Gear article
DW Drums Quick Release Wing Nut and Felt
The DW Drums Quick Release Wing Nut is a specialized percussion accessory designed for cymbal tilters, featuring a hybrid mechanism that allows for rapid installation. Typically sold in pairs, these nuts facilitate efficient cymbal changes through a squeeze-and-slide action while maintaining the option for traditional threaded adjustments.
See live pricesOverview
The DW Quick Release Wing Nut is an ergonomic hardware solution intended to replace standard threaded wing nuts on cymbal stands. Sold as a 2-pack, the product includes integrated felts to provide a complete mounting solution for the top of a cymbal tilter. It is primarily designed to address the time-consuming nature of setting up and tearing down drum kits in professional environments.
Mechanism and Functionality
The primary innovation of this hardware is its dual-mode functionality. Users can operate the wing nut in two ways:
- Quick Release Mode: By squeezing the sides of the nut, the internal locking mechanism disengages from the threads of the cymbal stand. This allows the user to slide the nut instantly on or off the post.
- Traditional Mode: The nut retains internal threading, meaning it can be rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise like a standard wing nut for fine-tuned tension adjustments.
Applications
This accessory is compatible with various cymbal types, ranging from light hi-hats such as the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi Hat to larger, heavier cymbals like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride or the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash. The design ensures that even during high-intensity performances, the cymbal remains secure while allowing for rapid swaps if a cymbal needs to be changed mid-session.
Comparison to Alternatives
Standard wing nuts are generally more cost-effective but lack the speed of the DW design. While other brands offer snap-on plastic alternatives, the DW Quick Release Wing Nut is noted for its hybrid capability, allowing the drummer to still 'screw' the nut down to achieve a specific degree of cymbal swing or 'wash'. This level of control is particularly relevant when using nuanced cymbals like the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash or Paiste Giant Beat Hi-Hats.
Related gear
£261.00 ($331)Masterwork
Masterwork Iris 21 Ride
£99.99 ($127)Gear4Music
5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack by Gear4music Silver
£355.00 ($451)Paiste
Paiste Giant Beat 14 Hi-Hat Cymbals
£496.00 ($630)Istanbul Agop
Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash
£358.00 ($455)UFIP
UFIP Bionic Series 13" Hi Hat
£386.00 ($490)UFIP
UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi Hat
£76.00 ($97)Meinl
Meinl HCS 13 Hi Hat Cymbals
£449.00 ($570)Meinl
Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash
Frequently asked questions
- What is included in the DW Quick Release Wing Nut pack?
- The package contains two DW Quick Release Wing Nuts and two corresponding cymbal felts. This allows a drummer to outfit two separate cymbal stands with a single purchase.
- How does the quick-release mechanism work?
- The nut features a spring-loaded design that disengages the threads when the sides are squeezed. This allows the unit to slide freely up and down the tilter post without rotation.
- Can I still use these as traditional threaded wing nuts?
- Yes, the DW Wing Nut is designed to be backwards compatible with traditional methods. You can screw or unscrew it normally if you prefer precise tension control.
- What is the typical price for this accessory pack?
- The typical price range for a 2-pack of these wing nuts is approximately £26.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
- Are these compatible with all cymbal brands?
- Yes, they are designed to fit standard cymbal tilter threads. They can be used with a wide variety of cymbals, such as those from Meinl, Paiste, and Istanbul Agop.
- Will these work with low-volume cymbal packs?
- They are fully compatible with low-volume cymbals, such as the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack. The mounting mechanism functions identically regardless of the cymbal's volume characteristics.
- Do I need to buy felts separately for these wing nuts?
- No, this specific DW product includes the necessary felts. The wing nut and felt are designed to work together as a single unit on the tilter.
- Can these be used on hi-hat stands?
- While designed for cymbal tilters (crashes and rides), they are generally not used for the hi-hat clutch itself. However, they can be used on the top of a remote hi-hat stand or stacker if it utilizes a standard tilter thread.
- Are these suitable for heavy ride cymbals?
- Yes, they are robust enough to secure heavy cymbals like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride. The locking mechanism is designed to withstand the vibration and weight of professional-grade percussion.
- What are the benefits for touring drummers?
- The primary benefit is efficiency during setup and pack-down. The ability to slide the nut off instantly saves time compared to the multiple rotations required by standard wing nuts.
- Do these wing nuts provide a secure fit?
- Yes, once the squeeze mechanism is released, the nut engages with the tilter threads securely. The option to further tighten by turning ensures the cymbal is held as firmly as desired.
- Are these wing nuts made by DW Drums?
- Yes, these are an official hardware accessory manufactured by DW Drums (Drum Workshop). They are designed to meet the quality standards associated with their professional hardware lines.
