Drum-dial and Tension Watch measure head tension. That sounds great in theory but you have to dismount the drum and lay it flat first. Nothing convenient or fast about that. This tool is the answer. While the drum is mounted you can quickly set the torque. I am in love.

This thing does help make tuning quicker and more accurate. You set the desired tension on the thumbwheel then crank away. When the desired tension is reached there is an audible click and the key releases like a torque wrench. This doesn't work like a drum-dial or tension watch which measure head tension, but it allows you to tension each rod the same, and its a whole lot cheaper.

i have 2 z cutoms cymbals and a double bass set, and this tiny innexpensive thing, was so usefull i would say it was the best thing ive ever bough for my set, its worth it.

I have used MANY different torque keys and tuning system tools. The Rhythm Tech Pro Torq key is probably the best in its class, for price range, ease of use, and tuning accuracy. In order for drums to sound their best you have to find the "sweet spot" on each of your shells. i.e. tuning each head to itself AND to each other, in other words, tuning the batter head to the reasonant head. This is done MAINLY by ear, however, drum torq keys and dials are just helpful tools. When you tune a batter head you don't tune it just to the reasonant head, but you must also tune it to itself, meaning you need to try and torq all the lugs as equal as possible, then it's considered "in tune with itself". I have found that this torque key does a pretty good job, but is not always perfect, however, unless you use a combination of ear,torque key, and drum dial, you are apt to NOT have it perfect. Sometimes "close" DOES count, and in this case, for the price, this is a good deal. I have found it to be fairly accurate, for the most part, and easy and fairly quick to use. Remember though, if your a beginner, to make sure to "seat" the head first, and adjust the lugs evenly, and a little at time, or your asking for problems. If you don't follow the "tuning procedures" correctly,your apt to have a out of tune and ruined head. Anyway, I give this item 4 stars, overall, for price, useabllity, and accuracy or precision, so it's a good buy. I hope this helps, happy drumming!

definatly a must have for drummers who just want to set up and play as quickly as possible, i used to spend hours fine tuning my drums, but this tool makes it so much easier to tune. i dont know how ive lived without one of these for so long