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A hi-hat clutch is a simple yet essential tool for drummers. They work by affixing the top hi-hat cymbal firmly in place to the rod of a hi-hat stand.
Modern hi-hat clutches offer quick-release functionality to help save time while setting up or tearing down your drum set at a gig.
These are the types of hi-hat clutches I recommend because they are more advanced and used by professionals and gigging drummers.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best hi-hat clutches for your drum set. I’ve compared performance, ease of use, build quality, and cost to give you my top recommendations.
What are the Best Hi-Hat Clutchs?
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How I Tested and Selected the Best Hi-Hat Clutches
I firmly believe that every drummer should own multiple hi-hat clutches, and I’ve owned many varieties over the years that have been real lifesavers for me at gigs and in the studio.
All drummers own standard hi-hat clutches, so I made sure to pick advanced clutches with more unique features and benefits while compiling this list.
While making my selections, I assessed the design and ease-of-use of each clutch and established how useful they would be compared to a standard clutch. All of these hi-hat clutches feature a quick-set adjustment mechanism, which is critical for fast setup and teardown during performances.
Durability is also key, as a reliable clutch is a long-term investment. Therefore I examined the construction quality and materials in order to assess how well these clutches handle wear and tear.
In-Depth Hi-Hat Clutch Reviews
Remo Quick Lock Hi-Hat Clutch
Remo Quick Lock Hi-Hat Clutch Review
The Remo Quick Lock Hi Hat Clutch wins first place for the best hi hat clutch on the market. It’s an incredibly easy-to-use tool that allows for quick changing of hi hats, saving an enormous amount of time when setting up for rehearsals and shows.
By using the locking pin assembly, the top hi-hat cymbal can be locked into the hi-hat clutch in a matter of seconds.
I use this hi-hat clutch regularly for rehearsals and shows, and it’s one less thing I need to worry about when setting up my equipment. It’s very easy to use and it’s a well-built accessory that’s designed to last.
I find the lock-notch system so useful and so much easier to use than threaded hi-hat clutches that have lots of different parts and are generally a pain to use.
The quick lock hi-hat clutch is simple and effective, and guarantees the cymbals will remain locked in the attachment for the duration of the performance.
This Remo product is the best hi-hat clutch for the money and it’s a genuine lifesaver drumming accessory.
Tama Quick Set Hi-Hat Clutch
Tama Quick Set Hi-Hat Clutch Review
Next up on our list we have the Tama Quick Set Hi Hat Clutch up for review. Tama utilizes a spring-loaded mechanism that is operated with a button on the side of the clutch to fit the top hi-hat cymbal in place.
This is an excellent hi-hat clutch that comes equipped as standard with the high-end Tama Speed Cobra hi-hat stand. So I now use this clutch in addition to the Remo Quick Lock clutch.
Most professional drummers I know, including myself, choose to use this clutch to most others. It just has such reliable build quality, and the mechanics will never let you down.
This hi-hat clutch is the complete solution to the traditional threaded hi-hat clutches that are frustrating and annoying to use, especially on stage when time is of the essence.
It has a simple-to-use one-touch lock and release switch is quick to activate and ensures the top hi-hat cymbal is firmly in place whilst playing the drums.
This hi-hat clutch is very well-designed, easy to use and effective. It’s the perfect hi-hat clutch for the gigging drummer.
Gibraltar Quick Release Hi-Hat Clutch
Gibraltar Quick Release Hi-Hat Clutch Review
The Gibraltar SC-QRHHC Quick Release Hi Hat Clutch is the best hi-hat clutch to buy on a budget without compromising on quality.
Gibraltar describes this as a ‘revolutionary clutch system’ that is simple and pain-free to use in operation. It has been designed to a high standard and makes it incredibly easy to set up and pack down.
The metal sleeve is pulled down and the auto clutch releases, and it allows you to mount the hi-hat cymbal and then lock it into place – without the risk of it coming undone in the middle of a performance.
This hi-hat clutch is the best value product from all of the brands reviewed in this guide. Although it is cheaper it is by no means less effective.
I also love how Gibraltar offers such an affordable price for a quick-release clutch. From what I know, most other brands only offer standard clutches at this price point.
It is a well-made unit that is robust and durable and designed to be used for frequent touring – making it easier to set up your hi-hats on stage.
PDP Quick Release Hi-Hat Clutch
PDP Quick Release Hi-Hat Clutch Review
The PDP Quick Release Hi Hat Clutch is another excellent quality hi hat clutch that allows for a quick setup and tearing down of a drum set.
The hi-hat clutch is equipped with a quick-release fastening system that locks in place and ensures the hi-hat is secure.
I think this is another quick-release clutch that offers incredible value for money.
I used to use one of these regularly, and it never let me down. I always brought it as a backup for house kits that potentially had wonky clutches, and this clutch fit snuggly onto every hi-hat stand.
Overall this accessory is very well-built and incredibly easy to use. The release function works great and it’s a solid unit that is built to last.
