugs off completely and set to one side; paying particular attention to the order in which the fixings fit together.
It is not uncommon for there to be a spring or a rubber gasket fitted between the shell and its hardware, so make use of your containers, keeping everything where you want it.
5. Clean the drum
With the shell stripped down, now is a perfect opportunity to give the drum shell itself a quick once-over.
It is not necessary to use any cleaning agents, just rubbing with a clean dry cloth will work. Although, drums with a wrap or lacquer finish will benefit from a polish with something like Pledge.
6. Clean the hoops
If your hoops are particularly dirty or even showing signs of rust, this is where you will want to employ the wire wool.
In most cases though, we usually reach straight for the metal polish. Apply with one corner of your cloth and buff away with the other, leaving your rims looking as good as new.
7. Clean the lugs
As with the hoops, rub in the metal polish and buff away with the cloth. Depending on the shape or style of the lugs, you may find it easier to use a small brush to get into all the crevices.
8. Clean the tension rods
Once you have finished with your hoops and lugs, you can turn your attention back to the tension rods that have been soaking in white spirit.
Before drying them off, give them a twist in the wire wool to clean any gunk out of the threads. You may chose to re-apply some lubricant at this point.
9. Re-attach the lugs
Replace your shiny new lugs, ensuring that you replicate the order of the parts as before.
For instance, this Sonor snare has rubber washers which should sit between the shell and the lug.
Gently fit the lug back into position, hand- tightening the screws at first, then finishing with your drill or screwdriver.
10. Replace the hoops
Place the drum head on the bearing edges and rest the hoop in position, lining up the holes with the lugs.
Insert the tension rods carefully to avoid any cross- threading, then tension evenly to your desired tuning. Repeat for both sides.
