Quad copter prop balancer

thingiverse

This prop balancer is designed for use with quad copter 11-inch props, or similar sized fixed-wing or copter props. The design is based on Thing 180997, "Three Nail Propeller Balancer" by eddiema. It utilizes #10, 3-inch long bright common nails with a diameter of .15 inches, readily available at DIY or hardware stores in the U.S. The bushing fits snugly into 11-inch APC brand props and accepts the #10 nail. The upright ends are secured to the base using #4-40 bolts, ½ inch long, which self-tap into the holes in the ends. The counter-bore at the bottom of the base keeps bolt heads from protruding, allowing it to sit flat on a level surface. Assembly involves bolting the ends to the base, pushing nails through the holes to create rails, and placing a bushing onto a #10 nail for centering. A prop is balanced by inserting any extra bushing piece into the prop hole, pushing the bushing-nail assembly into the prop, and ensuring the base is level. The prop is then placed across the rails, and if it tilts to one side, balance adjustments can be made according to online resources. The included Sketchup file allows for customization of the bushing design if needed. Note that the design uses mixed units (mm for bushing, English for nails and bolts), as it was drawn in mm but printed in ABS on an Afinia H printer with purple ABS available.