DW One-Touch Hi-Hat Clutch
DW One-Touch Hi-Hat Clutch Review
Lastly on our list, we have the DW One-Touch Hi Hat Clutch and this is another solid hi-hat clutch up for review. It’s a well-built unit that offers great performance and functionality and is designed to last.
This one took me a while to figure out how to use. However, simply turning the contoured aluminum knob incrementally locks the top hi-hat cymbal into place, ensuring it is fastened for the duration of a performance.
Much like all of the other products I have reviewed, this hi-hat clutch removes the need for fumbling with threaded inserts and negates the risk of having the mounted hi-hat cymbal becoming loose whilst playing.
This product is simple and effective, but I do prefer the spring-loaded hi-hat clutches offered by competitor brands.
Nonetheless, this is a good clutch that grips the hi-hat stand very well, and I do like the fact the felts are fixed to the accessory – meaning you won’t lose them!
Also, I could feel how strong the build quality was of this clutch. I’ve gotten the same feeling from every other DW hardware accessory that I’ve tried. It just felt indestructible.
Hi-Hat Clutch Buyer’s Guide
Having a good hi-hat clutch in place is essential as it allows the hi-hat stand to function correctly – to close and open the hi-hat cymbals by operating the pedal.
The best hi-hat clutch is one that is sturdy, durable, easy to use, and built from quality materials.
They will either be easy to screw on or utilize a quick-release function, like all of the best hi-hat clutches recommended in this guide.
Below I will discuss the various types of hi-hat clutches available and their benefits and drawbacks.
Different Types of Hi-Hat Clutches
Standard Hi-Hat Clutch
The standard hi-hat clutch is the most common and typically what you’ll find on a standard drum set.
The standard hi-hat clutch utilizes simple screw parts that keep the hi-hat in place between two felts. (This ensures no metal-to-metal contact.)
It will also be included with the purchase of an entry-level or mid-level hi-hat stand. But higher-end hi-hat stands will often include a quick-release hi-hat clutch instead.
The top and bottom screws can be adjusted to find the desired tightness of the top hi-hat on the clutch itself.
When used correctly, a regular hi-hat clutch will have two felts on either side of the cymbal and two screws outside of the felts that keep the cymbal tightly in place.
Quick-Release Hi-Hat Clutch
Quick-release hi-hat clutches are relatively new inventions, and they are designed to save time while setting up or tearing down a drum set.
These types of hi-hat clutches use a unique mechanism, either like a pin-locking system or a spring-loaded clip that keeps the top hi-hat in place.
This type of hi-hat clutch is what I recommend because they are the more advanced ones that professionals and gigging drummers prefer using live on stage.
They are more expensive than regular hi-hat clutches, but they certainly make a good investment and will last a lifetime if looked after (and not lost!).
Drop Hi-Hat Clutch
Also known as a ‘drop clutch,’ this is a different type of clutch altogether because it offers a unique function of being able to drop the top hi-hat cymbal (dropping it) so that it closes the hi-hat cymbals together without needing to press the pedal.
They are activated with a drum stick, and the most popular use for a drop clutch is to create a closed hi-hat sound while using a double bass drum pedal when playing the hi-hats.
Essentially, they let you achieve a closed hi-hat sound while your left foot is otherwise occupied.
Features to Look for In a Hi-Hat Clutch
When buying a hi-hat clutch, you’ll want to consider the following:
Solid build quality
There is no good in a cheap and flimsy hi-hat clutch with broken threading and cheap plastic screws. A quality hi-hat clutch will feel weighty and substantial, with strong metal components.
Quick-release mechanism
If you are a gigging drummer, or you take your drum kit to rehearsal studios regularly, you’ll know setting up and tearing down the kit can be a pain. Invest in one of the cymbal clutches featured in this guide to save time with a fast-release mechanism.
Hi-Hat Clutch FAQs
How Tight Should a Hi-Hat Clutch Be?
A hi-hat clutch should be tightly placed on a top hi-hat, but it should not be too tight so that it completely chokes the cymbal and doesn’t allow any flexibility.
The top hi-hat should be allowed to have a slight flex or wiggle while on a hi-hat clutch.
The hi-hat clutch itself should also be affixed very tightly to the hi-hat rod.
Are Hi-Hat Clutches Universal?
Most new hi-hat clutches (standard and quick-release) are suitable for virtually all makes and models of hi-hat stands.
Hii-hat rods are typically either 7mm or 8mm, and modern hi-hat clutches, particularly the new quick-release clutches, will accommodate either rod size.
I have personally used the Remo Quick-Lock clutch, Gibraltar Quick Release clutch, and the Tama Quick Set clutch on a variety of hi-hat rods and experienced no issues.
How Many Hi-Hat Clutches Should You Own?
Hi-hat clutches can get lost easily, so it’s a good idea to have a spare to hand in your drumstick bag so that you’ll always have access to one.
Hi-hat stands that come with house drum kits often have a poor-quality clutch, so it’s a good idea to replace this with your own one.
It’s always a good idea to keep a bunch of spare cymbal felts handy so that you can add them if necessary to ensure there is no metal-to-metal contact between the cymbal and clutch.
