Rubber Band to stabilize Props in storage

[Dale D]

I just watched a You Tube video about accessories that are available for the Mavic 2 Pro such as filters, shades, etc. One of the recommendations was a commercial product to stabilize the props. It gave me the idea to just try a simple rubber band. What do you all think about this (look at images). Anyone have any thoughts, cautions, dangers?

 

[Thomas B]

Should work, but I worry about putting torque on the hubs and possible long term consequences. Of course, I’m one of those that removes props after every flying day.

 

[Dale D]

Should work, but I worry about putting torque on the hubs and possible long term consequences. Of course, I’m one of those that removes props after every flying day.

The rubber band is not really too tight- just enough to keep the props in place.

 

[slup]

The rubber band is not really too tight- just enough to keep the props in place.

You know best if the rubber band are putting on any "bigger" tension of course ... but beside torque on the hubs perhaps the props can deform over time if under tension.

 

[Dale D]

You know best if the rubber band are putting on any "bigger" tension of course ... but beside torque on the hubs perhaps the props can deform over time if under tension.

Ok-Ok I removed it, and re-designed the cushion padding in my back pack which does the same thing (stabilize props).

I am now laying it bottom down, top up instead of on its side in the pack. I removed the rubber band after I took this photo.

 

[Thomas B]

Ok-Ok I removed it, and re-designed the cushion padding in my back pack which does the same thing (stabilize props).

I am now laying it bottom down, top up instead of on its side in the pack. I removed the rubber band after I took this photo.

Off topic but, do you ever have props hang I up in the netting on the backpack lid?... planning on adding a backpack and just wondering.

 

[Dale D]

Off topic but, do you ever have props hang I up in the netting on the backpack lid?... planning on adding a backpack and just wondering.

I have honestly not yet used this back pack! It is fresh off the camera store shelf as of a few days ago. I am configuring it as I go. I originally ordered and returned a backpack from one of the vendors where it had hard the styrofoam exactly cut out for the Mavic 2 Pro, and components (batteries, remote, etc.) , but I found the case deficient in other ways such as a stiff zipper that caught the material on its path, and a tear in the styrofoam where it straps in the drone. This pack costed $150 USD. I immediately asked for a return and am waiting for tracking number to show it got back so I can get a credit on my credit card. So then I just went to my local camera store and looked at every bag and pack they carried. After spending about an hour opening every one, I settled on this one for $40.00. Your question about the netting is a good one. We shall see after I use it! You have to pass the bill before you see what's in it.

 

[MAvic_South_Oz]

Have been using a rubber band on the M1P folded body to keep the props in place for 3 years.
This helps keep it in place when I slide it into its spot in the Droneguard BP250 backpack.
No ill effects so far.
This was before the clamps came out , or at least I'd never seen them.

 

[Dale D]

Have been using a rubber band on the M1P folded body to keep the props in place for 3 years.
This helps keep it in place when I slide it into its spot in the Droneguard BP250 backpack.
No ill effects so far.
This was before the clamps came out , or at least I'd never seen them.

You are the first to agree with me that I doubt it will affect the props.

 

[MAvic_South_Oz]

You are the first to agree with me that I doubt it will affect the props.

I use a larger post office type rubber band, firm but not too tight.
Was a little worried at the start about long term effects and deforming of the prop shape, but no problems it seems.
Those props are very resilient, bend a heck of a lot in flight with far greater pressures on them when lifting / accelerating etc.
I'm using the 8331 props, but don't think this would make any difference to the stock 8330 version on the M1P.
The M2P is probably the same, not sure about smaller DJI drones, especially the mini and its different materials it may use to keep weight down.

 

[Drgnfli]

Hey Dale, you stole my idea! (just kidding!) I've been using rubber bands for most of the time (two years) that I have been flying. I seldom fold my MP up, I just leave the arms extended but I put a loose rubber band on the folded props & the arms to keep everything from 'flopping' around.

 

[Blume TMS]

I use a velcro strap for both my magic mini and Mavic 2 Pro.... but I'm thinking about making a cloth bag the righ size for each to slide in also.

 

[Dale D]

Hey Dale, you stole my idea! (just kidding!) I've been using rubber bands for most of the time (two years) that I have been flying. I seldom fold my MP up, I just leave the arms extended but I put a loose rubber band on the folded props & the arms to keep everything from 'flopping' around.

So you've been using the rubber band for 2 years? That REALLY settles it for me. I was going to use it until I got a few negative comments, but now it is offset by several positive comments. I cannot believe how great this forum is. Sorry if I did any intellectual property theft. Maybe we could patent it and sell it for millions.

 

[Dale D]

I use a velcro strap for both my magic mini and Mavic 2 Pro.... but I'm thinking about making a cloth bag the righ size for each to slide in also.

You can usually find a soft sack by looking at the travel sacks in places like REI or Container Store, or even a Royal Crown 7 velvet sack and enjoy the booze first.

 

[MAvic_South_Oz]

I use a velcro strap for both my magic mini and Mavic 2 Pro.... but I'm thinking about making a cloth bag the righ size for each to slide in also.

Hey mate, try the DJI Mavic Pro aircraft sleeve.
They are cheap, perfect size (I use mine for my ipad mini 4, not the aircraft), and they are nice flock lined.

 

[razoraerial]

Should work, but I worry about putting torque on the hubs and possible long term consequences. Of course, I’m one of those that removes props after every flying day.

Do you really? I often wondered better to band or to take off. Not a high jack, Dale D just got me thinking. Lol sorry if off topic

 

[Thomas B]

Do you really? I often wondered better to band or to take off. Not a high jack, Dale D just got me thinking. Lol sorry if off topic

No need to be sorry. Like many things we study the devices and consult others to decide proper care... then we proceed. If we have no problems then we’ve found one of the correct ways to do things ... I learn something every day here.

 

[Deleted member 3792]

You can usually find a soft sack by looking at the travel sacks in places like REI or Container Store, or even a Royal Crown 7 velvet sack and enjoy the booze first.

Guess what, in this picture where you can read DJI Mavic at the black bag, there is a DJI Mavic in it.? It comes from PGYTech.

 

[FoxhallGH]

I'm a fan of taking my prop's off when I finish flying - and I store my Mavic Pro Platinum without anything on the motor hubs. I figure that this provides the following:
1) The compression springs that you push the prop's against are allowed to relax and keep their original shape/length since they are not continuously under compression.
2) My prop-blades are stored in a fabric bag, and lay in a slot in the case I carry the MPP around in. That way, they are under no stress or odd pressures that would put a bend in the blades or de-form them in any way.
3) The last point is that as they are put on and taken off before & after a flight, I get the opportunity to check all the prop's (hinge flex / physical damage), to make sure that they are OK, and if not, I know to place an order for a new set as soon as I get home.

 

[Blume TMS]

I do have to take issue with one thing written by FoxhallGH above... springs are not made week by being compressed they were actually made week eventually by being compressed and released. I learned this on gun forums in discussing whether to keep magazines loaded with ammo or not...