What is the prop "zip tie" mod?

[VOODOO]

I keep seeing reference to a "zip tie" mod on props? Can someone enlighten me as to what this is, and what it does?

[Davy101]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...qylSdIuLlRcx9g

It is a means of increasing the pitch of removable prop blades by sandwiching in a short length of zip tie plastic between the leading edge of a prop blade's base and the spinner hub. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE SCREWS WHEN YOU SECURE THE BLADES!!!! Snug them up and maybe a quarter turn more only! These blades will crack if stressed or compressed too much.

[Aros]

I did this mod with my 1700mm P-51D and I was flabbergasted by the increase in top speed. I would estimate that it increased my top speed from stock by about 25+ mph! It really woke her up and has been one of my favorite mods to date. Haven't tried it on any other bird yet.

[WintrSol]

Just FYI, not all zip ties are the same thickness, so your pitch increase may be different from someone else's. I did some math using known pitch increases, using un-coated solid wire from the hardware store, starting with the stock pitch of 8", and got this:
Adding 28 AWG wire to base, new pitch is 8.99”
Adding 26 AWG wire to base, new pitch is 9.19”
Adding 24 AWG wire to base, new pitch is 9.39”
Adding 22 AWG wire to base, new pitch is 9.75”

Don't forget that, with increased pitch, there is also an increase in current and power through your ESC; with the 22 AWG wire, I used a 75A ESC, because peak static current was about 68A on a 4S 4000mAh battery at full charge. But, yes, it IS faster. According to the data recorded by the Castle Creations ESC, peak current in flight hit 73A and max speed, based on pitch and recorded max rpm, was a bit over 55mph; of course, it's actually a bit less. Calculation is (rpm*9.75/12)/88.

[VOODOO]

Thanks for the info. I would have never figured it out on my own. It might prove handy to improve the 4 and 5 blade performance on my AVIOS Sea Fury.

[Aros]

Yep amp draw increases so it's best to upgrade your ESC from stock if you do the zip tie mod. The FMS 1700mm P-51 stock motor handled the power increase but the ESC did need the upgrade (I bumped it to 100A even though I think max amperage was low 90's).

Nice data-mining WintrSol!

[OV10]

Nice data-mining WintrSol!

I agree, he's another techy guy like me that brings a lot of good stuff to the table in understandable terms for the layperson.

[WintrSol]

If you measure your bits of zip tie with a micrometer, I can estimate your pitch; I expect that they are a lot thicker than a 22 AWG wire, given your results.

[xviper]

The zip tie mod will only work where the blade sits on a flat surface. If the blade holder is round, it won't work, at least not well and not consistently.

[VOODOO]

The zip tie mod will only work where the blade sits on a flat surface. If the blade holder is round, it won't work, at least not well and not consistently.

My bad luck. The AVIOS props are all mounted in round bases. I would have realized it would not work once I tried it, but thanks for the heads up.