Overtightening the Head

[SkilleDrummer]

I currently own a Pearl Forum set. After having it for about four months, I noticed that my tension rods on my floor tom do not loosen! I realized that I had tightened them too much over a long period of time. What can I do to fix them at home if possible, or do I need to take them to my dealer? Also, if I take it to my dealer how much would I expect to pay for repairs? (I know that I will probably need new skins as they would be badly warped from imbalance in tuning)

[PYRRHO]

Try some WD40 before going into a shop. Just spray some where the tension rod passes into the threaded insert. Let it sit overnight, and then loosen them. Chances are, the rods are just very tight, and need to be wrestled with a bit. If you are not particularly attached to the heads on the drum, you could just cut them. This will relieve the tension, and should allow the rods to back right out. You could also use a wrench rather than the supplied tuning key. This will provide the added leverage needed to loosen the rods. I'm still trying to imagine how you could tighten the rods THAT much without splitting the inserts or breaking the head first...

[Mattz280]

I think he means maybe he has stripped the bolts/brass threads....

[PYRRHO]

I think you're right.

Boltcutters.

Just cut the tension rods, and then remove the lug casings.
The insert can now be removed, along with the remaining piece of tension rod.

Assuming you have access to boltcutters, it's really easy and inexpensive - around $20USD to replace all of the rods and inserts...

[doc_on_drums]

I had the same problem on my floor tom and bass drum at different times. In my case it didn't happen from over tightening, it was defective swivel nuts inside the lugs. those can be gotten from your local drumshop for a couple dollars and change. if you can still remove the oposit head, you can get to the phillips head screws on the inside of the drum. cheap and easy to do at home.