Can steel shells be used for DIY snares?

[elrules]

I have read a lot of times that steel shell snares are not suitable for making DIY pads, but I haven't been able to find WHY.

A guy is selling me an old steel 14'' snare for 30 euros, but I am not sure to buy it.

Why isn't recommended to use steel shells?

[Sabre]

I *know* it's been done, but I've found the same impression, that metal is somehow unsuitable. The only assumption I can make is that there is either too much vibration, or too much noise. Other than that I can't see why it wouldn't work.

[ronkingdrums]

I built a snare pad using an inexpensive 13" PDP piccolo snare with a Hart Magnum head and the Beatnik-style trigger bar. It works VERY well. Maybe I just got lucky...

[cheapthrill]

I did the steel snare thing. The only tricky part is drilling the breather hole larger if you are using panel jacks, you will need a drill with some power. It probably rings a little bit louder than a wood shell wood, but if you are using DIY cymbals made of metal then you wouldn't even notice. I bet you could get one for less than 30 euros though.

[JmanWord]

I did the steel snare thing. The only tricky part is drilling the breather hole larger if you are using panel jacks, you will need a drill with some power..

But you don't need thick panel jacks for a steel snare. Standard jacks fit fine through the vent holes of most metal snares and are deep enough since the metal is thinner than wood shells. Personally I prefer wood drums for conversion, but metal can be done.. I currently have a pair of Meinl mini timbales, dual zone pads, and they respond excellent.