Damaged drone on arrival....safe to fly or not?

[MoonIsShining]

Hi Everyone,

I just ordered my first drone and I regrettably purchased a second hand one on the basis the seller said it was "as good as new" with no crashes or damage. Well, after a quick inspection after receiving it I see what appears to be a crack but I'm a total noob so not sure if its something to be majorly concerned about although I have a good idea of what you guys might say but I'm going to throw it out there anyway.

Check out the pictures below and would appreciate any comments (I probably didn't need to circle in red but that was for the seller).

Thank you.

 

[old man mavic]

@moonsisshining looks like a stress crack probably from letting the arm snap out to the open position when unfolding it,or possible crash damage ,it is going to compromise the integrity of the structure especially around the hinge area,and over time it could get worse

 

[THEN3LLI]

TL;Dr: usually some websites/payment system helps you with refunds.


Normally you would request a substitute, but being a second hand Drone you can't expect such treatment.

If you purchased from Amazon, or eventually from a respectable online store/site, you could look for rules about selling used stuff.
Did you check the Drone before you ordered It by photos? If It was clear that It was perfect, without cracks, and you bought it with PayPal or eBay for example, probably you can ask for a refund.

Please, do not fly in that condition.

 

[MoonIsShining]

@moonsisshining looks like a stress crack probably from letting the arm snap out to the open position when unfolding it,or possible crash damage ,it is going to compromise the integrity of the structure especially around the hinge area,and over time it could get worse

TL;Dr: usually some websites/payment system helps you with refunds.


Normally you would request a substitute, but being a second hand Drone you can't expect such treatment.

If you purchased from Amazon, or eventually from a respectable online store/site, you could look for rules about selling used stuff.
Did you check the Drone before you ordered It by photos? If It was clear that It was perfect, without cracks, and you bought it with PayPal or eBay for example, probably you can ask for a refund.

Please, do not fly in that condition.

Thanks for the info @old man mavic and @THEN3LLI . Yes, I don't plan to fly with a crack like that. I've looked into buying a replacement middle shell but then I looked into the teardown of the Mini 2 which is way beyond my skill set. The photos looked fine, the seller was on FB marketplace but has a decent reputation but its pretty late where I am so will see what he has to say tomorrow. I don't normally buy second hand goods but this is a lesson learnt either way.

 

[Starz]

Stress crack would not be on my list. When purchasing a previously owned drone, I tend to ask the owner to list any and all flaws so there is a record of what will show up in the mail. With what is pictured, I’d send it back if possible partly to provide a learning experience to the seller.

 

[YVRGUY]

Hi Everyone,

I just ordered my first drone and I regrettably purchased a second hand one on the basis the seller said it was "as good as new" with no crashes or damage. Well, after a quick inspection after receiving it I see what appears to be a crack but I'm a total noob so not sure if its something to be majorly concerned about although I have a good idea of what you guys might say but I'm going to throw it out there anyway.

Check out the pictures below and would appreciate any comments (I probably didn't need to circle in red but that was for the seller).

Thank you.


View attachment 147697

View attachment 147698

Those are caused by impact or prying…stress marks do show, but only due to the latter. The answer could be in the pudding. It could be the result of a bad motor arm replacement or just the scarring from an impact.

Do an indoor flight test by letting it hover until it wants to land on its own. If that works, do an outdoor flight test and see if all the info shows up on your iPhone…sat lock, height, distance, camera, map etc. If the info looks then try some simple manoeuvres, take a video and some pics. If that checks out then check your camera results.

If you don’t get any results with your refund request and you end up being the new owner no matter what, then do this. Do not open up the shell if all the arms fold in and out without trouble. With the fine stress cracks, hit them with super glue and let the glue cure.

Those marks just don’t look like stress marks caused by fatigue. I have owned two mini 2 drones. They were all folded and unfolded many many times along with having the bejesus flown out of them and no stress cracks due to the latter. I would bet there isn’t one Mini owner out there where they have these types of marks from “stress”.

Good luck with your refund / replacement…happy and safe flying otherwise

 

[MoonIsShining]

Stress crack would not be on my list. When purchasing a previously owned drone, I tend to ask the owner to list any and all flaws so there is a record of what will show up in the mail. With what is pictured, I’d send it back if possible partly to provide a learning experience to the seller.

Those are caused by impact or prying…stress marks do show, but only due to the latter. The answer could be in the pudding. It could be the result of a bad motor arm replacement or just the scarring from an impact.

Do an indoor flight test by letting it hover until it wants to land on its own. If that works, do an outdoor flight test and see if all the info shows up on your iPhone…sat lock, height, distance, camera, map etc. If the info looks then try some simple manoeuvres, take a video and some pics. If that checks out then check your camera results.

If you don’t get any results with your refund request and you end up being the new owner no matter what, then do this. Do not open up the shell if all the arms fold in and out without trouble. With the fine stress cracks, hit them with super glue and let the glue cure.

