How to Make a Hi-Hat Stand

Step 7 The Cymbals

Finally, you need to install the cymbals. First slide the 1/2" nylon spacer and rubber washer onto the stand at the top, and then put the bottom cymbal on top of these. A 1/2" inner diameter is used so the rod can slide freely through them, since the bottom cymbal needs to stay in place.

Then thread on the second nylon locking nut to where you want the top cymbal to sit. I found the easiest way to do this was to hold the rod with vice grips and a rag while I threaded the nut. Unfortunately, because it's a locking nut, your hi-hat will not be easy to adjust, but hopefully you won't have to adjust it often.

Then slide on one 3/8" nylon spacer and rubber washer, then the top hi-hat, and then the second rubber washer and nylon spacer. Tighten the top cymbal down with the wingnut.