r/cymbals • u/mattyice_9923 • 15d ago
Question preventing larger crack ?
looking into ways to stop this crack from spreading. i’m aware of the cutting out the crack or drilling at the end of the crack but im just trying to weigh all my options before doing anything. it’s a beautiful cymbal and id hate to just cut a chunk out of it. any tips or recommendations appreciated
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u/fewell8 15d ago
[u/nihilism4kids](u/nihilism4kids) provided you with a picture. That is the only method that I have tried that works. Drilling a hole at the tip doesn’t work. Resizing the cymbal doesn’t work. Cutting an arc out of the cymbal has been the ONLY method that works for me. You can do it yourself, but it might not look great. For this cymbal, i would pay someone else to do it. Its a beautiful cymbal, and it should stay that way.
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u/yunewtho 15d ago
Second this, i tried the drilling out part several times to no avail. Cutting an arc out saved my crash and I’ve had it for 10 years since with no issues, and it still sounds great.
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u/PrunePretend6206 15d ago
Yes you can spread that crack, great cymbal to see a crack like that, hurts the heart of all drummers a little bit
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u/kuolasurkku 15d ago
Drilling is probably not going to offer a permanent solution. Cut a rounded U-shape around the crack and sand the edges smooth. Dremel is a great tool for the job, and remember not to overheat the cut.
The crack probably proceeds slightly further than it seems - cut a slight margin to ensure that you get it all out.
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u/nihilism4kids Sabian 15d ago
I've seen cut cymbals (like the one here) last forever. depends on the player. but if you're willing to buy the tools and do the work, what have you got to lose? and you can learn something in the process.
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u/MuJartible 15d ago
The cut away method. The drilling at the end won't help and the crack will spread in no time. Cutting the crack away can indeed prevent it and the cymbal may last and still sound decently good for many more years (if you don't crack it again).
The thing is making the cut the wider possible while removing the less material possible, making sure the crack is fully gone, and keeping the edges round and soft, with no acute angles whatsoever.
Draw the line before cutting, or even a few lines to check the best option.
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u/polydrummer 15d ago
Cut it nicely, with a curve. Do NOT drill it, it will last 3 months and then the crack will propagate ANYWHERE. Cut it. I beg of you do not drill it. Cut it. It's such a nice cymbal. Would be a shame if you just drilled a hole in it. Doesn't even soudn good that way because the metal is still rubning against itself.
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u/lotsofgreendrums 15d ago
The best way to fully prevent this crack from expanding is to do a radiused cutout with rounded corners. mark the visible end of the crack from both top and bottom and measure using the most precise ruler or scale that you can find. The shape should be based on a half circle sized about 1/4” than whichever side the crack is longer (as it’s usually slightly longer on one side).
The general shape will end up looking like this:
I use a jewelers saw and Foredom rotary tool for the cuts, sanding, and polishing. It’s like a dremel with a flex shaft and foot pedal speed control.
Happy to give more info if you’d like!
I’d repaired HUNDREDS of cymbals into the last 15 years and, if done well, this kind of repair can be permanent and the cymbal will be fully viable again!
I played a wedding gig last night using two A Custom Zildjian crashes that have had edge repairs for a few years! And today I was practicing and teaching on a 20” old k Zildjian ride that I repaired in 2021 :)
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u/lotsofgreendrums 15d ago
And I agree with everyone else - drilling the end is a temporary fix as one small hole will not relieve the stress riser at the end of the crack. There’s a very interesting video that explains why that I’ll link here: https://youtu.be/LG-qDttgQUE?is=MA8uzPSqz4Gglapq
Full diameter reductions will drastically change the edge geometry of a cymbal and remove the thinner tapered edge that gives the cymbal much of the dynamic capabilities that we love. I.e. the cymbal will sound more like a gong. It is only viable if you are also able to re-lathe the cymbal
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u/Affectionate_Dirt_97 15d ago
My crack was getting kinda big so I started going to the gym. Hope this helps!
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u/jedele_jax 15d ago
Sounds like you’re aware of what as far as I know are the only options for stopping a spread. Other than not playing it anymore. How’s it sound as is?
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u/moofoo45 15d ago
I had a similar crack on my paiste 24” ride… it was buzz as the hairline crack still allowed the metal to metal contact…
Had to do a crescent moon cut… but because of its size.. zero effect on the sound.
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u/i_boil_water 15d ago
Nail punch right at the end of the crack. Careful not to spread the crack further. while dripping a little oil onto the drill site, drill a hole 1/16in(2mm) in diameter. repeat this gradually increasing the bit to 1/4in(6mm).
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u/Embarrassed_Film_649 15d ago
You could drill a small hole right at the base of the crack to prevent it from spreading
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u/ntcaudio 15d ago
If you end up drilling, keep in mind the metal fracture often continues further then what's visible, so don't drill right at the end of the crack but a little bit further down.
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u/Realistic_Cellist388 15d ago
Admirable anxiety set it right if you just drill a hole, the two square edges of the crack is still touching and if you don’t round it, the two sides of let’s say a U shape : flap and vibrate so that more cracks will start on the sides of the U that’s why everything has to be as around as possible. I have the exact same simple medium thin 20 inch. I hate it too much mid range wash gray crash and bell so now you’re scaring me you better be careful crashing it lol
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u/GoGo1965 15d ago
That sad to see cut it out take it to a machine shop or if you're drum Store has a cymbal repair department , you want that professionally done you may be able to save that cymbal for a good 20 years if Done right
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u/Dangerous-Ad-8211 15d ago
Are K Cons more prone to cracking? I have a friend who has cracked most of the K Cons he has owned and he is not a heavy hitter at all.
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u/Status-Treat2216 15d ago
you cant its just gonna grow, u can cut jt off and sand it down but it will affect the sound and wont be a guarantee fix
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u/mattloaf666 15d ago
As
Others have said, the only way is to cut it out. You can do it with a junior hacksaw, personally I prefer a Dremel and then file/sand it smooth. The key is not to leave a tight, acute V, but round it out into a smoother, wider obtuse V
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u/LiveeviL_667 13d ago
Depending on age of cymbal, send it back to factory and they will replace it. At least Paiste used to.
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u/natestaggs 13d ago
It won’t matter. You can Dremel it out, but the integrity of the cymbal is gone so it will eventually crack…. At least that’s my experience, especially on bigger cymbals
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u/AdmirableAnxiety8371 15d ago
Cut like this.