Ludwig tom arms don't stay put ...Fix?

[drumbar]

So you know these old L style tom arms that Ludwig used from the 60s up into the 80s. Tighten the hex nut as hard as I can, put the tom on the L arm and it just rotates (slowly)down. I know we used to have tricks, different washers etc... But has anyone figured out how to keep that knurled L arm for turning when you put weight onto it?? I am minutes away from just putting a RIMS on it and stick it on a cymbal stand.

 

[Old Dog]

I personally HATED that tom holder design. I had a late 60s/early 70s Crestline that had very similar to what you're describing.

I just think the design was weak, as was the nuts and bolts part of the hardware. I would absolutely replace it or use something else. It's certainly going to be difficult to improve upon.

 

[JDA]

your splines must be worn smooth (?
move in/out to a different position or? they're shot?

Try reversing them - put the long end in---just to see if they hold "on Fresh Splines"..... (the well-known Mountain tune...

 

[cwdrums]

I have a remedy for the clockface design. Show me a picture of where your problem is. I posted the fix here on DFO just cant find it.
Coy

 

[wflkurt]

your splines must be worn smooth (?
move in/out to a different position or? they're shot?

Try reversing them - put the long end in---just to see if they hold "on Fresh Splines"..... (the well-known Mountain tune...

This could be the problem. I also use two washers and the bolt instead of a wingnut. When the bolt is clamped down with two washers with an L-arm that isn't worn down, it should hold pretty well. I also put a new diamond plate piece on my bass drum. I normally play sets with a rail but the Citrus Mod set I restored needed lots of love. The new diamond mount allows for a memory clamp to be used and it keeps the entire tom mounts from swing left or right. I haven't had a problem with my set at all. They don't totally hammered on but they aren't lightly tapped either.

 

[thin shell]

Is your problem at tom mount on the tom itself or the double tom mount?

The most important thing to fix this is to grease the threads on the eye bolts. This will make a world of difference.

 

[pgm554]

They some Teflon tape on the arms.

 

[mfryed2112]

You are suppose to rest the toms on top of the bass drum, like rim to wood. once it digs in a little you will have it licked. You can also at this point charge more and use buzz words like ringo, rich, bohnam and studio ready in your sales pitch.

 

[p83]

you are all working too hard. get a new tom mount. ludwig still makes the part so it looks totally vintage and no modifications are needed. it has a notch for a memory lock that goes on the L-arm. the lock does most of the work and you DO NOT have to crank it.


your problem is solved.

 

[Ludwigboy]

This could be the problem. I also use two washers and the bolt instead of a wingnut. When the bolt is clamped down with two washers with an L-arm that isn't worn down, it should hold pretty well. I also put a new diamond plate piece on my bass drum. I normally play sets with a rail but the Citrus Mod set I restored needed lots of love. The new diamond mount allows for a memory clamp to be used and it keeps the entire tom mounts from swing left or right. I haven't had a problem with my set at all. They don't totally hammered on but they aren't lightly tapped either.

View attachment 477433

Great imput from all members ; I agree with both JDA and Kurt (WFLKurt) ; take a look at the splines on your L arm ....they may be worn smooth due to 45 + years of adjusting and tightening.

 

[jptrickster]

You need these. The older ones had no splines to lock in. Must have for the gullwing style spurs as well.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ludwig-Dru...133?hash=item1f14d83625:g:eek:QEAAOSwWxxdyCd7

 

[Alquit]

You need these. The older ones had no splines to lock in. Must have for the gullwing style spurs as well.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ludwig-Dru...133?hash=item1f14d83625:g:eek:QEAAOSwWxxdyCd7

I agree. I replaced all the eye bolts on my 2 Ludwig kits on the Tom mounts, spurs and cymbal mounts and they work much better.

 

[drumbar]

Ooohhh I do like those new eyebolts. When did Ludwig start doing that? I have tried the 2 washer thing, didnt help. The splines aren't worn, though there is one section that looks gouged. Maybe I can just slide it outward a little? Now that I think about it, I do have a 1999 ludwig fab 4 kit, I bet the floor tom mounts have this newer eyebolt style? Save me $13. Thanks everyone.

 

[thin shell]

Grease the threads with a good general purpose or white lithium grease. You will be amazed how well it works.

 

[K.O.]

you are all working too hard. get a new tom mount. ludwig still makes the part so it looks totally vintage and no modifications are needed. it has a notch for a memory lock that goes on the L-arm. the lock does most of the work and you DO NOT have to crank it.


your problem is solved.

Better yet an INDe mount.

(10) INDe BR2 Tom Drum Iso Mount Bracket Mini Review - YouTube

 

[equipmentdork]

I can't speak for the inside of this mount, but I picked this one up used and it's infinitely better. Works well, though I appreciate how it changes the vintage look a bit.

Ludwig Percussion Holder LR2980MT 641064125706 | eBay

Click here to see description.

www.ebay.com

Dan

 

[pjmariner]

I just restored my 35 year old rocker kit, I I added thick stainless washers and stainless acorn nuts I got on amazon, the nuts are a larger 9/16 head then original nut plus with more threads and looks worlds better. The do not move at all now. I did same thing in floor tom as well

 

[dharma bum]

I just restored my 35 year old rocker kit, I I added thick stainless washers and stainless acorn nuts I got on amazon, the nuts are a larger 9/16 head then original nut plus with more threads and looks worlds better. The do not move at all now. I did same thing in floor tom as well
View attachment 478740 View attachment 478741

Nice job on the Rockers!

 

[Vipercussionist]

I use this style of mounting system often.
If you replace the "eyebolt" with a new one, you find the new ones are splined and some of the vintage ones are not.
Made ALL the difference for me!!!

 

[scaramanga]

I play my kit out. I hate needing a wrench to mount/move my toms. I bought a new mount from Ludwig.