Prop pullers, Harmonic vs. C-Clamp

[James Walker]

I have quick question about prop pullers. I have used both the harmonic and the C-Clamp puller and both seem to work well enough. Is there a good reason to spend the additional money on a C-Clamp puller over a harmonic? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[Stevemo14]

I don't know how i did it, but i just ( today 4/9/20 ) bought the C-Clamp Weekend Saver Kit from Wakemakers for $132.99 shipped. I had it in my cart already from i don't know when, and that was the price it had on it. I put the Harmonic Kit in the cart, and it was only $8.00 less, so I went with the C clamp kit.

[RDT-G23]

It is funny that you started this thread right now-as this has been on my mind. I just bought the weekend saver kit-and it had a harmonic puller come with it. (I also got a spare prop for my Paragon.) I've never used a harmonic unit, and though I'm sure it is harmless, dont like the idea of whacking on the end of the prop shaft. I'm thinking I will get a C-clamp puller; the dealer is saying that the C-clamp for the Paragon is different from the others. I haven't verified this is any way yet; I don't understand what aspect would be different.

[Stevemo14]

I believe the Paragon has a 1-1/4" Shaft VS the 1" or 1-1/8th" shaft others boats have. If you go to put one in your Wakemakers cart, you have to select which clamp size you want.

[charlesml3]

Well I've never used a Harmonic but I've pulled many, many props with a C-Clamp style. They're safe, reliable, and solve the problem for me. That's all I need...

-Charles

[hal2814]

I’ve used both and currently own a harmonic. I regret not spending the extra on a c-clamp style. It’s a lot more reliable. Sometimes if a prop has been on long enough a harmonic just won’t work without some heat. I’ve never had something on so tight a c-clamp wouldn’t pull it. And with the c-clamp I’m not beating on the prop with a 4lb hammer.

[blueroom]

Probably a good time to clear up any misconceptions - you don't use a C-clamp puller to tension the prop off the shaft. You put a LITTLE tension on it, tap the C-clamp from the back with a hammer, a LITTLE more tension, tap with a hammer - repeat until the prop lets loose from the shaft. It is really the harmonics that pop it loose, with a tiny bit of help from light C-clamp tension acting more as a catalyst. DO NOT just tighten down the C-clamp until the prop comes flying off.

[hal2814]

That’s a good clarification. The c-clamp still uses harmonic resonance to pull the prop. It just takes a lot less of it with the force being placed on the prop by the clamp. A better clarification of my above statement is that I don’t need my mini sledge with a c-clamp. I can use my regular hammer to pop the prop off. I always feel like I’m beating the tar out of my shaft with a harmonic puller in comparison to the few light taps I’ve needed with a c-clamp puller.

[RDT-G23]

Probably a good time to clear up any misconceptions - you don't use a C-clamp puller to tension the prop off the shaft. You put a LITTLE tension on it, tap the C-clamp from the back with a hammer, a LITTLE more tension, tap with a hammer - repeat until the prop lets loose from the shaft. It is really the harmonics that pop it loose, with a tiny bit of help from light C-clamp tension acting more as a catalyst. DO NOT just tighten down the C-clamp until the prop comes flying off.

Good and valid point.

[blueroom]

Oh yeah, and for the love of all things holy, leave your prop nut loose on the shaft so your prop does not go banging onto the cement when it does pop off. : )

That one should go without saying, but always amazed at the things you see.

[Gbracer]

I have a w/ saver kit with c clamp, I dinged up my prop on a trip last year changed the prop in the water just went to the shallows and did as much work as i could do holding my breath took a few times to come up for air but got it done in 15 min or less way quicker than hauling the boat out of the lake especially since I would have to unhook my RV from the campsite, go get trailer in storage lot and go to ramp.

[hal2814]

If you use a c clamp puller in the water or on a dock tie it to something. A friend of mine spent an afternoon diving around his dock to look for the c clamp puller that popped off when he was changing his prop on his lift. On release most clamp pullers will pop right off. I’d also recommend keeping an extra prop shaft key handy if you plan to do any changes on the water or on a lift. They usually stick to the shaft or prop but I’ve had the key fall off before when I change a prop in the driveway. I’d hate for that to end up in the lake with no replacement handy.

[charlesml3]

If you use a c clamp puller in the water or on a dock tie it to something..

Leave the prop nut loose on the shaft. Tie the C-Clamp puller to the prop.

-Charles

[Infinity]

I have both a harmonic and a c-clamp. I don't use the harmonic anymore cause I just didn't have the stomach to whack the end of my prop shaft hard enough if the prop had been on for a while. For frequent changes, the harmonic worked ok even tho I think its much more awkward to use. In my experience tho, the c-clamp is much friendlier and easier to use. Tighten....and tap, then repeat as needed and the prop fairly easily pops off.

[nyryan2001]

I’ve got approx 20 prop changes under my belt.

heavy duty C-clamp x1000!

understand the C Clamp doesn’t clamp or press the prop off. It gives you a solid surface to swing as hard as you can with a heavy ball peen hammer on the front edge of the prop.

the first time you’re under a boat and do this.. and it’s on there good. You’re terrified at what you’re watching. It’s a violent event.

the guys doing videos on YouTube? That with a little tap the prop falls right off? They’ve likely already knocked it loose for the videos sake.