Balancing prop.
 

I have a prop (8X6) and it needs balancing. I have put 6 stickers the size of a dime on the one side and it is fine now, however it looks like cr@p and i don't know if the stickers will fly off. Any suggestion on other methods?

THanks

RE: Balancing prop.
 

I usually just sand or shave off some material off of the heavy side.

RE: Balancing prop.
 

Stickers! But probably they wouldn’t last long on the props. I suggest you either go with the above or you repeatedly spray some clear Varnish evenly and closer to the tip on the lighter side. Check the balance after each application.

RE: Balancing prop.
 

I use clear nail polish on the backside of the prop. Just make sure you rebalance the prop when the polish dries.

RE: Balancing prop.
 

That's what I do. As it dries it becomes slightly lighter, so rebalance after it dries at gaRCfield said.

RE: Balancing prop.
 

Those are all great suggestions. THanks.

I was also wondering if drilling a hole/s on the heavy side to lighten it. Would this affect the performance of the prop?

THanks again.

RE: Balancing prop.
 

I would not drill holes in the prop. One reason is that the prop already flexes under load, and drilling holes will likely reduce the strength in that blade causing further, unbalanced flex. I imagine the holes would also affect the aerodynamics of the prop, but I'm not exactly sure how.

RE: Balancing prop.
 

DO NOT, I repeat do not drill holes in the prop blades. If your engine is running at full throttle at say 12000 rpm and the prop blade breaks, it could seriously hurt you or a bystander. The centripetal force on a spinning prop is insane and the prop blades should never be altered. Rather use the nail polish idea or sand some off the back of the heavier blade but don't change the shape of the prop( aerodynamics). Good luck

RE: Balancing prop.
 

That sounds like an awful lot of weight to add to a prop that is that small. Is this for an electric power system? Are you sure you are balancing it correctly?

If it is that far out, you may just want to toss it and get a replacement. Most prop manufacturers' props are pretty much balanced off the shelf. APC, for instance, rarely requires balancing. A quick check of the balance of a new prop should show that it is pretty much dead on.

If the prop moves a little bit on a "magnetic" balancer, then don't worry about that. It will be fine.

RE: Balancing prop.
 

What CGRetired said.
Double check to make sure you are balancing it correctly. If you are, then I would return the prop since it is way out of balance.

RE: Balancing prop.
 

Yes, it is for an electric system. It's a geared brushless inrunner When i put the stickers on the prop was good through the full range of throttle. I thought it was alot of adjusting also.


I'll the nail polish and if not i will probably pick up a new prop.

Thanks