I've had a Crystalite Double Forte kit for over 33 years, and spent many years on the road dealing with this problem. Before renovating the Tom-toms from the hex-bar - Nylon ball mount on the bass drums to separate tom stands and RIMS mounts, I had to deal with the problematic original hardware.

1st - get a hex key or a small 4" adjustable wrench for torquing. A tuning key won't cut it.

2nd - DOUBLE UP the back plates to give yourself extra strength on the mounts. This prevents the back plate from bending and the lug bolt threads from stripping. It takes a few seconds to properly thread the 2nd plate behind the first to ensure a perfect and even fit.

3rd - tighten the two bolts evenly every time!

Good luck!

GoodFibes, no offense, I see your point, but its more work than I care to do. I don't need another museum set, I bought this set to play. I think if i played light rock, jazz or mo town, this set might work, but I hit like a hammer, and I can see that center post getting stressed, and I'll regete it for ever if the shell cracks. which I can see happening the way I play. I LOVE my Fibes COF

with the pearl mounts, they hold up well. and sound like you would expect them to. Yes, its devalued. however its a players kit, and I love it. I'm sure you've seen it before but again for your pleasure.

Watch for the Acryilic will be on Ebay soon, sorry, no time for mods.