gary

it is my understanding that the two hexnuts for the rail and the one on the tom itself are the same hexnuts. on the few kits that I have with rails, they are also the same. doesn't mean they didn't make some different though. maybe some other members can shed some light on this as well..

mike

Hi, Mike!

Thanks (again) for your input. I appreciate it. Since the hex nuts that I just bought were a little too big for the hex bolt currently on the kit I went down to my local ACO hardware and purchased a new hex nut and bolt. Both are slightly smaller than the prior hex nut I purchased. They didn't sell a larger hex bolt that would fit both the clip and the hex nut I already had.

Well, I just installed them on the assembly but the clip still doesn't tighten the L-arm sufficiently for me to mount my tom. This situation is driving an old man like me crazy (lol)!

I'm open to any and all "words of wisdom". I've been thinking of trying to "squeeze" the top portion of the clip to improve the situation. With my luck, I'd wreck the whole thing. We desperate people have a tendency to do desperate things!:confused:

I've had similar issues with some Gretsch rail mounts. Mine work but there isn't much wiggle room. Basically I have to tighten it until both metal pieces are touching. If I were you I'd go one of two routes either A) squeeze it like you mention (I don't see the harm as it's not working as is.) Or B) buy all or part of the Maxwell rail and replace the top portion of yours. Although it is more like the later Ludwig rail mount it's a better design. I did that for one of my Gretsch rails although replacing just the bottom as that was the part with the issue in that particular case. Hope that helps!

Thanks for your time and your input! I was hoping to keep the assembly "all original" to go with the rest of the kit. However, if the old "squeeze technique" doesn't do the trick I might take your suggestion in regard to the Maxwell rail. I've actually purchased a couple of those for a Camco kit of mine as well as a Slingerland kit and have been very happy with the results.

Just checked the Maxwell site. It looks like the parts I'd need are currently out of stock. Time to start "squeezing", I guess.

Well tell you what since they're out of stock I still have the upper portion to mine that I'm not using, if you want we can work something out to get that down to you.

I replied in your other post too- (differently)...

Anyway, try a piece of brown paper bag between the rail and clamp and then tighten it down.

Particularly with clean, polished parts, often there is too little friction without getting all medieval on the parts... Just need something in there to tighten it a bit and add some friction!

I was gonna suggest a thin wrap of copper on your L-arm; it might mash in there & put the squeeze on pretty tight......marko

Good Morning,

I've just forwarded a PM. Thanks!