Maybe you decided you'd like your composite contact staff, lumina twirl baton or composite flower stick to be a little shorter. Good news is you can cut down your composite shaft at home if you find it's too long - just be aware of the grip and ensure you don't breathe in any carbon fiber particles while cutting. While not toxic/hazardous, the dust can be an irritant. 
 
You will be disassembling your composite prop, cutting the shaft down to your preferred length and reassembling it again. If you have a center mark and want it to stay in the center, you’ll need to cut both ends evenly.

To disassemble: 
If you have never disassembled a composite staff, check out this support page: https://flowtoys2.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/2190-how-to-assemble-composite-vision-staffs

Note: We now use screw connectors instead of compression connectors as shown in the video. 
In order to remove the connectors you'll need to unscrew them, then pull them off the shaft. Be sure to keep the screws in a safe place, and NOTE THE LENGTH OF EXPOSED CARBON FIBER UNDER THE CONNECTOR, you will need to remove this much grip after you cut it down.

To cut: You can use a hacksaw. Hold the grip firmly, and cut right through grip and carbon fiber. It's ok if it's a little rough on the end, as the end of the shaft will be covered by the connector.


Tip: Wrap the grip/shaft in tape and cut through the tape to help get a cleaner cut.

To re-install:
  • cut away the correct amount of grip so the connector can slide directly onto the carbon fiber (reference original assembly for correct length, as it can vary between props) this ensures that the end of your grip is covered by the connector.
  • sleeve the connector over the carbon shaft.
  • push the connector down into place on the shaft, make sure the grip goes underneath the connector.
  • use a hammer/mallet or pound it into the ground to make sure the connector is pushed all the way on.
  • install the screws into the connector: you will need a drill or electric screwdriver, you can simply push very hard to self-tap the screw directly into the carbon fiber (don’t slip!), or pre-drill a small hole for the screw to make it easier, make sure the hole is smaller then the shaft of the screw (without the threads).
  • add the tubes back onto the connectors. 
Enjoy your newly optimized prop.