Replacing Drum Heads - The Basics - Preparation

Many of us replace our drum heads quite rarely, and when we do we're in a hurry to get the new heads on. However, a bit of time spent preparing the drums for their new heads will pay dividends in terms of sound and longevity.
So here are a few tips:

1. Remove the old heads and all tension rods.
2. Wipe the rims down with a clean cloth (remove any corrosion or evidence of dirt that is stuck on with a cleaner such as T-Cut (or equivalent), being careful not to damage or distort the hoop whilst you're doing this.
3. Wipe the bearing edges of the drum (top and bottom) with a clean damp cloth to remove dirt and then dry off.
4. Make sure the shell is clean and that all fluff, lint or debris is removed.
5. Check the tension rods for signs of wear and if necessary, apply a little Lug Lube^TM or petroleum jelly to the thread. This will greatly prolong their life and make tuning your drum easier.
6. Clean nut boxes and other hardware attached to the drum shell (it's a lot easier when it's been dismantled)

And there we have it. A few simple steps that will help to prevent problems later on. You can now replace your drum heads. A few suggestions can be found here.