cymbal hole size differs between top and bottom hi hat - is this normal or have I worn the top cymbal hole?

[djsaysauce]

Hi

I was curious if I had worn the centre (center) hole of my top hi hat (the hi hats are Paiste 14" Masters Dark Hi Hats). They are about six years old. I played them on a DW 9000 hi hat stand (no modifications). I have just a 2 or 3 weeks ago traded in the dw hi hat stand for a yamaha hs1200t.

I compared the holes of the top and bottom hi hat and to my eye the hole of the top hi hat is a little bigger than the bottom and a little less round (see images: top hi hat is lying on top of bottom hi hat).

Is this normal or is this a sign that the hole of the top hi hat has been worn.

Thanks.

 

[2oo2]

What I’ve seen from all Paiste cymbals (new or old) is that the hole comes perfectly round from factory. Yours simply seems worn out.

 

[premierplayer]

I think the threaded shaft on the clutch has filed down the mount hole on the top hat.
Steel is harder than bronze, it's going happen.
I've heard of guys putting electric tape or heat shrink tubing over the threads on the clutch to stop this.