How to Maintain a Snare Drum

Percussionists know that a snare drum is an integral part of any drum kit or marching band. Since you're constantly hitting on a snare, it's obviously durable, but maintaining and tuning a snare drum keeps it in good working order so that you get the best sound from it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Drum key
• Lubricant

1. Tune the snare drum by seating the head so that it's even on all sides with the rim sitting on it snugly. Finger tighten a lug on one of the tension points to the right. Return to a lug next to the first one and do the same. Continue this process around the drum.
2. Tighten the tension points with one-half turn to the right with your drum key in the same order as the previous step. Then do it again, but this time use one quarter turns.
3. Make fine adjustments at this point to get the sound you want. Normally you don't want the top head to have much give on a snare drum, although the bottom head usually has more give. Adjust the snare strainer as needed.
4. Clean a snare drum when necessary by loosening the tension rod (with a drum key) and removing the top head with a drum key. Wipe down the following: rim, tension rod, edge of the shell, rod casings. Put everything back together and repeat with the bottom head.
5. Replace dented and torn drumheads, as there's no way to repair them.
6. Inspect snare strainers, wires, rods, bolts and nuts. Replace frayed or broken parts. Apply lubricant to tension screws and other bolts and nuts. Wipe off excess oil with a lint-free cloth.
7. Remember to check your snare stand too. Occasionally rubber tips need replacing or lubricant added to threaded parts.

Tips & Warnings

• You shouldn't need to take a snare apart for cleaning unless it's obviously used or you still can't get a good sound from tuning.
• Store your snare drum in a controlled environment. Humidity and temperature extremes can damage drums.
• It takes some drummers years to get good at tuning a snare drum. Be prepared to pop a few drumheads and have replacement heads ready.
• Never use pliers to loosen a drumhead. Always use a drum key.