Eradicating propellers from tiny whoops (65mm, 75mm, and 85mm micro whoops) has at all times been a fiddly and irritating process. Should you’ve ever tried to pry off a cussed prop, you’ll know the way straightforward 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 professionals 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 device within the field — which, for my part, is sort of 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 device don’t even attempt to conceal the very fact how dangerous 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 barely press-fitted into the bell and safe with glue. When utilizing a prying device, the drive pulls the shaft within the route away from the bell. If the prop is on too tight, this will trigger “slip shaft” and wreck the motor.
That’s why I virtually by no means use this device. However in the event you actually wish to give it a attempt, NewBeeDrone makes among the best prying device – it’s extremely stiff and unlikely to bend: https://oscarliang.com/product-y54m
Prop Puller with Tapered Fork
This is without doubt one of the greatest devices launched to FPV — it really revolutionized the best way 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 device, 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 gained’t trigger slip shaft points like prying instruments typically do.
Nonetheless, this device 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 massive sufficient, you’ll should jam the fork in there, which may scrape the motor bell, or you could possibly 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 folks intentionally depart a small hole between the prop hub and motor bell to make future removing simpler with this device. Personally, I don’t suppose that’s a good suggestion — urgent props absolutely down is definitely good observe. It helps scale back vibrations throughout flight and in addition offers 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 metallic fork, it makes use of stiff rope loops. On the time of writing, that is most likely 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 may pull it off cleanly from the motor shaft with out placing any stress on the motor bell.
This device really 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 battle with.
Nonetheless, it does have just a few downsides. The stiff loops virtually 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 device could battle to get a correct grip.
Get it from AliExpress: https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_omyQaTL
Utilizing Your Naked Fingers
Many skilled pilots typically 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 could possibly damage your fingers at first — however over time, your grip power improves, calluses kind, and it will get simpler. 😀
Nonetheless, identical to utilizing a pry device, this methodology places a variety of drive on the shaft and motor bell, which may additionally doubtlessly result in “slip shaft” points.
Conclusion
Should you fly tiny whoops commonly, investing in a very good prop removing device is totally price it. It saves time, reduces frustration, and most significantly, minimizes the danger of damaging your motors.
As defined, not one of the accessible instruments are good, however the prop puller with loops stands out because the most secure and only possibility. It’s higher than prying props off with improvised instruments or risking bent shafts along with your naked arms.
Should you’re bored with worrying about damaging motors whereas altering props, this little device may simply save your motors — and your sanity.
