Can't change mini 3 pro propeller

[jwilson]

Today, when I was taking off with my mini 3 pro, it veered to the left and hit something. I turned it off and inspected the propellers. On one, the orange part on the tip was just dangling, so I pulled it off. I had spare propellers and the screwdriver, but the screw wouldn't budge. Another guy with the same drone tried it with his screwdriver and he couldn't move it either. I bought it refurbished in April 2023. Has anyone else had this problem? It will still fly, but I would rather change it. Maybe if I sprayed some WD-40 on it it would loosen up. I'm also worried about stripping the Phillips screw head.

 

[GadgetGuy]

You need the correct screw driver size which will properly engage and remove the screw. Unfortunately, the included one is a poor fit. I don't remember the correct one, but if you search past posts for this issue, you will find it.

 

[TwoSticks]

I used a driver with a larger handle and tiny tip from a set I have. It's a set from iFixit but you can find other options as well. Thats just an example. The tiny screws were an issue. The mini 5 pro has done away with that thankfully.

 

[Rchawks]

The screw drivers that come with the units aren’t very good at all and if you strip out the screw it’s a real pain to replace.

 

[jwilson]

Thanks for that advice. You're right. That little screwdriver is no good you need a bigger handle.

 

[Starz]

A must if you have DJI products. Several different sets to chose from.

iFixit Pro Tech® Go: Premium Pocket Toolkit

Grab, Go, Fix! We created a bite-sized version of our best-selling Pro Tech® Toolkit, featuring the 32-bit Moray Driver Kit and our most essential repair tools.

www.ifixit.com

 

[PHZ]

What you want is a Wiha 261 ph 00 phillips screwdriver. Google it.
Then, when you get it, heat the head up (easy, don’t ruin the temper), then put it immediately into the screw head to warm the screw. This helps loosen the Loctite on the screw. Good luck.

 

[Rchawks]

Didn’t know about the Loctite trick.

 

[jwilson]

You couldn't make this up. I Googled mini 3 pro screws won't budge. This is what I got. So you're out in the field, and you damage a propeller. You just get your soldering iron, I always carry one, and plug it into the nearest tree!

If your Mini 3 propeller won't unscrew, it's likely due to thread locker (Loctite) or a stripped screw; try heating the screw head gently with a soldering iron or lighter tip to melt the glue, or use pliers to grip the screw head after cutting away the plastic prop, ensuring you hold the motor steady and use a PH0000 screwdriver to avoid further damage.
This video demonstrates how to remove a stuck propeller from a DJI Mini 3:

59s




Ken Domik
YouTube • Aug 5, 2024

If the screw isn't stripped:

• Use the Right Tool: Use a hardened steel PH0000 (four-zero) Phillips screwdriver, as the included one can strip the tiny screw head.
• Apply Downward Force: Press down firmly while turning counter-clockwise to keep the driver seated.
• Heat the Screw: Apply heat (soldering iron tip or lighter) to the screw head for 15-30 seconds to break down the thread locker (Loctite).
• Hold the Motor: Pinch the motor bell with your fingers to prevent it from spinning as you turn the screw.

If the screw head is stripped or damaged:

• Cut the Propeller: Use side cutters or an X-Acto knife to carefully cut away the plastic propeller around the screw head to expose it.
• Grip and Turn: Use small pliers (like dykes or needle-nose) to grip the exposed screw head firmly and twist counter-clockwise.
• Dremel (Last Resort): For severe cases, use a Dremel with a sanding drum to grind away the plastic until you can grip the screw with pliers.

 

[jwilson]

I got an email from DJI about this today. This is what they said:

Dear Customer,
Greetings from DJI Support!

We suggest that you do not modify or repair it on your end, instead you can purchase new propellers or send back for repair as it may affect warranty claim if the device is still in warranty.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further queries. Thank you for choosing DJI and have a great day ahead!

Regards,
Kaveenesh

So I'm not supposed to change the propellers myself. Really?

 

[Droning on and on...]

What you want is a Wiha 261 ph 00 phillips screwdriver. Google it.
Then, when you get it, heat the head up (easy, don’t ruin the temper), then put it immediately into the screw head to warm the screw. This helps loosen the Loctite on the screw. Good luck.

To be clear, heat the tip of the screwdriver, and then place it in the head of the screw.

 

[PHZ]

To be clear, heat the tip of the screwdriver, and then place it in the head of the screw.

Yes. But don’t overheat the screwdriver.

 

[jwilson]

To be clear, heat the tip of the screwdriver, and then place it in the head of the screw.

Heating the screwdriver sounds like a good idea.