Propeller Nut and Mount Flies Off During Tests

[BrandonC]

Hi, I recently finished building my first quadcopter and I'm having some difficulties while tuning it. One propeller always flies off either because the nut unscrews by itself and flies off somewhere or the entire prop mounter flies off. I tried switching the prop mounters between the motors but that resulted in the mount+prop to fly off together, twirling into the sky.

Prop Mount problems
So the two motors and mounts that had no problems slide on so that a little of the shaft of the motor is still visible, but the other two slide all the way down the shaft. I think the problem mounts are loose on the shaft so I applied some grippy adhesive inside one and let it dry to give it some grip and that seems to work. If there is another method, I'm all ears.

Prop Nut Problems
Any idea on how to keep that conical nut that comes with this motor to stay on? I don't think they are counter threaded as some of their teeth have a slanted cut, but some of them are just radiating outwards. However, three of them tend to stay on without loosening. I didn't think it was wise to glue on a nut, so any suggestions?

I'm using the
http://hobbyking.co.uk/hobbyking/st...Brushless_Outrunner_Motor_USA_Warehouse_.html
with its included mounter.

Any tips appreciated on this issue. Thanks!

 

[Paul Titcombe]

Sounds like you need prop mounts designed for the CW & CCW action of quads. Not sure exactly what size you will need for your motors but they will be something like this http://rctimer.com/product-1251.html

 

[HDtallrider]

You can use Blue Threadlocker on the nut. Available at any autoparts store and most hardware stores. Do NOT use Red! If the whole collett comes off try using a medium file and LIGHTLY roughing up the motor shaft. Hopefully that will give enough friction to hold it in place. When it's time to upgrade your motors look for ones that have adapters that screw down onto the bell and come in CW and CCW rotation. They are kinda/sorta self tightening.

 

[HDtallrider]

The RC Timer adapters won't work for your motors. You're stuck with the collett type until you upgrade. The better motors have the type of prop mounts that Paul Titcombe suggested.

 

[Paul Titcombe]

The RC Timer adapters won't work for your motors. You're stuck with the collett type until you upgrade. The better motors have the type of prop mounts that Paul Titcombe suggested.

I wondered why my quick search couldn't find suitable adaptors, as I said I am unfamiliar with those motors.

 

[Jackson]

That they don't match is odd. Sounds like an adapter to shaft mismatch

When you break them down to bits do the look the same? The piece on the left.

Many of these Goldens have a 3mm or 3.17mm shaft.

As far as the nuts get these (not sure of the size).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Traxxas-4mm...038?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d187b528e

You could check your local hardware place for size at least, mine has the regular ones, not flanged.

FWIW I'd have no problem with epoxying the loose ones to the shaft, matching the height to the other ones. Add a little epoxy at the top of shaft then install the props and let them set up.

 

[HDtallrider]

Actually, the shaft on the motor BrandonC has is 4mm and I picked up some nylock 4mm nuts at Home Depot last week. Never thought about the epoxy. Brilliant!

 

[Jackson]

Actually, the shaft on the motor BrandonC has is 4mm and I picked up some nylock 4mm nuts at Home Depot last week. Never thought about the epoxy. Brilliant!

Yea but it's the flanged that really make a difference, really nice with the wider base and grippy teeth. My HD doesn't list them online.

8 for $4.69 shipped is a fair price from my link.

 

[HDtallrider]

Honestly, I think the Blue Loctite would be sufficient. If it works on my Harley it should certainly work on a quad.

 

[BrandonC]

Thanks everyone! A dab of threadlocker has held up so far.

 

[BrandonC]

One of the adapters flew off midflight causing the quad to bend a prop. Would threadlocker hold the motor shaft to the compression sleeve of the adapter? I already applied some adhesive to bulk the inside of the sleeve and give some grip which works for one of them, but this one I could still pull and twist the entire adapter off with no problem even though it was quite difficult to attach it and I exerted quite some force to stick it on the shaft. After I pushed it all the way onto the shaft, I could still twist the sleeve around. I can't tighten it so the prop and adapter stays solidly attached to the motor like the other three props.

 

[HDtallrider]

Try the suggestion from Jackson and use a very small dab of epoxy such as JB Weld. Loosen the sleeve on the collett and push it down so it's even with the others. Let it set for 24hours.