tension rods coming unscrewed :o

[Fatticus]

Not sure if this is where this kind of thread belongs, and I couldn't find a thread like it with the Search feature, but I used my best judgment. So here goes:

I got this Pearl Export EX set for Christmas and it's great. But when I tune the toms, I'll notice a rattling whilst playing and look down to see that one of the tension rods on the batter head has come loose and is just bouncing around in its hole. Then I have to retune the head, which is a pain.

Now, I tune the batter heads pretty loosely, but I don't think they're that loose. The tension rods' threadings are nylon coated for smoother tightening, so I think that has something to do with it.

Anyone else have this problem? Any tips? Maybe I should be tightening the batter heads a bit more?

Thanks,
Fatticus

[mind_drummer]

Two answer

First one : there's something called locktite

Second answer: http://www.bigbangdist.com/tightscrew.htm

http://www.bigbangdist.com/tightscrew16z5.jpg

[Fatticus]

How do you tune or change heads if you use Loctite? I considered it but dropped the idea because of this.

I'm going to look into those TightScrews. Thanks!

[dom]

you could try just rubing some vasoline on the threads before putting them in. It will help it be a bit more smooth when tuneing and keep it tight a little bit longer. Tight Screws are also great

[SketcHyRollin564]

you may just need to tune a LITTLE tighter. I had the same problem, so i figured why not, my set is tuned bad anyways, so i just tuned it a tiny bit higher, and now my heads stay where i tell them to

[LayinDown]

If your tension rods are coming that loose, then your heads are tuned WAY to low, IMO.

Also, always be sure that when you tune a drum, the last turn on each tension rod should always be to tighten, not loosen.

[Splinter]

It might also be that you are tightening the other lugs too much, and the actual rim is coming down instead the tension rod going up. I've had that happen a few times.

[Pearl Player]

If your tension rods are coming that loose, then your heads are tuned WAY to low, IMO.

Also, always be sure that when you tune a drum, the last turn on each tension rod should always be to tighten, not loosen.
Yea never tune down... Always tune up to where ya want em

Lots here have advised loctite. There are several kinds. DONT use the red.... I dont use Loctite on anything near my drums. If someone can remember what some have advised follow thier advice.

But I would also gather that if there coming loose that often, Your probably tuning em way to low.
I play ELX's and dont have any tension rods that come loose,

Mike

[Skitch]

I don't think that I would use the loctite method; Changing heads or re-tuning would be a major hassle. Try the suggestions above or the vasoline on the tension rod. Use of wheel bearing grease might also help.

Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com


http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=drummermikemccraw

[Fatticus]

Actually, it's kind of embarrassing because I always thought of this as a very basic rule of thumb, but I got mixed up on whether you were supposed to tune up or down. I was thinking it was tuning down.

So that's probably the issue. :\

I've also got some new heads on the way because I've milked the factory heads for all their worth. Maybe that will help as well.

Thanks for everyone's help.

-Fatticus