I put a drop of 3 in 1 oil or whatever you call it on each rod.

It sure helps to ease the tuning and it keeps the threads in good shape. But don't use OIL, use vaseline.

I prefer to have them oil-free. If there is one spot on a drum that I want there to be a little friction, it is on the lug screws.

Whenever I clean stuff, I use WD-40. But I always wipe it off the lug screws very well before reassembling. Eventually, the residue dissipates and they are left completely dry.

And new lug screws are even worse than vintage ones because the threads aren't as "sharp" as they used to be and they don't mesh as well...in my experience, anyway.

I use a dab of white lithium grease.

I soak them with Dawn--overnight soak in an old yogurt container. Then I clean out the threads with cotton rags, sometimes reaming with my thumbnail. Once thoroughly dry, a dab of grease and on they go.

I am intrigued by O-lugs "keep them dry" premise. But for the mo I will stick with lubricating which I think helps protect against moisture and oxidation.

Patrick

Hey, Patrick!

I use the thumbnail that way, too! In fact, after a day of cleaning drums, my thumbnail has a gouge worn into it! Burger Kin

I haven't had any oxidation problems as of yet by using the dry method.

+1 for the 3-in-1 oil. It's clear, clean, and helps keep things rust free. Also, you can use it for more than just tension rods. I would be afraid vaseline would attact too much dirt/dust when used for parts like strainers and muffler adjustment knobs/screws. Also, when dealing with cheaper pot metal parts like lug screw receptors and swivelnuts, I think that the extra lubrication helps keep those parts from getting too brittle and stripping and cracking, which can and definitely does happen.

I've always used a little dab of Vaseline on the swivel nut before I insert the t-rod...It seems to work fine for me...Then during a deep cleaning of the drum, I will clean out any residual Vaseline (if any) from the swivel nut....

Cheers