This snippet shows how you can clamp the verticals during the dry pull with locking pliers. The important points are to set the pliers as close as parallel to the verticals as possible so, as they they tilt out when you let go of the cleat, they don’t tear the skin flap.
The other important point is to first apply some pull on the next vertical before you unclamp the pliers from the previous vertical. If you don’t do that, as you unclamp, the tension on the top will cause it to pull through the jaws of the pliers, potentially damaging the sheath.
This video is an excerpt from my book “Djembe Construction: A Comprehensive Guide” (see link below). This eBook contains over two hours of video that show every aspect of building or re-heading a djembe, as well as chapters on wood selection, rope materials, different knotting techniques, skin and shell repairs, essential and optional tools, tuning, and maintenance.
Available on the iPad form the iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/djembe-construction-enhanced/id514845750?mt=11
Post time: Jul-14-2017