Eradicating propellers from tiny whoops (65mm, 75mm, and 85mm micro whoops) has all the time been a fiddly and irritating process. For those who’ve ever tried to pry off a cussed prop, you’ll understand how straightforward 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 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 instrument 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 instrument don’t even attempt to conceal the very fact how unhealthy they’re of their product description, saying: “Don’t get your hopes up” — LMAO.
The most important 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 instrument, the drive pulls the shaft within the course away from the bell. If the prop is on too tight, this will trigger “slip shaft” and wreck the motor.
That’s why I nearly by no means use this instrument. However if you happen to actually wish to give it a strive, NewBeeDrone makes the most effective prying instrument – 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 really 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 instrument, a small pin pushes in opposition to the tip of the motor shaft, pulling the prop off the shaft. All of the drive is utilized on to the motor shaft, so it received’t trigger slip shaft points like prying instruments usually do.
Nonetheless, this instrument 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 giant sufficient, you’ll need to jam the fork in there, which may 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 instrument incorrectly or at an angle can bend the motor shaft, probably inflicting the motor to lock up.
Some individuals intentionally go away a small hole between the prop hub and motor bell to make future elimination simpler with this instrument. Personally, I don’t suppose that’s a good suggestion — urgent props absolutely down is definitely good apply. It helps cut back vibrations throughout flight and in addition supplies 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 normal prop puller — as an alternative of utilizing a metallic fork, it makes use of stiff rope loops. On the time of writing, that is most likely my favourite instrument 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 instrument really shines at eradicating props which are 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 battle with.
Nonetheless, it does have a number of downsides. The stiff loops nearly 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 commonly why you’re eradicating it within the first place), the instrument 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 usually attempt to take away propellers by hand with out utilizing instruments totally (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. Identical to weight coaching, it may well damage your fingers at first — however over time, your grip power improves, calluses kind, and it will get simpler. 😀
Nonetheless, similar to utilizing a pry instrument, this technique places plenty of drive on the shaft and motor bell, which may additionally probably result in “slip shaft” points.
Conclusion
For those who fly tiny whoops repeatedly, investing in an excellent prop elimination instrument is completely price it. It saves time, reduces frustration, and most significantly, minimizes the chance of damaging your motors.
As defined, not one of the accessible instruments are excellent, however the prop puller with loops stands out because the most secure and handiest possibility. It’s higher than prying props off with improvised instruments or risking bent shafts together with your naked palms.
For those who’re uninterested in worrying about damaging motors whereas altering props, this little instrument may simply save your motors — and your sanity.
