Flight Line breaking prop screws

[Boots Whirlygig]

i dig the scale look but do these scale propellor and spinners work? I'm breaking screws just assembling them. What's the secret? I'm about to reach for the JBWeld! I searched the topic but didn't see how to deal with this.

[Alpha]

Hi Boots, welcome to Hobby Squawk! That prop design is currently deployed in thousands upon thousands of aircraft, in fact with a couple different manufacturers. We haven't seen any consistent trend of breaking screws on the nine FlightLineRC models, which is likely why you haven't found a discussion about it on the forum. If there was a fundamental issue with the design we'd have heard about it by now.

May I ask, what exactly is breaking, and where? What size screwdriver are you using? Is the screw breaking before the head reaches the plastic? If you could, please post a photo of the break. Whatever you do, never use threadlocker. JB Weld should also be avoided.

Also, if you haven't already, please contact Customer Support at 224-633-9090 or create a Service Ticket at motionrc.com/contact-us. The Customer Service team will be more than happy to assist you to get you in the air!

Thanks!

[PappaBear]

I have the Flightline RC Spitfire and the Tigercat, and I've never had a problem with the screws holding the propellers together. The screws don't need to be over tight, remember they are screwing into plastic not metal. As Alpha mentions above NEVER use Loctite on any of the plastic parts of our range of models.

Martin.

[Boots Whirlygig]

The first blade, on the first screw I was using an inadequate driver and started to strip the head, so I got a better one and was able to continue screwing it in. When putting in its second screw it broke about 2 mm before the head seated, halfway through the prop. The same on the second one, leaving enough exposed to remove with them pliers thankfully! I have one of the P-38 props assembled but now I'm concerned that the screws that have been installed and removed to extract the broken ones will break and then I'm out of screws or worse, if it breaks flush, then I'll have to use JB!

[StormyDog1962]

Try running a drill bit thru there first just to clear any flashing left over from the molding process. Like the others have stated you don't have to over tighten the screws down excessively as the force on the screws is outward and not a Fore and Aft type of pressure. Just clean the holes out enough to allow the screws to go in snug but not tight. If you are worried about them backing out which is highly unlikely, you could put a dab of nail polish on the screw and it will act as a lubricant and then when it dries it will secure the tiny screw. You can find similar screws locally but if you do be sure to change them all to keep the weights the same for balance.

[Boots Whirlygig]

Turns out I had more than enough screws, and the second prop assembly went without a hitch. It's possible I just got two defective screws? Or maybe I was holding my mouth wrong? Anyway, thanks for responding!

[Grossman56]

Hi Boots, welcome to Hobby Squawk!
It really sounds like that's the only possibility. I have several with the same design and haven't had that happen ever.
Anyway,sounds like it all worked out for you, you say you had more than enough screws, I'm wondering if some may have got mixed up with the proper prop screws??

Grossman56