Complete Guide to Drum Tension Rods: Measuring, Sizing & Replacement Tips
What Are Drum Tension Rods?
Drum tension rods are threaded bolts that hold your drum head in place and allow you to tune the drum by adjusting the tension on the head. They screw into lugs on the drum shell and are adjusted using a drum key.
By tightening or loosening the rods, you control the pitch, tone, and feel of the drum.
Why Drum Tension Rods Matter
Tension rods are an often overlooked component of the drum kit, but they are one of the most important when it comes to your drum set up and sound. High-quality tension rods improve tuning accuracy, keep drums in tune longer, reduce unwanted overtones, and are more durable. Cheap or worn rods can cause tuning instability and poor tone.
At Honey Drums we have created Ti-Rods, titanium drum tension rods. Titanium offers a much lighter, harder wearing and visually appealing option when looking to upgrade your set up, we also offer a whole range of colours which turns this functional piece of kit into something that can completely transform your set up and upgrade your kit both visually and functionally.
High quality materials, craftsmanship and attention to detail is at the heart of what we do. We're always looking for ways to innovate and offer the drum community the highest quality products we can whilst also offering something that is personal and allows you to express yourself behind the kit.
Anatomy of a Tension Rod
How do I know what size tension rods I need?
There are 2 things we need to consider when selecting a tension rod. Length and thread.
Length - the quickest and easiest way to determine the length you need is to simply take your existing tension rod and measure it! A tension rods length is described based on the length of rod and thread beneath the drum head collar. See above picture for a visual representation.
If you don't have an existing tension rod to replace, follow these steps:
- Measure the distance between the top of the hoop (where the head of the tension rod will sit) to the top of the threaded insert inside the lug. (If you can't measure into the lug to get to the threaded insert, use any length tension rod or small bolt you have handy and mark on it how far it goes into the lug before it engages into the insert, add this measurement to the distance between the hoop and the top hole of the lug)
- Add 3mm to this measurement to allow for thread engagement into the insert.
- Add any additional components such as washers.
- Add these measurements together and this is the minimum tension rod size you require.
Example:
Distance between top of hoop and start of threaded insert - 38mm
Allowance for thread engagement - 3mm
Washer - 1mm
Total = 42mm
Minimum tension rod length required = 42mm. If the exact size you require doesn't exist. Pick the closest size available above this measurement.
Thread - most modern drum manufacturers use a #12-24 thread. This is the thread our Ti-Rods use and fits most drums. Some drum stores and manufacturers list their tension rods as 7/32" diameter, this diameter normally means the thread is also #12-24.
Just to make things even more confusing some manufacturers including DW and PDP use a different threading of 10-32 and M5 for their tension rods!
If you're unsure if our tension rods will fit your drums please let us know and we'll be able to help you out. If you have a kit that utilises a different thread than the #12-24 mentioned above you can still use our tension rods, you will just need to replace the lug inserts to match.
Why should you upgrade tension rods?
Upgrading your tension rods with Honey Drums Ti-Rods is in our opinion one of the best ways to visually and functionally upgrade your drum set up. We believe it's time for this small component to take centre stage and truly transform the way we see and use our drums!
- Here's a few benefits to upgrading your tension rods to our Ti-Rods:
- Precision-machined threads
- High quality materials and craftsmanship
- Excellent tuning stability
- Built for high-performance playing
- Longevity - our tension rods will never rust or corrode
- Weight saving - 40% lighter than standard steel tension rods
- Custom finishes that turns heads and transform your setup
- Being part of the #honeydrums community
Still Have Questions?
As you can see there is more to tension rods than first meets the eye. If you need any advice or have any questions please feel free to reach out and contact us!