Prop bolts....what's the consensus?

[TnAeroNut]

When I bought Nordocks from McMaster Carr, they were only available in standard sizes, not metric. That's OK for headers and such, but I was concerned the extra play on the prop bolt would cause a balance problem. Are metric sizes available from somewhere else? Does the extra play really matter?

 

[BillVargas]

Here's my way of keeping prop bolts from backing out,,,

 

[thurmma]

Here's my way of keeping prop bolts from backing out,,,

I believe you need to redo one of the wires. You have 1 turn to many per inch

 

[bigblueswope]

When I bought Nordocks from McMaster Carr, they were only available in standard sizes, not metric. That's OK for headers and such, but I was concerned the extra play on the prop bolt would cause a balance problem. Are metric sizes available from somewhere else? Does the extra play really matter?

How would it introduce extra play? The bolt hole would prevent lateral movement and cinching it down eliminates vertical movement.



BJ Swope

 

[Matt]

When I bought Nordocks from McMaster Carr, they were only available in standard sizes, not metric. That's OK for headers and such, but I was concerned the extra play on the prop bolt would cause a balance problem. Are metric sizes available from somewhere else? Does the extra play really matter?

Mc master now has metric... Just got 3 sets of 5mm for my 3 large planes

 

[BillVargas]

I believe you need to redo one of the wires. You have 1 turn to many per inch

No worries, I'll re-do and check TQ with the next oil change in about 50hrs or so

 

[Notorious B.E.N.]

I use a torque wrench (I had one anyways) to tighten my bolts down. I begin with 84 ounce/inches and then go to 90 after I've done all the bolts.
I've never replaced bolts but I will be doing it at least once or twice a year from now on to avoid bolts shearing off.

 

[TnAeroNut]

How would it introduce extra play? The bolt hole would prevent lateral movement and cinching it down eliminates vertical movement.



BJ Swope

The extra play I'm worried about is due to the ID in the washer being larger than the prop bolt, so the washer would not be centered on the bolt. Changes the balance?

 

[bigblueswope]

Oh. I use them which means I don't think it makes that much difference.



BJ Swope

 

[TnAeroNut]

Oh. I use them which means I don't think it makes that much difference.



BJ Swope

You're probably right, but think that we balance our props by adding drops of CA to one side of the hub. Doesn't take much mass there to make a difference.