Balancing your RC helicopter rotor blades is just as important as ensuring that they track properly. There are several different ways that you can balance your RC helicopter rotor blades, this article lists the two easiest and most accurate.

Using a Commercial Balancer

Using a commercial RC helicopter blade balancer (available at most hobby stores) is the easiest and most accurate way to balance your rotor blades. If you don’t mind paying at least 40 to 60 dollars, then we recommend this method over the “hombrew” method listed below.

Checking Dynamic Rotor Blade Balance

Before you check the static balance of the rotor blades, you will have to check the dynamic balance. You will need the following supplies:

1. Pocket Knife
2. Sharp Pencil
3. Tape

Follow this procedure to check the dynamic balance of your rotor blades:

1. Set the knife on a flat surface.
2. Remove the rotor blades from the RC helicopter, and balance one of them on the knife blade.
3. Using the pencil, mark the balance point on the blade, being careful not to move it and upset the balance.
4. Repeat for the other rotor blade.
5. Place the blades on top of each other, and check the relative positions of your balance marks.

If the balance marks are more than 1 millimeter away from each other, then the dynamic balance of the rotor blades will have to be adjusted. Do this by the following procedure:

1. Place the blades on top of each other.
2. Transfer the mark closest to the root of the blades to the other rotor blade.
3. Balance the blade with two marks on the knife, and add tape to it’s root as needed to get it to balance on the new mark.

Your rotor blades should now be balanced dynamically. The next section will show you how to statically balance them.

Statically Balancing Rotor Blades

Follow this procedure to statically balance your RC helicopter rotor blades:

1. Obtain two right angle metal brackets from your local hardware store.
2. Remove your RC helicopters rotor blade holder from the rotor head.
3. Straighten the rotor blades, like they would be in flight.
4. Set the rotor blade holder on the pair of right angle brackets, resting on the balls.
5. Observer the rotor blade assembly. If it tips over then add tape to the lighter rotor blades center of gravity.

After completing the above procedures, your RC helicopter rotor blades should be properly balanced.