What's your favorite drum key/drum tool?

[fun2drum]

I like a lot of the keys out there, and I would like to try some of the ones I'm seeing here. I think I would enjoy one of the ones with the finger knob on top. For head changes I've always just reached between the finger and hoop, and spun the screws by the threaded part. Finger tight all the way around and then tune with the key. I imagine having the finger knob on the top of the key would be a lot easier.

I have a variety, including the Ludwig, Yamaha, a 90's Mapex, and a quite nice one from INDe. I've been using these Gibraltars most recently though. I got the six-pack on Amazon a couple of years ago and I don't care as much if I lose one. I've lost half of them. They're not fancy by any means but they're effective and quite comfortable to use.

 

[MrYikes]

The drum keys with the top "nipple" is something I have long thought is needed. When changing one single head, it is too time consuming to get out the electric "turner" (whichever that is) and bending around to get your fingers below the rim can get messy so that the nipple can quickly get the job done. I thank everyone for this thread.

 

[LRod1707]

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

Excellent! As soon as I saw it, I liked it. I'll be ordering a couple.
Thanks

 

[Rockin' Billy]

I really like the Firefly key. I also got the Ringo Starr Key ‘just to have.’ Feels good in the paw though.

 

[Malc]

These three live in my stick bag,with the Premier one being the nicest to hold and use.

 

[LRod1707]

I just received my 2 Ahead Grip Keys. Very comfortable (silicone coated), excellent weight and very well made just like all the Ahead products I have tried. Fits precisely on the torque rod (not loose & not tight). They are more than you can ask for in a $6 drum key! Recommended, A+
If anyone is interested, I got them from Dale's Drum Shop through their eBay store!

Larger and heavier overall than a standard Ludwig key:

Curved wings make them ergonomic in the hand:

Here is a view on my 8" tom in order to show it's size:

 

[Rufus T Firefly]

Oh what the heck. Here's the whole lot of them (minus duplicates):

The drum company branded keys, Ludwig, Pearl, DW, Slingerland, Premier & Gibraltor

Generics

Other tools

Now I have to go put them all away..... (sigh)

 

[MusicianMagic]

Being completely serious. This is my favorite drum tool. I have plenty of drum keys. My problem is my pointer finger on my right hand is messed up & hurts constantly. My hands are not in great shape from health issues. Turning any drum key or those wing nuts is a little difficult & hurts. So I use one of these free jar openers (usually someone's giving them away or found at dollar stores) to grip drum keys & wing nuts. They help me grip no matter what fingers I use without much effort. No pain.

 

[premierplayer]

I've always been mostly a speed key person.
I did recently buy a two pack of DW keys for tuining, they're pretty nice.
My new favorite arrived today from Dales Drum Shop, Reverb store.
Nice...

 

[arnost]

Oh what the heck. Here's the whole lot of them (minus duplicates):
View attachment 465618

The drum company branded keys, Ludwig, Pearl, DW, Slingerland, Premier & Gibraltor
View attachment 465619

Generics
View attachment 465620

Other tools
View attachment 465621

Now I have to go put them all away..... (sigh)

Hi, are these keys for sale? I am interested in any. thanks

 

[john lamb]

This thing is AMAZING. Faster than a drill at changing heads - considering the time it takes to get the drill placed correctly, and the lack of control. I A/B'd it. Its VERY well balanced and spins very fast when you want it to.

 

[017]

Groovetech 1/4" Drive Drum Key Socket.

Attach it to a T-Handle, and you can spin rods on and off without the need for any power tools.

 

[arnost]

Oh what the heck. Here's the whole lot of them (minus duplicates):
View attachment 465618

The drum company branded keys, Ludwig, Pearl, DW, Slingerland, Premier & Gibraltor
View attachment 465619

Generics
View attachment 465620

Other tools
View attachment 465621

Now I have to go put them all away..... (sigh)

Hi, you already put them all away?

 

[Rufus T Firefly]

Hi, you already put them all away?

Well, I just put them back where they belong.

 

[hsosdrum]

My entire drum key collection: Ludwig, Gretsch, and two different Rogers.

 

[Pat A Flafla]

Pearl Hi-tension Tuning Key

HIGH-TENSION DRUM KEY FOR MARCHING OR HIGH-TORQUE APPLICATIONS

www.columbuspercussion.com

 

[katulu]

Another vote for the Protean keys. I got two at a "going out of business" sale and they're by far my faves of all the ones I have.

 

[RyanLovesDrums]

I mostly use two drum keys at a time. Either the Evans or Tama drum key. Both have that top part on the key for fine-tuning

 

[Quai34]

I use two firefly at the same time or two Tama keys, both have the top nipples that helps to change a head and when you cannot turn it with your fingers on top of the nipple, then, you can start to run the head 1/4 Inch turn at a time.

 

[Buffalo_drummer]

Been looking at them but I guess I gotta try one of those Firefly's