Directions for a Du-Bro Propeller Balancer

Measure the Propeller Blades

• 1

  Select a drill bit that is the same diameter as the hole in the center of the propeller. Select a piece if scrap wood that is longer then one of the propeller blades and drill a hole near one end.

• 2

  Take the drill bit out of the drill and place it in the hole so most of the bit is exposed. Slip the propeller onto the drill bit so it spins freely.

• 3

  Mark the end of the propeller blade on the wood with a pencil then spin the propeller around and mark the end of the other blade. The two blades must be the same length.

• 4

  Use the razor blade to remove the excess material from the longer blade.

Balancing the Propeller

• 5

  Use the scrap wood from earlier and adjust the ends of the prop balancer, they need to be high enough to allow the prop to spin freely. Move the balancer's sides to their highest position, place the scrap wood on end beneath the side, then move the side down until it touches the scrap wood.

• 6

  Remove any burrs or excess material from the hub of the propeller. Place the propeller on the balancing shaft and lock it in place with the cones and retainers that come with the Du-Bro propeller balancer.

• 7

  Place the propeller on the balancer and allow the propeller to find its balance point. If the propeller drops to a mostly vertical position, the heavy blade is below the propeller shaft.

• 8

  Remove material from the back of the heaviest blade using the razor blade. Use the blade like a wood plane and remove small amounts at a time.