I'd advise not to do that. it's the biggest flaw with the Zoomatic, is that the tensioning knob comes off when mistreated or over-tightened. If you have a Zoomatic that has the knob on it in good working order, I would leave it alone.

Okay, I'll take your advice. Can the handle be changed without removing the knob?

Got no idea... let us know if it can please?

Nope, would still have to takeknob off....should have looked first.

I did hear that someone sells a fix for theknob, or some type of replacement knob.

Jim petty, of jp2creations.com, does a complete rebuild. I believe the cost is $100. I had good luck fitting the Slingerland large tone control knobs onto the shaft some years ago. I did have to slightly drill out the hole in the knob, but I don't recall what size drill be I used. I do know that once installed, the knob would not come off! I've attached two pictures of a repaired Zoomatic. As you can see, I also put on a small washer between the body and knob. Hope this helps.

If i understanding your post..The knob and rod are one piece and should un-screw from the nut thats mounted on the drum..You also asked do you need to remove the knob to replace the handle yes...To do these first remove the two mounting screws on the inside of the drum, then remove the big nut piece that the rod/knob is screwed into.Then un-screw the knob and rod its all one piece..Then remove the two screws on the inside of the back of the strainer this will make the strainer come apart in two pieces.Then lift out the handle piece its the whole piece handle and snare wire holding piece,,Then just replace that whole piece and put the strainer back together....Mikey

Thanks Mike....nice explanation! I put the strainer back in, but will take it out again to look at it. So, the knob and rod actually slip through from the front and then the large nut goes on to attach to the shell. I thought maybe the rod was pressed into that washer in the strainer body. I took a look at the "Fix Your Zoomatic" in the Restoration and Help section, and it looks like the rod is supposed to be held in place by the pressed in washer (pic below). Can't tell if that raised part on the rod is supposed to be pressed into the washer or is behind the washer and held in place by the washer.

I will take my SK apart again and try this over again.

Thanks very much!