Faster easiest way to remove prop barnacles on the hard ?

[mike66]

Great tool for the hull, but the question was for the props.

Not sure how in my experience the industry standard tool where I am from is glossed over.

There are several different Dewalt models. Any recommendations? I've never used one, but it gets mentioned all the time, especially with fiberglass work. Is it basically a rotary sander on steroids? Outside of the wire brushes, what kind of wheel is generally used? Sorry if this is a hijack, I can start another topic. Guess I need a grinder 101 class.

 

[D.Duck44]

Psneeld, I have been using the brick bolster on props for over ten years and can attest to its efficiency in that regard.
An angle grinder with a twist-knot brush is a good follow up but sprays crap everywhere if used on a dirty prop as a first line of attack.

Regards,
Richard

 

[psneeld]

You can use anything you want, if it works for you.

Just saying pretty much everyone I have ever seen in boat yards use a stiff putty knife initially, then the wire cup on a grinder to polish up the prop. The twisted strand cups are too aggressive in my book.

Mike, just a plain old 4 inch angle grinder. DeWalt is what I happen to have but many others are as good or better.

I use everything from cutting discs, grinder, flapper wheel, sanding disc of various roughness, wire cup and wheels.....

I cut, grind, sand, shape, trim, etc, etc.

With no dirt shop with nice stationary tools and room to store tools, one has to be frugal with storage and inventive with purpose...

 

[Shrew]

Long pants and long sleeved shirt. Those cups throw wires and its no fun on the receiving end.

I would also strongly suggest eye protection for any style, wire wheel or cup.

I've had very good luck with muriatic acid and a wire wheel on a drill. match the wheel material with the prop (bronze prop = brass wheel). I've used a steel wheel on SS props as well.

 

[geoleo]

prop barnacles

Try Muriatic acid

YES toilet bowl cleaner

 

[psneeld]

No need to match wheel material, just go as light or as hard as you need with good stiff wire to get the hard stuff the pressure washer couldnt.

I still prefer a grinder soeed to a drill, unless it is a very high speed drill.