![[DFO] Drum Forum](https://www.drumforum.org/styles/drumforum/xenforo/logo.png){kind=logo}
What's your favorite drum key/drum tool?
- Thread starter LRod1707
- Start date
- Joined
- May 7, 2020
- Messages
- 2,448
- Reaction score
- 2,481
I just got this cheap electric screwdriver from Amazon. I had the Evans drill bit drum key already. It doesn’t fit perfectly with this thing but it’s good enough. My hands could use the help
As far as beauty goes, it’s Oriollo for the win! Not bad ergonomically either.
- Joined
- May 7, 2020
- Messages
- 2,448
- Reaction score
- 2,481
My favorite key lately, and I never thought I’d say this, is the small Gretsch key that comes with their drum sets. It’s good for fine-tuning because it’s so small. I think I understand why Gretsch would supply these with their kits because diecast hoops can be sensitive when tuning so it’s good to have a non-obtrusive key.
These Ahead drum keys, though not my fav for daily use, always live in my backpack. I have found flying with drum keys can be a bit hit and miss in airport security as the X-ray can flag them as a potential danger. So… these Ahead keys being primarily rubber have never been flagged going through any airport. My tour kit has all my usual metal keys but for an always-on-person solution, these fit the bill nicely!
Attachments
Whichever one I can find when I need it!
After my R. wrist surgery, my wrist tires out using a traditional t-shaped one. I like the kind that is "Z" shaped and has a little knob that you spin and usually keep two in my gig stick bag, and they're all over my music room, office and garage. I think they're called speed keys.
I also have one of those T ones that I snapped the T part off, and I use as a drill bit. It's great when I'm working on drums.
After my R. wrist surgery, my wrist tires out using a traditional t-shaped one. I like the kind that is "Z" shaped and has a little knob that you spin and usually keep two in my gig stick bag, and they're all over my music room, office and garage. I think they're called speed keys.
I also have one of those T ones that I snapped the T part off, and I use as a drill bit. It's great when I'm working on drums.
loser_wizard
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2020
- Messages
- 77
- Reaction score
- 116
I carry this specific key with me everywhere I go. This is at my office right now as I'm posting this.
I play a Gretsch kit, but I swear I love this key. Soothingly heavy like a weighted blanket, lol.
Rounded edges all over so it doesn't poke my leg when carrying it in pocket, and doesn't hurt replacing heads.
And the little thumbscrew thing at the top is great for removing/tensioning heads.
I'm glad this thread exists. This little key brings me great joy even when I'm not able to be at my kit.
(If anyone has nice 1/2" wrench tools for a rack tom rail consolette, please share. I'm using a 1/2" box wrench so far. That Ludwig ratchet might be nice.)
Polska
DFO Master
My favorite also
Stephen.DeBoard
Well-Known Member
It isn't the one I use the most but it is my favorite. It's a Remo Swivel Handle / Key Pack that they make for their Djembes. It also works on "regular" drums. The one I use the most is the generic Sound Percussion drum key that I keep on my key chain.
Elegant drum
Well-Known Member
I use both DW keys and Trick keys. I like the DW for tuning, I tap the shell with the rubber part to get a shell pitch.
When changing heads, I use two of these.
trickdrums.com
I don't like using a drill, don't want to ever screw up threads on my drums.
When changing heads, I use two of these.
Billet Drum Key
Crafted from solid billet materials, this drum key is designed to be the last you'll ever need. Solid Stainless Steel core with solid milled Aluminum wing. Available standard or with name laser engraved. NOTE: if you choose to have your name engraved, make sure to put the exact name in the...
trickdrums.com
- Joined
- May 7, 2020
- Messages
- 2,448
- Reaction score
- 2,481
As far as the drill goes, I just have been using it when taking off and putting on different heads. When I’m screwing them on with the drill I just do it until the tension rod barely touches the washer so the tension rod is still loose. Is that still bad for threads?I use both DW keys and Trick keys. I like the DW for tuning, I tap the shell with the rubber part to get a shell pitch.
When changing heads, I use two of these.
I don't like using a drill, don't want to ever screw up threads on my drums.Billet Drum Key
Crafted from solid billet materials, this drum key is designed to be the last you'll ever need. Solid Stainless Steel core with solid milled Aluminum wing. Available standard or with name laser engraved. NOTE: if you choose to have your name engraved, make sure to put the exact name in the...
Elegant drum
Well-Known Member
Only if you cross thread one. When using a drill, will happen about 1/200 times if you did not get it started on the first thread right. Eventually taking out a lug. At least that's my average with rack screws. My drum set needs to last another 20 years with me.
mtarrani
DFO Star
For backline gear with difficult to loosen memory locks this Alesis key works like a charm.
I don't use it...but It's one of my favorites !!!!!
Another revived thread! I used to be obsessed with having hardware and drum keys that matched my drum set. I used Rogers drums, hardware, and keys for 35 years and then sold that set (including the keys and hardware) and bought Ludwig CMs and got matching keys in 2008. I didn't like the Ludwig keys that well. Then in 2018 I found a Gretsch RB set at a pawn shop and after rehabilitation they became my go-to set...and I got two matching keys. They are the nicest drum keys I've used so far and I now use them exclusively, even with my recently acquired Rogers vintage set.
I just ordered two Sakae keys based on earlier posts so we'll see how they work and I've been curious about the new Rogers keys so I may have to get two of them as well. There is always an excuse to buy more stuff.
I just ordered two Sakae keys based on earlier posts so we'll see how they work and I've been curious about the new Rogers keys so I may have to get two of them as well. There is always an excuse to buy more stuff.
Last edited:
Those are my definite favorite!
If you read post #35, I ordered two of them like 3 years ago to try them out. They immediately became my favorites. I keep one mounted on a tension rod on my 10" tom and one on a tension rod of my 16" tom. Right after that I ordered two more that I have in storage in case I ever lose one or they get discontinued.
#2 favorite is still the Sakae drum key!
Furious Styles
Very well Known Member
I came here to post about this one, only to see you did it for me! Benny Greb did a snare tuning video and was clearly promoting this drum key and his snare in the process. I bought the key and have been super impressed. Insanely quick for head changes and love the rubber piece that allows you to really feel the tension.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.
They’re the best.
