Newbie question on breaking banjo hooks

[David Gillespie]

Where can you get the longer type of installation banjo hooks and nuts? My head is not pulling down enough and I have already broken 2 original hooks and dont want to break any more. What should I do? Thanks ya'll 1896 SS Stewart Hooks are 11/64 and pitch is 27 length is 2 & 1/4" but need some longer ones to install first. THanks!

[David Gillespie]

[Joel Hooks]

In my experience, when installing a head I only leave it just slightly proud of the hoop-- about 1/16" or slightly more.  Then, over the next few months (not days) I tighten it down. 

If I make a mistake and leave the stretcher hoop to high then I take a damp sponge and rewet the middle of the head (top and bottom up to about 1/4" from the edges) and draw it down. 

I have always been paranoid of breaking hooks so I usually support the hooks with a pair of nylon jaw players to keep it from twisting when I tighten the head.  I think the sideways torque can be too much for them.

I do not know of anyone making long hooks.  You might reach out to some of the domestic/Canadien hardware makers and see if they will do it. 

When installing I use the SSS method of the wet towel roll up.  When trimming, I wait for the head to dry and I remove it and trim with sharp scissors.  This prevents scoring the inside of the hoop with a knife and makes for a neater trim. 

But, in all transparency, most of my banjos have top frosted remo heads.  Set it and forget it.  

[IAN SALTER]

I was advised to buy a modern set of hooks and nuts and use them to pull the head down. When it is finally in the correct position, replace the new ones with the originals, one at a time.

I haven't changed a head yet.