Those marks just don’t look like stress marks caused by fatigue. I have owned two mini 2 drones. They were all folded and unfolded many many times along with having the bejesus flown out of them and no stress cracks due to the latter. I would bet there isn’t one Mini owner out there where they have these types of marks from “stress”.

Good luck with your refund / replacement…happy and safe flying otherwise

Thanks Guys,

It definitely seems like the drone has had a collision, there are a couple of scuffs on the gimble as well. I contacted DJI Support and they said its safe to fly but advised me to run a couple of checks which I did and all seems good. I'm not going to spin the propellers just yet as the seller is pretty much saying I crashed it. I've already sent the flight log downloaded from the drone to DJI and they said they will check to see if its had a collision, so at least this way I can prove my case.

While it looks like I'll be keeping the drone, and like you say, I'll be getting the super glue out. I've seen and couple of do's and don't on YouTube and it looks like gouging a V into the crack, then filling it with super glue and sprinkling some baking powder over to solidify the bond seems an effective method. I'll be closing all the gaps around the arm hinge and putting cotton buds on the under side of the shell incase there is any glue seepage. I'll see how that fairs and do the test flights you've suggested.

Thanks again for the advice

 

[Starz]

I'll be getting the super glue out.

Sorry, the words”super glue” and “aircraft“ shouldn’t be used together.
There are better methods in regards to repair.

 

[MoonIsShining]

Sorry, the words”super glue” and “aircraft“ shouldn’t be used together.
There are better methods in regards to repair.

Sure, I'm all ears for suggestions if you have any.

 

[Starz]

Replace the damaged pieces. If that isn’t something that you are comfortable with, there are options for that service. You could send it directly to DJI and possibly end up with a new unit. There are several repair specialists that have the capabilities needed that can be found via this forum.
Just my opinion, anything that flys should be 100% fly worthy to ensure safety.

 

[umanbean]

I wouldn't use super glue, even with baking soda as a 'hardener'. Two-part epoxy, such as J-B Weld, would be much stronger and more permanent.

 

[Mavic Merrick]

Sure, I'm all ears for suggestions if you have any.

I would personally not fill the crack because it is small enough but get a full body wrap for the drone (I have Wrapgrade and absolutely LOVE it). I would be concerned about filling it because you could get glue inside the drone and glue things together that shouldn’t be together.

 

[Starz]

but get a full body wrap for the drone

Maybe I missed something? What would this accomplish???

 

[EsaT]

Unless plastic molding quality is really bad that looks lot like motor arm has either smacked into there from crash/similar, or unfolding of arm has been done carelessly letting it hit end with high momentum.

Maybe I missed something? What would this accomplish???

"Lipstick on a pig" comes to my mind...

 

[Torque]

I think all three of my Phantom drones are held together with super glue at this point.
Surprised people are advising against it. DJI recommends, at least they used to when I first contacted them about my Phantom 1 damage. And google searches show respected drone repair sites recommending it as well.

Best Glue For Drone Repair - Glue Authority

The best glue for repairing your drone is not too difficult as it is a plastic glue that you need. Glues like super glue are perfect for many such repairs.

glueauthority.com

 

[Heavydpj]

Hi Everyone,

I just ordered my first drone and I regrettably purchased a second hand one on the basis the seller said it was "as good as new" with no crashes or damage.

DEFINITELY not as advertised.

I would seek a refund.

Till then you may as well fly till she drops. You may be able to reinforce with a patch and some epoxy.

 

[MoonIsShining]

Thanks for all the info everyone. It's great to get all the opinions for consideration. The seller has gone MIA so I will have to make do with what I have.

I've ordered a new middle shell but after doing a lot of research and seeing as its a temporary fix I also decided to get the screwdriver out to remove the upper shell (quite tricky to pry it off). I had super glue and baking soda on hand, and while it might not be the best compared to other options, it was convenient (@umanbean J-B Weld has been ordered I'm just a tad impatient). I applied several layers of glue and baking soda on the inside and a couple layers on the outside. I also put some glue on the opposite side of the shell to balance things out (no idea if this will make any difference but it seemed to make sense). All in all it seems quite secure for a temporary fix and flown it around the condo a couple of times. It does have a tendency to drift but from what I have read this is somewhat normal in tighter spaces. I'll do some test flights in a field but I don't intend do anything too demanding until the middle shell has been replaced.

 

[umanbean]

I applied several layers of glue and baking soda on the inside and a couple layers on the outside.

Good job, glad you got it flying.

My only concern with superglue was - the times I've used it, it seems a bit brittle and I thought, given the vibration and stress of the Drone, it may crack. I've never tried it with baking soda, guess that gives it some 'body'...

Interesting thread, keep us updated on your progress. Good luck

 

[EsaT]

The seller has gone MIA so I will have to make do with what I have.

So pretty much admitting scam...

 

[MoonIsShining]

So pretty much admitting scam...

Yeah the second he said I caused the damage I pretty much knew where it was going. I'll try to take the positives from it as I have learnt a lot... I'll be a glue expert in no time.