A drum lug assembly for use with a drum, in which the drum lug assembly is attached to the drum shell without the need for a fastener than passes through the drum shell. In some embodiments, an undercut dovetail joint is used to allow the drum lug assembly to be slid into a groove in a wooden drum shell. In other embodiments, a slot is formed in the drum shell, and the drum lug is inserted and rotated to hold it in place.