by blavonski » Wed Dec 18, 2013 11:53 am
Hello Jorge,
Are the threads on the lugs you want to replace totally shot?
If not, I would consider taking them to a Machinists to have them give you their opinion on the condition of the threads. They may be able to simply refresh the threads for you. However, in the case that they are all or in part unsalvageable, I would recomend having new Lugs fabricated from normal or stainless steel by a Machinist or an experienced metal worker. I believe it would be cheaper than buying new commercial Lugs.
To skin my congas recently, I made ten inch lugs out of 8mm all-thread that I bought from the Hardware store. Of course that's not a desired option for a finished look, but my point is that an experienced Metal worker can make them to shape and size and thread them rather simply and normal steel, round rod is not expensive at all for this.
Also, I don't know what you use for nuts on your tuning lugs, but a rule of thumb in regards to tension bolts and nuts is that the nut should be of a softer grade of metal, in this case steel or other metals such as brass. The rational is that the part that wears down should be the least expensive to replace, that being the nut. I replaced the steel nuts on my Schalloch congas with brass ones. And as far as I know most reputable commercial drum makers, eg. LP / Meinl, use nickel plated brass nuts.
Good Vibrations,
Blavonski
Good Vibrations,
Mr. Blavonski