Eradicating propellers from tiny whoops (65mm, 75mm, and 85mm micro whoops) has at all times been a fiddly and irritating job. In case 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 most well-liked prop removing instruments for whoops and clarify their execs and cons.
See this submit 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 software within the field — which, in my view, is nearly ineffective. Whereas they’re small and handy to hold round (you may even use them as a keychain), they bend simply if the props are on too tight.
One web site that sells this software don’t even attempt to cover the very 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 break the motors. On tiny whoop motors, the shaft is barely press-fitted into the bell and safe with glue. When utilizing a prying software, the pressure pulls the shaft within the course away from the bell. If the prop is on too tight, this may trigger “slip shaft” and smash the motor.
That’s why I nearly by no means use this software. However in the event you actually need to give it a attempt, NewBeeDrone makes among the best prying software – it’s extremely stiff and unlikely to bend: https://oscarliang.com/product-y54m
Prop Puller with Tapered Fork
This is among the greatest devices launched to FPV — it actually revolutionized the way in which we take away micro whoop propellers, making prop removals easy.
You utilize it by inserting the tapered fork between the prop and the motor bell; as you squeeze the software, 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 received’t trigger slip shaft points like prying instruments typically do.
Nonetheless, this software has just a few 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 giant sufficient, you’ll need to jam the fork in there, which might scrape the motor bell, or you might loosen the prop by hand first — both case dangers pulling the shaft away from the bell. Additionally, utilizing the software 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 removing simpler with this software. Personally, I don’t assume that’s a good suggestion — urgent props totally down is definitely good apply. It helps scale back vibrations throughout flight and likewise supplies additional help 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 a substitute of utilizing a metallic fork, it makes use of stiff rope loops. On the time of writing, that is in all probability my favourite software 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 may pull it off cleanly from the motor shaft with out placing any stress on the motor bell.
This software actually shines at eradicating props which are pressed all the way in which down with no seen hole between the prop hub and the motor bell — one thing the fork-style pullers and prying instruments actually battle with.
Nonetheless, it does have just a few downsides. The stiff loops nearly at all times causes damages to the props after removing, e.g. leaving small notches on the hub or barely bending the blades. And if the prop already has a damaged blade (which is commonly why you’re eradicating it within the first place), the software might battle to get a correct grip.
Get it from AliExpress: https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_omyQaTL
Utilizing Your Naked Palms
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 damage your fingers at first — however over time, your grip energy improves, calluses kind, and it will get simpler. 😀
Nonetheless, similar to utilizing a pry software, this technique places loads of pressure on the shaft and motor bell, which might additionally doubtlessly result in “slip shaft” points.
Conclusion
In case you fly tiny whoops frequently, investing in a very good prop removing software is completely value it. It saves time, reduces frustration, and most significantly, minimizes the chance 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 possibility. It’s higher than prying props off with improvised instruments or risking bent shafts along with your naked fingers.
In case you’re bored with worrying about damaging motors whereas altering props, this little software would possibly simply save your motors — and your sanity.