Tips on how to hold prop while torquing nut?

[Expidia]

Since I somtimes switch my props between pitches. . . How does one hold the prop from moving as I tighten down the nut to 55 lbs?

I've tried bracing it with a board in my driveway (but I don't want to crack the paint and I'm afraid I'll bend an ear.

I've held it with a bunched up towel, but those ears are sharp and it's still hard to hold while torquing down..

I know I could put it in gear but I'm afraid that I might bend something in the drive train.

One would think Merc would have just put a hole through the prop and the O/B housing, so a pin could be stuck through it to immobilize the prop while tightening.

Thx for any suggestions ?

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Tips on how to hold prop while torquing nut?

I have the flat trim anode and find that using 2X4 or 2x6 between the cavitation plate and prop works well. Good luck.

 

[Expidia]

Re: Tips on how to hold prop while torquing nut?

I have the flat trim anode and find that using 2X4 or 2x6 between the cavitation plate and prop works well. Good luck.

I've done it that way already. But if the prop was SS I'd have no concerns. But aluminum is soft and I don't want to bring on vibrations from knocking a fin off kilter.

Then there is that painting cracking issue after all the steps I took re-painting both props!

 

[lmannyr]

Re: Tips on how to hold prop while torquing nut?

Yeah, I guess for aluminum, there may be an issue. I have stainless.

 

[bryonthefly]

Re: Tips on how to hold prop while torquing nut?

I use a strap wrench, no marks.

 

[Expidia]

Re: Tips on how to hold prop while torquing nut?

Great idea. I used to have one for taking off oil filters. That won't take up room or weight in a locker either on my small rig.

I think I'll mosey on down to Harbor Freight and pick one up

 

[Expidia]

Re: Tips on how to hold prop while torquing nut?

Great idea. I used to have one for taking off oil filters. That won't take up room or weight in a locker either on my small rig.

I think I'll mosey on down to Harbor Freight and pick one up

BTW nice looking rig in your avatar . . . I especially like your taste in that grey color

 

[bryonthefly]

Re: Tips on how to hold prop while torquing nut?

Great idea. I used to have one for taking off oil filters. That won't take up room or weight in a locker either on my small rig.

I think I'll mosey on down to Harbor Freight and pick one up

BTW nice looking rig in your avatar . . . I especially like your taste in that grey color

Thanks, I traded off my '87 Basstracker Guide V16 last fall when they had the Lowes on clearance, they finally shot me price I couldnt refuse.
And a little advice, you may want to leave your credit card at home when you go down to Harbor Freight. I went there last week to get a new set of dial calipers and ended up leaving with a cart full!!!

 

[Expidia]

Re: Tips on how to hold prop while torquing nut?

Thanks, I traded off my '87 Basstracker Guide V16 last fall when they had the Lowes on clearance, they finally shot me price I couldnt refuse.
And a little advice, you may want to leave your credit card at home when you go down to Harbor Freight. I went there last week to get a new set of dial calipers and ended up leaving with a cart full!!!

Ya, I feel Ya. I went there last Sat and spent $110. $39 was for one of their magnifying workbench lights. I always wanted one of those. Of course after I got home set it all up the flouresant light would not turn on. They had none on display, so I didn't know even the clamp was made of plastic that holds it to the workbench. It was overall junk.

I did get 3 quality adjustable shop lights, but they were no bargain at $14.95 each and still made in china.

It's like being a kid in a candy store in HF if you are mechanically inclined.

I returned their magnifying workbench light back HF and found a real nice one in Staples for $59 (branded Ledue). Mostly metal construction (in black) with the 22 watt circular flouresant light and a 40 inch reach on the spring loaded tension arm.

Funny thing when I was searching on the web for another magnifying workbench light many were the same one that HF sold for twice the price with their brand on it.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Tips on how to hold prop while torquing nut?

I have one of those magnification lites on a spring arm and love it, on mine the light switch is a button and you have to hold the button in for about 3 seconds energize the light.

 

[Expidia]

Re: Tips on how to hold prop while torquing nut?

I have one of those magnification lites on a spring arm and love it, on mine the light switch is a button and you have to hold the button in for about 3 seconds energize the light.

I looked around on the web after the HF one and some are around $300

I was going to spring for an "Electrix" brand model for $160. I called the company and asked who carried them around me and they said maybe Staples. I looked at Staples online and they had the exact one I wanted in another brand for $119 plus tax.

I called the store and the clerk said they had another brand model in stock for like $29. So I was going to order the one online with shipping for $129. Next day I was right by the store and figured I'd pop in figuring the clerk did not know what I was actually looking for and sure enough they had one on display and two more in boxes. This was the Ledu model for $59. It's really well made. It even has two AC receptacles built into the base.

When I grew up my Father was an electronics engineer and he had one on his workbench. They are great for inspecting stuff and for soldering cause it frees up both hands.

Great for removing splinters too.

Only took me 30 years to get around to buying one

These magnifying lights also come with halogen bulbs, but they run hot when you are working up close and the replacement bulbs are pricey. I've seen standard 60 watt bulbs too, but that's not enough light.