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How to Fix a Bent Prop Shaft

The prop shaft is the balancing center of your model airplane. Its function is to keep the propeller blade on and intact so that the plane will fly straight. There are many ways that the propeller shaft can get bent. If it hits an object while flying or lands too hard on the ground, the prop shaft can bend, and that would make controlling the plane impossible. You can repair this yourself with the tools you have for making the model.

Things You'll Need

Vise
Power drill

Instructions

- 1
  Set the plane in a vise to hold it steady with the prop shaft pointing toward you without any obstructions.
- 2
  Loosen the power drill chuck by turning it counterclockwise. The chuck is the area you would insert the drill bit into.
- 3
  Put the opening in the chuck over the bent prop shaft and hold it so the chuck ends directly at the bend in the shaft. Tighten the chuck until it is securely holding onto the prop shaft.
- 4
  Maneuver the drill in the opposite direction of the bend in the prop shaft. Work slowly so you don't end up snapping the shaft.
- 5
  Turn the drill on very slowly to check if the shaft is straight yet. Keep making slight pulls on the shaft until it turns smoothly and evenly.
- 6
  Loosen the chuck to release it from the drill and remove the plane from the vise.

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