Kick Pedal Squeaking

Kick Pedal Squeaking: How To Lubricate A Kick Pedal

Kick pedal squeaking; how to eliminate it? How to lubricate a kick pedal? If your kick pedal is starting to produce some of that annoying squeaking sound, then it signals that you already need to lubricate it and to this, here is a way on how to deal with a kick pedal squeaking:

Disassemble The Kick Pedal

When your kick pedal starts to produce some squeaking sound, then it means that you already need to put some lubrication on it. However, you should not put any amount of lubricant if you have not disassembled the kick pedal first. Always start by removing the beater first and then the spring of the kick pedal before you remove its drive shaft and all the other detachable parts that come with it.

Make sure that all the detached parts are safe and secure, as it can be a headache if you lose even just one screw once you reassemble your kick pedal after lubricating it. If you are not used to doing this, and this is your first time cleaning your kick pedal, it is highly recommended to take some pictures of it before you start disassembling, as you can still figure out how to return it to its original condition even if you have forgotten how you have disassembled all the parts.

Start To Clean The Kick Pedal

After you have disassembled the kick pedal, it is not yet the right time to lubricate it, as it still needs to be cleaned thoroughly. To clean it, use a dry cloth first and start to wipe down all the loose dirt and dust existing on all the detached parts of the kick pedal.

You can then use a soft-bristled brush, such as a toothbrush, to remove all the hard dirt that has built up on the parts of the kick pedal. You can either soak all the parts in a mix of warm water and dish soap or apply some mild detergent on the toothbrush and start to brush away all the dirt. After cleaning all the detached parts, rinse them with water and let them dry first before doing anything with them.

Always Choose The Right Lubricant

When it comes to lubricating kick pedals, it is always important that you choose the right one and that they are specifically made for lubricating kick pedals, as there are lots of lubricants out in the market, and not all of them can be used for kick pedals, as there are some that can do damage rather than help them eliminate that annoying squeaky sound.

One of the typical lubricants that you should avoid using is WD-40, as they are not manufactured to protect the metal parts of your kick pedal, as it also attracts dirt and dust rather than protects them from these things. You should also avoid general-purpose lubricants as they only do the same with the WD-40. You should always look for a lubricant that is made for musical instruments, as they are usually a light machine oil or a silicone-based lubricant.

Apply The Lubricant

After you have chosen the perfect lubricant for your kick pedal, you can now start applying it. Put a small amount of the lubricant on all the moving parts of the kick pedal, such as its hinge, its chain or strap, and others. You should also remember not to put too much lubricant in all the parts as it can cause it to drip and spread to all the other areas where it is not necessarily needed and could possibly do some damage in the long run.

Reassemble The Kick Pedal

Now that you have already applied the lubricant to the most important parts of your kick pedal, you can now start to reassemble it to its original condition. You can start by attaching the drive shaft back to the kick pedal and then reattach the spring and the beater. After this, you can now reattach all the other detachable parts that were all removed when you have disassembled the kick pedal. You should make sure that all the parts are properly aligned and are tightened.

Test The Kick Pedal

After you have reassembled the kick pedal, it is always important that you test it out first before using it on more important occasions, such as playing in live gigs or in recording studios. Play a few beats to ensure that the pedal is perfectly striking the bass drum smoothly and cleanly and without producing that annoying squeaky sound. If the kick pedal is still stiff and a little bit unresponsive, you may need to add some lubrication to it or do some adjustments.

Always Do Maintenance On Your Kick Pedal

If you think that you have lubricated and cleaned the kick pedal and you can leave it without having any maintenance with it, then you are making a huge mistake. Aside from always cleaning your pedals, you should also store them in places where there is less heat and moisture, as this can cause some unnecessary wear and tear to the kick pedal, resulting in a shorter lifespan with it.

Best Lubricant For Kick Pedals

Gibraltar SC-GLO Pedal Lubricant

When it comes to drum accessories, such as drum lubricants, one brand that you can really depend on to use on your drum kits, especially on its hardware, is Gibraltar. As a famous brand in the drumming industry, Gibraltar has made lots of hardware and accessories that are very helpful for making the lives of every drummer each day easier.

One great product that they have introduced in the market is the SC-GLO Pedal Lubricant, which is designed to be used in hi-hat and bass drum pedals, as they are made to protect the bearing and are able to eliminate that annoying squeaky sound that comes from unmaintained pedals. So, if your kick pedal is already producing some squeaky sound, maybe it is time for you to get this lubricant and start to apply it before it gets worse.

Pearl Ninja Oil 

If you only think that Pearl is only involved in making high-quality drum kits and hardware, then you are wrong with that. They also make some great quality products, such as the Pearl Ninja Oil. This lubricant oil is made to reduce unwanted friction and keep your kick pedal in its optimal condition, even after many hours of use. It also helps eliminate that squeaky sound from your kick pedal.

It is important you do some regular maintenance with your kick pedal, and applying the Pearl Ninja Oil to it will not only help it to be lubricated but will also protect it from rust, especially if you are using a kick pedal with chain on it.

So, kick pedal squeaking, how to eliminate it? When your kick pedal starts to produce some squeaking sound, it is time to do some lubricating on it. Disassemble it first, then clean it afterwards. You can then start to apply a small amount of lubrication oil, especially on its moving parts. After, you can then reassemble it and try afterwards to check out if it still needs some adjustments or additional lubrication.