How to Fix the Edge of a Drum Bearing

Bearing edges are typically metal.

Drummers consider drumhead choices and head tension when tuning, but the bearing edge -- the beveled point where the drum shell touches the drumhead -- also is crucial to drum sound. A flawed bearing edge can prevent a drum from tuning up and sounding its best. Anyone can fix minor nicks and imperfections in a wooden drum's bearing edge, but the repair of major flaws requires the expertise of a professional.

Things You'll Need

• Drum key
• Cloth
• 120-grit or finer sandpaper

Instructions

Preparation and Inspection

1. Place the drum on a flat surface such as a workbench. Loosen and remove the tension rods with the drum key, then remove the metal rims and drumheads and set them aside.

2. Clean wood particles, debris and dust from inside the drum shell and the bearing edges using a slightly damp cloth.

3. Examine the bearing edges for small nicks, rough areas and other minor imperfections.

Repair

1. Lightly sand damaged areas of the bearing edges.

2. Work slowly and cautiously around the bearing edges, taking care not to alter the angle of the edges or flatten or otherwise change the shape of the top of the edges.

3. Stop sanding immediately when the imperfection has been smoothed.

Reassembly

1. Clean wood particles from inside the drum shell, and wipe the bearing edges clean with the cloth.

2. Replace the drumheads and rims.

3. Replace the tension rods, tighten the rods with the drum key and retune the drum.

Tips & Warnings

• Some drums made before the 1970s often left the factory with rough and imperfect bearing edges. Modern drums usually are built to higher standards. You don't need to repair visually imperfect bearing edges if the drum tunes well and its tone is pleasing.

• Professionals should repair or re-cut the edges of drums with major bearing edge damage or imperfections. Consult a drum shop or musical instrument store for guidance.

References

• Silver Lake Studio; 31 Days to Better Sounding Drums: Bearing Edges; Travis Whitmore; July 4, 2011
• "Modern Drummer"; DIY Drum Restoration - Part 3: Bearing Edge Basics; JR Frondelli; May 1, 2011
• "Guide to Vintage Drums"; John Aldridge; 1994
• Vintage Drum Center; How to Inspect Vintage Drums; Ned Ingberman