How to stabilize a crack in a drum shell

To fix a crack in a wooden drum shell, you will need a drill with a 1/4" bit, white or wood glue, sand paper, chisel, hammer, and a 1/4" oak dowel. You will start from the rim or the bottom of the drum (depending on where the crack is).  Drill a hole at an angle and across the crack. Put the glue in the hole and on the dowel. Drive the dowel into the hole, cut the dowel off level with the drum, and smooth it with sandpaper or a chisel. You can color it with some stain or wood putty. The cracks usually do not show and do not affect the quality of the drum’s sound.