How to Set Up a Double Kick Pedal
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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A double kick pedal links two beaters to one bass drum, so each foot drives its own beater. Clamp the main pedal to the bass drum hoop, set the slave pedal beside it and join the two with the drive shaft, then match the beater angle and spring tension on both sides.
Clamp the main pedal to the drum
Set the main pedal against the bass drum hoop and tighten the hoop clamp until the pedal holds firm and does not shift when you press it. The pedal frame should sit flat on the floor with the beater lined up on the drumhead. If the clamp slips, loosen it, seat the pedal square on the hoop and tighten it again.
Place the slave pedal and link it
Put the second pedal on the floor beside the main pedal, where your other foot rests without stretching. Join the two pedals with the drive shaft and the universal joint, and tighten the joints so the shaft does not slip. Press both pedals in turn and watch the beaters: both should move together with the same action.
Set the beater angle and height
Set both beaters to the same angle and height so each foot strikes the drumhead the same way. The Foraineam pedal adjusts beater angle and beater height, and the AZEAM pedal adjusts the beater for striking position and impact angle. Turn the adjustment screws a little at a time and check the beaters side by side until they match.
Match the spring tension
Set the spring tension the same on both pedals so one foot does not work harder than the other. The AZEAM pedal adjusts spring tension for speed, resistance and comfort, and the Pearl Eliminator uses a click-lock spring adjustment. Tighten or loosen each spring by the same amount, then press both pedals and feel whether they return the same way.
Check that both pedals match
Press each pedal on its own and watch the beater hit the drumhead. Both beaters should reach the drumhead together and spring back the same way, with no wobble in the drive shaft. If one side lags, check the universal joint and the spring tension on that side, then set the beater angle again until both sides match.
What you need
Foraineam Drum Kit Pedals Heavy Duty Single
A single chain-drive pedal with an adjustable beater angle and height, for a replacement on an old kit.
- Drive: Single Chain
- 2.2 lb, the lightest here
Pearl P532 Double Bass Drum Pedal
A double pedal with a double chain drive, an adjustable universal joint and a hoop clamp for quick setup.
- Double pedal
- Drive: Double Chain
AZEAM Bass Drum Pedal
A single chain-drive pedal with a heavy-duty footboard, adjustable spring tension and an adjustable beater.
- Drive: Chain Drive
Pearl P2052C Eliminator Double Bass Drum Pedal-Chain
A double pedal with a chain drive, four interchangeable cams and a click-lock spring adjustment.
- Double pedal
- Drive: Chain Drive
These come from our ranked list Best Bass Drum Pedal, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Do both beaters hit the same drum?
Yes. A double pedal mounts two beaters on one bass drum, one for each foot, and both strike the same drumhead. Set both beaters to the same angle and height so each foot strikes the same way.
How do I stop one pedal feeling different from the other?
Match the settings on both sides. Set the same beater angle and height and the same spring tension on each pedal, then check the universal joint and the drive shaft for play. Press both pedals in turn until they move the same.
Can I use a single pedal with a double pedal kit?
Yes, a single pedal fits the same bass drum hoop and works on its own. The Foraineam pedal is a single chain-drive pedal with an adjustable beater, and the AZEAM pedal is a single chain-drive pedal with a heavy-duty footboard.
What does the cam change on a double pedal?
The cam sets how the pedal responds as you press it. The Pearl P532 uses linear action double chain drive cams for speed, and the Pearl Eliminator swaps between four individual cams to change the response.
Ranked bass drum pedals lists
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