old work ceiling fan boxes

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w_palazzo

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Need to install a ceiling fan in my bedroom and noticed they sell oldwork boxes with adjustable brackets. I never do residential work so wondering how well these hold up over time or if they are just junk. Thanks alot
 
Actually they work quite well, at least the ones that I've used. :rolleyes:

Welcome to the Forum. :smile:
 
w_palazzo said:
Need to install a ceiling fan in my bedroom and noticed they sell oldwork boxes with adjustable brackets. I never do residential work so wondering how well these hold up over time or if they are just junk. Thanks alot
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They *do* work well. Just make sure you don't overtighten them with your wrench; you can cause the ceiling joists to bow outwards if you get too froggy with it, which can create cracks in the ceiling. Especially in older houses.
 
They are a PITA if you ask me.

If I can find a joist anywhere close to center, I will use it.

If there is any attic access at all, I will climb up and screw in some blocking.

If there is any drywall patching going on, I will cut out a chunk and screw in some blocking.
 
The ones with the adjustable spreader bar work great and are the only ones I use even if there is attic access. Too old for attics.I think thats why they call me a senior member.
 
M. D. said:
I've used this baby twice now ,.. love it .,,,Once for a pool table light and once for a paddle fan ,.. in both cases the original box was mounted to the side of the joist ,.. piece of cake .

http://www.licensedelectrician.com/Store/SB/Images/SBFAN_450.jpg
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That's the style I like. I've used the adjustable spreader-bar ones and I tend to over-tighten them because I don't trust the engineering. I suppose it would depend what type of joist or truss you were tightening them against. But in my experience I'd feel more comfortable attaching the box itself to the joist.
 
M. D. said:
I've used this baby twice now ,.. love it .,,,Once for a pool table light and once for a paddle fan ,.. in both cases the original box was mounted to the side of the joist ,.. piece of cake .

http://www.licensedelectrician.com/Store/SB/Images/SBFAN_450.jpg
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SBFAN_450.jpg


Those are great if you want the fan off center in the room. :D

Doesn't work very well when the framing doesn't fall out where you need it.
 
infinity said:
SBFAN_450.jpg


Those are great if you want the fan off center in the room. :D

Doesn't work very well when the framing doesn't fall out where you need it.
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True , but when replacing an existing non rated box that was in the right spot mounted to the side of the joist those crank outs require location adjustment as they need more clearance from the joist.
 
M. D. said:
True , but when replacing an existing non rated box that was in the right spot mounted to the side of the joist those crank outs require location adjustment as they need more clearance from the joist.
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Yes for replacement of a side mounted fixture rated box those are great. For replacing a metal ceiling bar box or adding a new fan outlet those may or may not work very well.
 
I carry two or more of each kind, because you often don't know what kind of box you'll need until you make the hole.

There are saddles, half-saddles, pancakes, metal side-mounts, and a couple of different expanding-bar types.
 
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