What's your favorite drum key/drum tool?

[J.D.hughes]

I found this little Ludwig "Sta-Set" on the stage at CBGB at one of my first gigs there in about 1987-88?
It has 4 different tools on it and has helped with many stuck vintage wing nuts and tom holders.
Still works and is in pretty good shape. I usually use a nice old Gretsch key but this Sea-set stays in my stick bag at all times and has lived a long and useful life..

 

[Drumbumcrumb]

2x Tama TDK10’s, they have the best weight and balance. On a good drum, just give them a spin and the tension rods pirouette like a prima ballerina. I adopted the 2 key method a few years back and never looked back... It works wonders for keeping tension even, and of course it’s twice as fast.

Now, those are my everyday, utilitarian keys. But for special occasions... The machined brass key by Mattoon Drum & Percussion. Beautiful key, very well balanced and heavy (I keep meaning to get another to make a pair). Mine is cooler than the other keys, so he wears a leather jacket:

 

[Drumskillz]

Favorite drum key? Whichever one I can find in the bottom of my stick bag on a darkened stage.

But seriously, if changing heads then the drum key drill bit mentioned previously is a godesend. Just have to be careful not to get cross threaded! Unless you enjoy buying a replacement lug that is. If not, then they're all more alike than different.

Favorite drum tool? Without question my Drum Dial Digital. Get's me in the ballpark quickly. Then I fine tune by ear.

 

[arnost]

Can’t pick a favorite? Just pick them all.

I see you like my collection

 

[peacepipe]

I like this chunky Remo with rubbery grip-top for a nice sure feel; lanyard loop at the top, and just a nice weighty presence and secure, large hand feel. And it’s magnetized inside the key, for extra security or if you keep it sitting on a drum while playing.

 

[Drumbumcrumb]

I like this chunky Remo with rubbery grip-top for a nice sure feel; lanyard loop at the top, and just a nice weighty presence and secure, large hand feel. And it’s magnetized inside the key, for extra security or if you keep it sitting on a drum while playing.

Oh yeah, that reminds me of the ‘other’ thing I love about the Tama (and Mattoon) keys - the top grip nipple. Ya gotta have a top grip of some kind, knurled or ridged or rubber or whatever, but something you can grab. If you get all the rods as tight as you can using just the top (held between thumb and forefinger), you’ve got a solid (and repeatable) start for even tensioning. Forget about finger tight, ya gotta go nipple tight!

 

[RationalRabbit]

View attachment 463086 View attachment 463087
These are the only keys I use.

I like the one on the left (Tama TDK10) so much I have several everywhere so they are always available. Large size, smooth feel. love them. The Gibralter SC-4248 is great too.

 

[LRod1707]

I don't have this one (yet) but it looks great:

https://snareweight.com/index.php/buy-now/Speedy-Drum-Key-p165244001

 

[ggmerino]

Drumkey/bottle opener on the keychain (HELLSTONE- skål!).

Just don't scratch the rims with your keys.

Gibralter Wing key- works for lugs and great for wingnuts and won't get lost in my trap case/stick bag.

 

[Matched Gripper]

Yamaha drum keys. Accept no substitute!

 

[Danny Pipe]

Whichever one I don't lose.

Ore disappears (stolen?)...

 

[TheMattJones88]

I'm a huge fan of my INDe one. Big enough that I don't lose it, and comfortable to use.

 

[Slingwig26]

The attachment to my dremel for swapping heads.

 

[Davo]

Where's that confounded key ?!?!

 

[Monday317]

My own fave is the heavy, older, Pearl key, if only because it was the first I ever owned.

 

[ggmerino]

I found this little Ludwig "Sta-Set" on the stage at CBGB at one of my first gigs there in about 1987-88?
It has 4 different tools on it and has helped with many stuck vintage wing nuts and tom holders.
Still works and is in pretty good shape. I usually use a nice old Gretsch key but this Sea-set stays in my stick bag at all times and has lived a long and useful life..

I lost a lot of stuff at CBGB's in the 80's. Don't think I lost a Sta-Set, or ever had a Sta-Set (that I can remember), but always wanted one.

 

[dconsmack]

Snareweight Speedy Drum Key.

 

[LRod1707]

Snareweight Speedy Drum Key.

Do you use it? I posted it up above because I've been looking at it forever. I'm thinking of buying one (or two)! I can't tell if it's just standard size or a bit bigger and would love to know how comfortable it is on the fingers. The drum keys that have pointy corners can be painful on full head changes.

 

[dconsmack]

Do you use it? I posted it up above because I've been looking at it forever. I'm thinking of buying one (or two)! I can't tell if it's just standard size or a bit bigger and would love to know how comfortable it is on the fingers. The drum keys that have pointy corners can be painful on full head changes.

I use two. It's by far the most comfortable drum key I've used in 35 years.

 

[supershifter2]

anything that works including my
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