All wraps now come with a thin protective top layer that must be removed before installation.
The back of each wrap includes on one side, the leading edge, a strip of double sided tape to hold the wrap in place prior to drilling the first set of lug screw holes.
Installing your new drum wraps is really a very simple process and you will be amazed at how quickly you become an expert at this. Before you get started, you’ll want to have the following tools handy.
TOOLS NEEDED:
- FOUR rubber tipped clamps (you can buy these at any hardware store).
- Electric Drill
- Small drill bit for drilling pilot holes from inside out
- Step Bit for enlarging the holes from the outside in with pilot holes as guide
- Drum key for removing all rims and heads
- Screwdriver (as needed)
- Socket wrench (as needed)
- Hair Dryer and razor blade (as needed to remove badges)
Step 1. Remove all hardware, drum manufacturer labels, “airhole/air vent” grommets, etc. The idea is to have the drum shell be as smooth as possible. Major cracks or gaps should be filled in with wood putty. If any of the original shell wrap is raised around the lug screw holes, you can sand the rough edges down as long as you don’t plan on using the original wrap again.
HOW DO I REMOVE THE NON SCREW OUT GROMMETS?
You will need a hammer and flat head screw driver. Place the drum on a solid surface (floor), tap around the grommet from the inside going around until it can be popped out from either side. Also know that we sell “screw set” air vents in chrome, brass, black chrome and white for an easy to install, real pro look. You’ll find these on our Accessories page.
HOW DO I REMOVE THE MANUFACTURER’S BADGES?
Some are just held by screws that can be easily unscrewed. If they are glued or nailed, take a putty knife or a razor blade. If the glue is really stubborn, you can try first heating up the badge with a hair dryer to soften up the glue. CAREFULLY slide underneath and work around the badge with the razor. DO NOT BEND the badge. Let it keep its slight circular form so it will fit nicely when you re-apply it with spray adhesive.
IMPORTANT UPDATE STARTING JANUARY 2023: the top of the wrap laminate now has a thin protective film that needs to be removed. You can get it started by working your fingernail gently at one of the corners. Peel it back slowly. Do this before you install it around the drum shell. There is also a strip of double sided tape underneath on the leading edge. Use this to secure the wrap once it is properly positioned over the trailing edge of the wrap and the lug holes that face the drummer.
Step 2. Lay the wrap face down on a towel so you don’t scratch the finish. Decide where you would like to place the “seam” of the wrap. We recommend placing it opposite the side of the drum that faces the audience – preferably have the seam face the drummer with the overlap directly covering the corresponding lugs.
Practice placing the wrap around the drum as tightly and evenly as possible by pressing your hands on either side and squeezing both ends together.
IMPORTANT: one edge of our wraps includes a piece of double sided tape on the underside. FIRST, clamp the non-tape edge of the wrap over the lug holes facing the drummer.
Take your hand and pull wrap as tightly as you can around the drum and continue to keep pressure as you work around the shell. Use clamps 3 and 4 to clamp the other side about 5 inches from the edge.
Once you have the trailing sides matching the leading sides perfectly, with no gaps around the drum, and everything clamped into place, remove the backing from the pre-installed double sided tape and while keeping a tight hold adhere the overlapped end to the wrap. Now your wrap is ready for the lugs to be reinstalled.
Step 3 – Examine the entire wrap to make certain it is positioned evenly and tightly around the entire drum.
Now is the time to drill all the holes for the lug screws, mounting bracket and vent hole. Find a drill bit that fits neatly into the lug screw hole and from the inside of the shell, apply gentle pressure and drill ONLY THE FIRST SET OF HOLES FOR THE LUGS UNDER THE OVERLAP.
This will hold the wrap in place and lock it in position. you can remove the clamps once this is done.
IMPORTANT: before you drill all of the holes, put the drum heads on gently and confirm that they do not press against the wrap. They may go over it a little but cannot push sideways on them. If they touch, then remove the heads and the wrap, and trim 1/8″ along the top and bottom lengths with industrial sharp scissors.
Tip: Hold the drill in one hand and with the other hand hold the shell with your fingers pressed against the outside of the shell on either side of the hole to keep the wrap secure and to prevent the drill from pushing the wrap away from the shell. You can also hold a small block of wood to receive the drill bit on the outside.
Use the drill to create a starter hole for the mount and air vent holes, then use a razor or Exacto knife to trim open the rest of it. We recommend using a STEP BIT for drilling all holes after they’ve been drilled by the pilot bit.
Step 4 – Re-install all of the hardware, drum heads and rims. Screw in the new air vent using an Allen wrench on the outside and a socket wrench on the inside. Turn gently and do NOT overtighten. Reattach the badge if you have one. You may need to use a spray adhesive. Polish your chrome and clean between the drum head and the rim. Your drums should now look awesome!
All of our drum wraps have a high gloss finish that provides a showroom shine!
