Prop Puller .. Ideas

[wakehead]

So I have a 2002 SANTE and have a couple small bends in the prop at the tips. This is really annoying as it causes a small vibration in the boat. I do not have a prop puller and cant seem to find one. I dont feel like hauling my boat for an hour to simply have the prop taken off. I have tried C clamps and no luck. Does anyone have any good ideas for me to get my prop off. Its an ACME.

Thanks.

[RideButter]

With pressure on from the c clamp heat the root of the prop with a torch, should come right off. If not, you need a prop puller.

[GoBig]

I use a harmonic prop puller, works great. Screw this on and tap the end lightly with a hammer, prop slides right off...

http://www.nautiqueparts.com/acmehar...roppuller.aspx

[SkiTower]

definitely order one. Worth every penny and no chance of screwing something up.

[shag]

Make sure you don't lose the stainless shaft key when the prop comes off. I know I will probably catch grief for this, but is has worked for me several times in the past. I used an old block of wood, and a hard rubber mallet. Place the wood on various areas around the back of the hub, and lightly strike the wood with the mallet working your way around the hub. Mine have always eventually popped off. Never damaged anything.
A prop puller is the way to go though.

[swc5150]

I've always used shag's method too. In fact, I just swapped props Sunday, and that's how I did it. Prop pullers do make it really simple though, I've just been too cheap to buy one. Ideally, I'd like to split the cost of one with a few local inboard owners.

[obd666]

definitely order one. Worth every penny and no chance of screwing something up.

agreed, just makes it so easy ...

[HS]

agreed, just makes it so easy ...

Harmonic or C clamp?

[countiemountie]

I use the c clamp style prop puller and can swap props out in less than 10 minutes taking my time and is the way to go. Make sure the "key" is on top of the shaft when you take the prop off so you lessen the chance of losing it.

[obd666]

Harmonic or C clamp?

c clamp style, have never tried a harmonic puller

[SkiTower]

c clamp style, have never tried a harmonic puller

x3

[shag]

Now that I think about it, I don't know that i've ever used a puller. 20 years of owning Nautiques and numerous prop changes, never an issue. Use the correct kotter key as well (use a new one each time). That is your safeguard.

[mnwakerider]

I know its probably common sense, but I have found that common sense is not always common...

Make sure you leave the nut on the end if you are not using a true puller. I have seen people 'shoot' their prop a good ways or heard about a buddy getting it in the shins.

[swc5150]

I know its probably common sense, but I have found that common sense is not always common...

Make sure you leave the nut on the end if you are not using a true puller. I have seen people 'shoot' their prop a good ways or heard about a buddy getting it in the shins.

No doubt! Nothing like a nibral bullet coming at you!

[HS]

I finally had to look this up, so please excuse the trivia; "Nibral is simply a high-strength bronze alloy made of nickel, bronze, and aluminum. It provides greater strength and durability than plain bronze props, but costs roughly twice as much. Still, you may need Nibral if you have high-torque, high horsepower diesel engines, and many new boats come standard with Nibral props these days. . ." http://www.coastalprop.com/article1.htm