ceiling fan screws

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Vinniem

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Anyone else have a problem when installing/removing ceiling fan blades and not dropping a screw or to?

Ive tried using holding screwdrivers but sometimes because of the angle you have to enter some fans to install the fan blade screws, I have a hard time getting through it without dropping a screw.

Any tips?


Thanks
 
About the best thing that I can suggest is a nice long #2 Phillips screwdriver. The screws are usually combo-head and the slots are too wide for a screw-holding screwdriver to grip anything. At least a #2 Phillips and a steady arm will let the screw balance about as much as possible. This allows you to at least get a thread or two caught and then it's not quite as much of a juggling act.
 
Vinniem said:
Any tips?
Thanks
Click to expand...

Magnetic phillips screwdriver head or a larger #3 (I believe) will hold the screw better. I Generally use my cordless drill with a #2 and usually don't have an issue.

I also put the screw through the hole in the bracket and then use my cordless to hold the screw as I turn it over and move it to the hole.
 
I install a few ceiling fans, so here's my suggestions.

Use a battery powered screwdriver and a 6" long #2 phillips tip.
Place the phillips tip on a magnet overnight so that the screw will "stick" to it.
I carry a magnet in the truck and leave my tips on it when I'm not using them.

After installing the blade brackets on the blades.....

Place a screw on the magnetized screw tip.
Hold the blade with one hand and the screwdriver with the other.
While using the screwdriver to hold the the screw, insert the screw into the blade, raise them up together and align the screw with a hole in the fan motor.
Use the powered screw driver to turn the screw while you make sure that it's started in the hole.
Run them all up snug with the screwdriver.

After all of the blades are installed, I use my Dewalt 9.6V drill and a #2 phillips tip to torque the screws.
I set the clutch to about #9 on the dial which is just about right on my drill. Your's may vary.

This is the quickest and easiest way that I've found to install fan blades.

Now if I can just figure a easier way to install the brackets on the blades.

Hope this helps
steve
 
Many fans provided by customers will be rated for damp locations,which employ stainless steel hardware that is not magnetic. On those you just need to go a little slower than usual so that you don't drop and loose a screw. What I have learned is that if I steer my customer's to the Home Depot Hampton Bay Huntington series fans, then I wont have to even bother with screwing blades to the bracket arms, and I can hang that fan in 15-20 minutes. When you get a house with 9 or 10 ceiling fans to hang at trim out, that can make a big difference in your day.
 
Vinniem said:
Anyone else have a problem when installing/removing ceiling fan blades and not dropping a screw or to?
Click to expand...

Next time you're at a coffee shop or convenience store, look for the clear plastic bubble lids that are sometimes provided for cold drinks. They're essentially a smallish, clear bowl with a straw hole in the center that snaps over the clear plastic cups. Pick a few up and stash 'em in the van.

Any time you're screwing small wobbly screws vertically while on a ladder, slide one of those lids onto your screwdriver and -- voila -- you have an errant screw catcher. :)
 
It's not the blade screws that give me a fit. It's the little suckers that fasten the canopy to the bracket. Try to get them in with a medalion that fits close to the canopy.:mad:
 
Celtics way is the only way. But only if the fan is like 75% of fans with the ball that slides into the catch. If its a Hunter with the canopy mount I learned to suck it up and build it in the air. Some days I'm weak as a cat:cool: and the hunters are heavy to hold up.
 
bobbyho said:
Celtic, I never tried that, how is it to wire when the blades are on already?
Click to expand...

Easy enough ...just stick your head between the blades.


Most fans have a little hook on the back plate to hold the motor while you are wiring it...that supports the weight just fine.


Even if it's a bit cramped/uncomfortable to wire....you more than make up for that in speed by putting the blades on at ground level ~ invert the motor using the styro packing and the box as a "holder". Zip the blades and brackets on..NEXT !

I don't recommend putting a light kit on at ground level....too easy to break a shade with the flimsy metal light kits.
 
celtic said:
Am I the only one that assemblies the ENTIRE fan on the ground? (Typical resi. CF type)
Click to expand...

You must be..........................

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I find it too easy to bend a blade bracket and cause wobble to hang a fully-assembled fan, and the weight and tediousness isn't worth it. Also, by using the driver-holding-the-screw-in-the-bracket method, I find it as fast as ground assembly.

I agree that most bracket-to-motor screws are indeed #3 Philips, and fit makes a big difference. Rather than a 6" blade, though, I like the short bit in a 6" or longer magnetic bit driver, like this so I get the length and the magnetic screw retention:

Toolzone%20300mm%20Power%20Bit%20Extension%20Shank_t.jpg


Plus, I like this driver for just about all work, but especially with fans. It's two-speed, it automatically locks when off for torquing screws, and it pivots. Straight for attaching blades, and bent for canopy screws while keeping the ceiling clean.

41n5kjbjDiL._AA280_.jpg
 
How about using R2?

How about using R2?

I think you will find that most fan blade screws are also suitable for an R2 driver (Robertson square drive). Works much better than phillips or straight blade drivers in getting `em started.

We still use a large straight blade driver for the final tightening to ensure the blades won't loosen up over time.
 
Alot of the fan kits come with extra screws. I've been saving them for years and have just about every kind and finish available. I keep them in a special container in the truck so when I lose the occassional screw or washer it quick trip to the truck is all it takes.


Jeff
 
I do it like Celtic does for the most part. If the fan is a heavy one then i'll assemble in on the ladder but for small simple ones I put the blades on first. The styrofoam makes a good fan holder like someone mentioned.
 
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