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Care of New Drums
This page will help you to give your drums a good start, keep
them in tip-top working condition and prolong their working
life.
- The first thing to do with drums is take time to make sure
that all threads on tension rods or other nuts and bolts are
lubricated. Use a proprietary brand such as LP Lug Lube™
as this is designed to cope with high pressure and repeated use.
Petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline ™ is another readily
available option. Many of the kits manufactured today are
already pre-lubricated, BUT ALWAYS CHECK. Please BE AWARE that
some manufacturers use brass inserts in their nut boxes, which
are 'self-lubricating' and therefore, do not require additional
lubrication.
- Make sure that all tension bolts, nuts and washers are
present and work properly. Be careful to check for
cross-threading which will make adjustment a nightmare, and will
only get worse with time.
- Ensure that all items of hardware attached to the shell e.g.,
nut boxes, are secure.
- Once the drum heads have been removed check the bearing edges
for cracks in the shell, and for bearing edge deformities.
Gently rub a bit of candle wax around the bearing edges to help
smooth movement of the skin over the edge. However, always
ensure that all lumps of wax are removed before re-fitting the
head.
- Check the drum heads for signs of damage e.g., warped or bent
rims or splits in the head.
- On snare drums always check that the snare-strainer throw-off
mechanism is lubricated and works smoothly. Also check the
snares themselves for damage or bending.
- Check the exterior finish for deep scratches, evidence of
cracks or other damage.
- Always refer back to your point of purchase to follow-up
queries or problems.
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