How to Set Up a Hi-Hat Stand
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Setting up a hi-hat stand means opening the legs, fitting the bottom cymbal, setting the clutch and top cymbal, and adjusting the pedal spring. The stand holds two cymbals on a rod, and the pedal opens and closes them. Work through the steps in order, from the legs to the final check.
Open the legs and set the stand down
Spread the legs until they sit flat on the floor, then lock them in place. The PDP lists double-braced swivel legs with oversized anti-slip feet, and the DW lists double-braced legs with a folding baseplate. The Griffin lists 2 legs that rotate 360 degrees around the bottom pipe, so turn them to clear the nearby stands. Set the stand where the cymbals will sit and leave room for the pedal.
Fit the bottom cymbal
Slide the bottom cymbal onto the rod with the bell facing down, so it rests on the support at the base of the rod. Check that the cymbal sits level and does not touch the legs. The Griffin lists a deluxe cymbal clutch for the cymbals, and the PDP lists a quick-release hi-hat clutch. Keep the felt under the cymbal.
Set the clutch and the top cymbal
Thread the clutch onto the rod above the bottom cymbal, then slide the top cymbal onto the rod with the bell facing up and tighten the clutch. The PDP lists a quick-release hi-hat clutch, and the Griffin lists a deluxe cymbal clutch. Leave a small gap between the cymbals so the pedal can open and close them.
Adjust the pedal spring tension
Turn the spring tension knob to set how the pedal answers under your foot. The Griffin lists a spring tension adjustment knob: turn it left to increase the pedal tension, or turn it right to decrease it. The PDP lists an XF extended footboard with a needle bearing hinge. Press the pedal a few times and check that it returns smoothly.
Check the stand before you play
Press the pedal and check that the top cymbal lifts and falls back onto the bottom cymbal without sticking. Check that the legs stay flat, the memory lock holds the height, and the clutch stays tight. The PDP lists a composite memory lock, and the DW lists a tube joint with an integrated memory lock. If anything moves or rattles, tighten the locks before you play on.
What you need
Pacific Drum Co. PDP By DW 800 Series Two Legs
A two-leg hi-hat stand with a quick-release clutch, a composite memory lock, double-braced swivel legs, oversized anti-slip feet and an extended footboard.
GRIFFIN 2 Leg Hi-Hat Stand
A two-leg hi-hat stand with 360-degree rotating legs, a spring tension adjustment knob, a double chain pull and a deluxe clutch, weighing 11 pounds.
- 1-year warranty stated
Drum Workshop DW Hardware 3000 Series 2-Leg Hi-Hat Stand
A medium-weight two-leg hi-hat stand with double-braced legs, a tube joint with an integrated memory lock and a folding baseplate with a non-skid grip.
These come from our ranked list Best Hi Hat Cymbals with Stand, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
How do the two legs help on a crowded kit?
Two legs leave the side near the snare and pedal open, where a third leg would get in the way. The Griffin legs rotate 360 degrees around the bottom pipe, and the legs fold straight up the shaft to turn the stand into a no-leg mount.
How do I set the pedal tension?
Turn the spring tension knob on the stand. The Griffin lists a spring tension adjustment knob: turn it left to increase the pedal tension, or turn it right to decrease it. Press the pedal after each turn until it answers the way you want.
What does the memory lock do?
The memory lock marks the height and angle you set, so the stand returns to the same setup after you fold it. The PDP lists a composite memory lock, the DW lists a tube joint with an integrated memory lock, and the Griffin lists a slip-proof memory lock.
Ranked cymbals lists
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