propeller protection

[Guest harwis]

My propeller's leading edge is damaged by chip and littel stones. Heard that there is kind of tape can put on propeller and protect the leading edge. Does anybody have ideal what't name of this tape and where can get it?

 

 

[william russell]

it is called prop tape tis side of the globe most aviation shops sell it to be honest it is only good for grass and very small gravel if you are flying from a dusty rough strip it wont give that much protection.

 

I have seen a metal tape for leading edges of the prop but not tried to source any as I fly from a grass strip.

 

I know that it is around £1.30 per 30cm

 

 

[Guest Andys@coffs]

Its also called "million mile an hour tape" its made by 3M and when I was in the RAAF we used to use it to protect leading edge of VHF and UHF antenna's etc on the F111.

 

The trick is to ensure that the blades are spotlessly clean of all oil and or bugs etc which requires the use of serious elbow effort and depending on the prop and the coating it has possibly some solvents and then to use a single layer of tape only.

 

I'd be amazed if you couldnt get it at Parafield

 

Andy

 

 

[Guernsey]

Give Bolly Props a call they are always very helpful.

 

Alan Marriette.

 

 

[Guest harwis]

Thanks for all the reply. I search on Google, and I can get 3M 8673. It is a kind of Polyurethane tape, can be used on propeller, thinking about trying that. But william, if you know the name of that metal tape, please tell me.

 

Harris

 

 

[Guest Andys@coffs]

prop inertia is an import characteristic of prop selection, adding tape, perhaps with little weight such as the 3M tape has an impact, adding metal based tape is sure to add more weight and thus have a greater impact on inertia I would have thought.... Not sayings its bad, just something that needs to be considered....if a single blade was to shed the protection as will happen at some point, how out of balance will your prop be at 100% power? will it be merely annoying or something much worse??

 

Andy

 

 

[Camel]

I have used kevlar tape in the past on a trike and worked very well never got a mark on it, got it through a sailing shop years ago.

 

 

[Guest harwis]

Here make a comparison between 3M and Kevlar.

 

1. 3M looks easier to put it on, Kevlar need adhesive

 

2. 3M have better looking

 

3. Which one is cheaper?

 

4. Which one is stronger?

 

 

[Guest harwis]

3M™ Polyurethane Tape

 

 

 

Polyurethane Protective Tape is made from a tough abrasion resistant polyurethane elastomer that resists punctures, tearing, abrasion and erosion. It is formulated for resistance to ultraviolet light. It can be installed in a minimum amount of time with simple tools. Constructed with a long-aging, solvent resistant, pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive that is protected with an easy release paper liner. Polyurethane tape is designed to be sacrificial, it protects to leading edge of your struts, or the leading edge of your propeller, over time it will be damaged by small stones, rain and hail and will need to be replaced.

 

 

 

[Guest harwis]

Kevlar tape has many uses. Dr. Redden uses it for Equilox patches. It also works well to anchor aluminum shoes when derotating (aligning palmar angle) laminitic horses prior to performing deep flexor tenotomy surgery. Kevlar tape is much stronger and more durable than Multi-Use Fiberglass Tape.

 

 

 

 

[Guest harwis]

The Kevlar Tape is $3 to $4 per meter, the 3M in (link removed - Mod) is $22 per meter. Seems Kevlar is much cheaper. But Kevlar is generally used for marine, right?