The Neary is easy to use. For a torque tool I think I like using the gage and watching the pointer on the Neary. However, don't expect that just setting the torque will get you a tuned drum. This will get you close. I think my first mistake was buying into the assumption that all lugs have the same friction and they don't. Even after oiling each and every lug. I also think my set has something that grabs the lug when installed so there is even more friction for the Neary to deal with. But, you just use more torque to over come this.

This Neary gets you close but the drum will not be completely in tune. Some lugs at the same torque will have slightly higher tones than others because of the difference in friction between the lugs. What I do is torque all the lugs to the same tension then find the highest pitch because that lug has the least resistance (friction) and I presume it to be the most correct pitch. Then I use my ear to adjust the rest of the lugs to the one I picked as my reference.

If you want perfectly tunes drums and you have the budget then get the drum head tension tool. Otherwise, using a torque tool gets you close and your ear will get you the rest of the way. I am going to borrow my buddy's tension tool and then measure and record my torque settings.

I had to use one of the adapters with the drum key. The standard socket would not fit over the lug next to the ring holding on the drum head. No big deal but it baffled me for a couple of hours thinking I needed a lug nut extension. The neary comes with an adapter that allows it to work with your drum key. Just put the thing on that likes like a couple of spikes and viola, you can now torque the lugs with your drum key and the Neary!

Don't even question it. This is THE greatest tuner. It evenly and accurately torques each tension rod precisely the same. Tunes the entire set perfectly in minutes. Great for quick tweaking right before a gig because its so fast and consistant. Yes, it's more expensive than the Evans or Rythem Tech keys, but it blows them away. Totally worth the extra money. Cheaper than the Drum Dial. I'm on my second one. (Only because my first one was stolen). Buy it. I said so. Now!!

I can't believe what a phenomenal tool this is! My drums sound perfect. As stated in the instructions, I simply removed all the lugs, lubed the lugs with Tama Tune Up Oil (3-in-1 oil would also work) to ensure the lugs all turn equally smooth & consistent. After some trial and error, I found the right tension numbers to make each drum sound perfect. I then wrote down the numbers so I can easily maintain and/or reproduce the same tuning. I highly recommend this product!!!