Eradicating propellers from tiny whoops (65mm, 75mm, and 85mm micro whoops) has all the time been a fiddly and irritating process. Should you’ve ever tried to pry off a cussed prop, you’ll understand how simple it’s to crack a prop blade and even bend a motor shaft. On this information, I’ll present you the preferred prop elimination instruments for whoops and clarify their execs and cons.
See this publish for my suggestions on tiny whoops and equipment: https://oscarliang.com/best-tiny-whoop/
Prying Instruments
Most BNF tiny whoops include a small prop prying device within the field — which, for my part, is nearly ineffective. Whereas they’re small and handy to hold round (you possibly can even use them as a keychain), they bend simply if the props are on too tight.
One web site that sells this device don’t even attempt to cover the actual fact how unhealthy they’re of their product description, saying: “Don’t get your hopes up” — LMAO.
The largest draw back although, might be the potential to wreck the motors. On tiny whoop motors, the shaft is simply press-fitted into the bell and safe with glue. When utilizing a prying device, the pressure pulls the shaft within the path away from the bell. If the prop is on too tight, this could trigger “slip shaft” and damage the motor.
That’s why I virtually by no means use this device. However should you actually wish to give it a strive, NewBeeDrone makes top-of-the-line prying device – it’s extremely stiff and unlikely to bend: https://oscarliang.com/product-y54m
Prop Puller with Tapered Fork
This is likely one of the finest devices launched to FPV — it actually revolutionized the best way we take away micro whoop propellers, making prop removals easy.
You employ it by inserting the tapered fork between the prop and the motor bell; as you squeeze the device, a small pin pushes towards the tip of the motor shaft, pulling the prop off the shaft. All of the pressure is utilized on to the motor shaft, so it gained’t trigger slip shaft points like prying instruments typically do.
Nevertheless, this device has a number of caveats. It requires a small hole between the prop hub and the highest of the bell to insert the fork. If the hole isn’t massive sufficient, you’ll should jam the fork in there, which may scrape the motor bell, or you possibly can loosen the prop by hand first — both case dangers pulling the shaft away from the bell. Additionally, utilizing the device incorrectly or at an angle can bend the motor shaft, doubtlessly inflicting the motor to lock up.
Some individuals intentionally depart a small hole between the prop hub and motor bell to make future elimination simpler with this device. Personally, I don’t assume that’s a good suggestion — urgent props totally down is definitely good apply. It helps cut back vibrations throughout flight and likewise gives additional assist to the motor shaft, making it much less more likely to bend in a crash.
Get it from AliExpress: https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_ooePRWd
Prop Puller with Loops
That is an improved model of the standard prop puller — as an alternative of utilizing a steel fork, it makes use of stiff rope loops. On the time of writing, that is in all probability my favourite device for eradicating whoop props.
It comes with two interchangeable heads:
- One with three loops for tri-blade props
- One with 4 loops for quad-blade and bi-blade props
The design permits the loops to carry on to all of the blades, so you possibly can pull it off cleanly from the motor shaft with out placing any stress on the motor bell.
This device actually shines at eradicating props which might be pressed all the best way down with no seen hole between the prop hub and the motor bell — one thing the fork-style pullers and prying instruments actually wrestle with.
Nevertheless, it does have a number of downsides. The stiff loops virtually all the time causes damages to the props after elimination, e.g. leaving small notches on the hub or barely bending the blades. And if the prop already has a damaged blade (which is usually why you’re eradicating it within the first place), the device could wrestle to get a correct grip.
Get it from AliExpress: https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_omyQaTL
Utilizing Your Naked Arms
Many skilled pilots typically attempt to take away propellers by hand with out utilizing instruments completely (primarily as a result of we’re lazy). They grip the motor bell firmly with one hand and seize the prop by the hub with the opposite, then pull whereas gently twisting left and proper to loosen it. Similar to weight coaching, it may harm your fingers at first — however over time, your grip power improves, calluses kind, and it will get simpler. 😀
Nevertheless, similar to utilizing a pry device, this methodology places plenty of pressure on the shaft and motor bell, which may additionally doubtlessly result in “slip shaft” points.
Conclusion
Should you fly tiny whoops frequently, investing in a great prop elimination device is totally value it. It saves time, reduces frustration, and most significantly, minimizes the danger of damaging your motors.
As defined, not one of the obtainable instruments are good, however the prop puller with loops stands out because the most secure and simplest choice. It’s higher than prying props off with improvised instruments or risking bent shafts along with your naked arms.
Should you’re uninterested in worrying about damaging motors whereas altering props, this little device would possibly simply save your motors — and your sanity.
