Prop question

[Steel63]

Hello everyone im wondering when you should replace the props my drone is still drying out after i got cought in the rain i have around 40 flights on them they look fine but you never know .should i replace them?

 

[Rattydude77]

Hello everyone im wondering when you should replace the props my drone is still drying out after i got cought in the rain i have around 40 flights on them they look fine but you never know .should i replace them?

Hows the props look any crack in the center are they sloppy any chips my self after 30/40 flights I buy new since it's the main thing holding the drone in the air if you afford new ones buy them if not try to get more air time with them....

 

[Steel63]

I have 2 more sets they look okay but like you said it's like driving a car on the interstate with bad tires thanks im changing them

 

[Starz]

Can’t think of any detrimental aspects for rainwater and plastic props.

 

[FlyoverDRN]

I have never replaced propellers on any of my RC's unless damaged. But again, it seams crashes happens to keep propeller manufacturers in business. In all fairness, replace only if damage, even so slightly, as it will seriously affect balance.

 

[Steel63]

No im worried about how many flights i have on them.

 

[Steel63]

I have never replaced propellers on any of my RC's unless damaged. But again, it seams crashes happens to keep propeller manufacturers in business. In all fairness, replace only if damage, even so slightly, as it will seriously affect balance.

No damage at all what are the pins that hold them to quick connect made from are they stainless or regular steel?

 

[Starz]

I have not changed any DJI props that I could attribute to “worn out”.
A few years of flying and more than a few different aircraft.
Stainless pins.

 

[itsneedtokno]

No im worried about how many flights i have on them.

It's nothing like the tires on your car (that carry the weight and friction of turns).

It's more like the plastic covering over your headlight, the plastic around your side view mirror, or the plastic bumper. Are you ever going to replace those from "wear and tear"... Maybe for discoloration, but that's a personal preference, not a necessity.

No need to replace props unless they are damaged.

Although the tried and true phrase is, "when in doubt, change em out"... So I guess in your case, you doubt them, so change them.

I wouldn't unless it caused a flight issue though.

...and here's why...

Your next set might be unbalanced and then you might lose a shot from a gimbal overload or worse, prop failure.

If your props have lasted 30 flights, let them do 300. Changing them could change other things too.

The other phrase is... "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

 

[Steel63]

Yeah i have a phantom p3 that i still fly never changed props but there different style props I've never had a drone with foldable props that's why im asking i was concerned whare they go together. That pin might loosen over time thanks for your feedback

 

[itsneedtokno]

Yeah i have a phantom p3 that i still fly never changed props but there different style props I've never had a drone with foldable props that's why im asking i was concerned whare they go together. That pin might loosen over time thanks for your feedback

I see your point, but would only change a prop if it felt different than it did on day one.

The physics of the pin and prop rotation would seem to me (I'm not a physicist, but there are some around here), that the pin wouldn't be the failure, it would be the plastic surrounding it, by centripetal force.


PS - I'm a fellow Floridian with over 100 flights last month alone. My drones are all running the original props unless damaged. Sparky though, she's got a crack and still runs like a champ. ??

 

[Steel63]

Lol that's awesome thanks ?

 

[old man mavic]

@Steel63 the most important things in respect of the props, is regular inspection ,either after a days flying ,or as part of your pre flight checks
you are looking for leading edge damage ,tip deformation, resistance where they swivel and also check that the 3 lugs that lock them to the motor are all intact

 

[itsneedtokno]

@Steel63 the most important things in respect of the props, is regular inspection ,either after a days flying ,or as part of your pre flight checks
you are looking for leading edge damage ,tip deformation, resistance where they swivel and also check that the 3 lugs that lock them to the motor are all intact

It would've been prudent to mention my Spark prop damage is trailing edge.

And prop inspections are always ?

 

[Steel63]

@Steel63 the most important things in respect of the props, is regular inspection ,either after a days flying ,or as part of your pre flight checks
you are looking for leading edge damage ,tip deformation, resistance where they swivel and also check that the 3 lugs that lock them to the motor are all intact

Yeah that's the first thing i do before i install them i was just queries if after so many flights if you should change them but they look great no marks scrapes every thing is intact so I'm going to keep flying with them. As long as my drone is ok its still drying . thanks for your advice

 

[old man mavic]

i would also like to add, that any damage no matter how small could become an issue during flight ,and for what new props cost ,in relation to the overall cost of the drone, then a prop change would be the prudent thing to do dont forget as the PIC, you are responsible for making sure that you have done everything you can to make sure the airframe is fit for purpose

 

[Steel63]

Absolutely

 

[DanMan32]

It would help to know the model being discussed as the general forum doesn't clue you to this.

Some feel the pivot points (screws for Mini, rivets for other Mavic) could wear and cause the blades to get sloppy.
I doubt there would be much wear after only 40 non-incidental flights.

 

[old man mavic]

It would help to know the model being discussed as the general forum doesn't clue you to this.

Some feel the pivot points (screws for Mini, rivets for other Mavic) could wear and cause the blades to get sloppy.
I doubt there would be much wear after only 40 non-incidental flights.

i think that the MM props are totally different, not only with regards to how they attach to the motors ,but in the fact that they are very loose on the swivel screws that attach them to the motors ,even when they are brand new it could have something to do with the weight and size of the single props ,as they do not have a lot of mass ,and also if the props make contact with something they will fold to lessen the impact ,this will also put a little less strain on the motors themselves, as they are very light as well ,i believe its all about relieving stress to the airframe due to its relatively lightweight construction

 

[DanaMc]

Take the propellers off and inspect the pins assuming it’s not a fixed propeller. Make sure the pins a seated flush and the blades swing freely. I had a pin fall out in flight and by shear luck it made it home. As I was putting it away the blade fell out!