How to Repair (or do something interesting with) Cracked Cymbals

Step 2 Fixing a Crack

Here are a few ways that you can attempt to fix the crack(s) in a cymbal. Note: This should be considered a last option, and can further screw up your cymbal.

Using Epoxy:
One of the most commonly suggested methods for repairing a crack is to use epoxy to seal it. Try to force the epoxy into the crack without making too much of a mess. If you get too much extra epoxy on the outside of the crack, just wipe it away with a damp paper towel. After the first application, lightly hit your cymbal with a stick to get the epoxy further into the cymbal. Apply more if necessary. Depending on the type of epoxy you are using, you may have to put it in an oven to dry it, or just let it sit out. Once it is dry, you can polish the cymbal to further reduce the roughness.

My opinion on this method is that it should be used as a last resort. My experiences with using epoxy were mediocre at best, and it pretty much ruined crash cymbals that I tried it on. Give it a shot if you dont want to drill. Otherwise...

Drill a Hole:
This may be your best bet to fix cracks of all kinds and all sizes. You can drill a hole or holes at the end of your crack to keep it from spreading. Try to use the smallest bit possible, but make sure that the hole is bigger than the width of the crack. Make sure you get a drill bit for metal, like one of these.

Once you have drilled the hole, you may notice a buzzing sound when you strike the cymbal. If this is the case, use a small file to file down the edge of the hole and the crack. Keep in mind, if you are doing this on a lathed cymbal (one the has tonal grooves or ridges on its face), drilling holes on these ridges can obliterate whole ranges of overtones from your cymbal's sound, but sometimes you have no other choice.

Other Options
In the case of a small crack or chip right at the edge of a cymbal, I have heard of people trying to use a lathe to cut away at the cymbal's bearing edge, effectively reducing the diameter of the cymbal past the edge of the crack. It should be noted that not only will this immensely effect the sound characteristics of the cymbal, but is extremely dangerous. You probably shouldn't attempt this method unless you know a metalworker.

A drummer friend of mine had a really nice Paiste 2002 ride that was developing a crack horizontally along its bow. He didnt want to do anything too evasive, so he used standard solder to try and 'weld' the crack shut. This worked pretty well since the solder is much more similar to the metal make-up of the cymbal than epoxy. It kept the crack from spreading and didn't sound so bad, but he had to re-solder it just about everytime he played. Check out this instructable on soldering if you need some tips.

Comments

[ecam_45]

The paiste 2002 is a throw away cymbal at best. I'd be looking to replace it instead of trying to fix it!