Acme Prop Puller

[Ken13559]

I've many success, changing propellers underwater using large 3-Jaw Bearing Extractor. However, the 3-Jaw extractor is a hand full to set-up when boat is dancing to wave and I trying to keep in sync with the boat. I'm looking at the Acme 228S prop puller and is wondering if this puller will fit our sailboat prop. The Acme 228S is adverts for use on Ski boat prop. Anyone any experience with this Acme prop puller or know if it will fit?
I have it mind to use it for Kiwi Feathering Prop, Flex-O-Fold, Martec, Campbell Salier Prop and Michigan Wheel props. Thanks.

 

[fstbttms]

You've been making life hard on yourself using a bearing puller to R&R props underwater. Do yourself a favor and buy the right tool for the job. What you want is the Pro-Pull PPF-113. Don't buy one of those little C-clamp style pullers that are only useful for the very smallest of props. The PPF-113 is the most versatile puller I've ever owned and I use it on probably 99% of my prop jobs. It will pay for itself in a hurry, I guarantee.

http://www.rammount.com/CatalogResu.../63/partid/080080070045049049051/Default.aspx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haYe-Lw6DBE

 

[Ken13559]

Thanks fstbttms. I've been going through your video Pt1 couple times. Indeed the Pro Puller is eaier to use than the bearing puller I have. Will check it out. Thanks again.

 

[seadaddler]

Prop

I am guessing you can't get a diver with the right tool to come and do that for you,I had the marina pull my old 3 blade prop for $35.00 and have heard of friends use a diver rather than $$$$$$ for the tool.
I just had my boat on the hard for new bottom job and took my Flex O fold prop
all apart and cleaned it like new and was able to clean any hard growth.
It always works real well except if I leave it sitting in our very warm water in the summer months for a month or 2 for vacation up north and than need to scrape off all the buildup of barnacles.
Nick

 

[Chris Patterson]

If you've gotta use a three jaw puller in a tight place, underwater etc., sometimes you can put your hands on a puller that has a couple of extra holes in the jaw part, (if that made any sense), and run shock cord through them basically holding the jaws inward. I feel your pain in this, as holding all three jaws on tightly, and then spinning the jack screw in until it contacts the shaft can be a new way to learn to scream profanities underwater. (I'll bet Fastbottoms can do it). If you go the route of the three jaw, make very sure that the jack screw has fine threads as opposed to 'faster' threads for the pulling power. The old trick of jacking the puller down tight smacking it with a hammer for the shock will not work underwater, and pounding on a boat shaft with a beater is sorta discouraged anyway, tranny problems, etc. I've never used that particular model of puller that was pictured, but from my experience it looks like a nice one, that I would probably order from the appearance.

By the way, I like OTC tools in this category, incredibly well built tooling, and I exclusively use their pullers, pry bars, things of that nature. I know of no finer tools built for this. Of course you can mortgage the farm and buy space-age, or high-tech tools, and even heavier tools for that matter. Bearing in mind it doesn't take a bulldozer to clean up the front yard, OTC is hands down my favorite in this mechanical category of tooling..

 

[Chris Patterson]

I just did a quick search for the OTC pullers, and this two-jaw pictured would be a waste of time unless you are pulling two bladed screws, but the holes in the jaws is what I was talking about running shock cording through them. It WILL help hold the jaws onto the work, even on dry land as well, where the atmosphere is such that the cursing can be heard all the way to the office and beyond..

 

[fstbttms]

Again, a gear or bearing puller is not the right tool for the job. If you are going to be pulling multiple props of various designs underwater (as the OP apparently intends), an honest-to-God prop puller is the only way to go. As with most things boating-related, cheaping-out on a tool to do this kind of work will end up biting you in the ass.

 

[Maine Sail]

I use an Algonac Scissor Puller similar to the one Faster shows. It is a real brute. Mine spent over 3 months on the bottom of the ocean and came up still working perfectly..... Don't drop them they are expensive!!!

On the hard, for small props, with HEAT the gear pullers can work but often they simply break on a properly installed prop.. If a prop comes off easily with a gear puller it was simply not installed correctly to begin with....

 

[capta]

Making a good, cheap prop puller is a pretty easy thing to do. A circular piece of steel plate with a U cut out for the shaft and another for the end of the shaft, with three bolts is all it takes. If you are going to be doing multiple sizes, you can fabricate several sizes that will cover almost any small craft prop.

 

[Ken13559]

I've checked out the Puller fstbttms recommended. I like it but price is kind of steep ~US$400 (incl shipping). Wifey would struggle me if she finds out. Guess I'll have to make do with what I have for now. I'm not into business of pulling prop. Just a weekend sailor playing around and ocassionally help a sailor friend or two with their boat maintenance. Just last weekend, I wrecked the heavy duty 3-Jaw Extractor (just like the pic from Chris) . The long tightening screw buckled and bent ! It seems the prop is superglued to the shaft ! Now we turn the job over to a professional . Bless him.

PS: fstbttms, enjoyed watching you work (that's you I suppose) on the various prop. Very informative. Didn't realise Max Prop has so many parts to fit. Also the need to saw off shaft tip for proper fitting. Interesting.

PS: Chris, I was thinking along same line, tieing shock cords on the jaws to hold inplace.