Ceiling Fan Repair Services
Tune Up Wobbly Blades
A ceiling fan with wobbling blades is not just a visual distraction. Those blades can also wear down the motor's bearings and bushings, and cause annoying squeaks and whines. A1 Handyman (208) 995-6457 is an expert when it comes to ceiling fan repair and installation. Each year we receive a number of calls from homeowners who need help installing, re-installing, tightening, wiring, and re-wiring fans of all shapes, sizes, and models.
Balancing a Ceiling Fan
Although wobbling will not cause a ceiling fan to fall, it can be a nuisance. If tightening the screws on the blade brackets and wiping dust off the blades don't solve the problem, here are guidelines to get the fan back on an even keel.
Mark the blades - Number each blade with a piece of masking tape so you don't lose track of which blade is which.
Level the edges - Use a ruler or yardstick to measure the distance between each blade's leading edge and the ceiling. Make sure to keep the ruler vertical and always measure from the same spot on the ceiling, manually moving the blades to measure each one. If an edge is out of whack, gently bend the blade's bracket up or down.
Turn on the fan to see if the problem persists. For the best view, stand on a ladder away from the fan, at eye level with the blades. Use an object in the background such as a doorway or window as a reference point to see if the blades are all running at the same level.
Install a balancing kit - If the fan continues to wobble, install a blade-balancing kit which is available from your local home center or the fan's manufacturer. Take the clip provided and place it in the middle of the trailing edge of the blade you think is wobbling. As before, observe the running fan from a ladder to see how the extra weight affects the balance. Turn the fan off and slide the clip out toward the end or back toward the motor. Then turn the fan on and note any change. Continue moving and testing the clip's position on this blade or others as needed until the wobbling stops.
Add weights - Using a piece of tape, temporarily secure one of the kit's self-adhesive weights to the top of the blade's centerline, in line with the clip. Remove the clip and note how the fan operates. If the fan works as desired, mark the blade around the weight, remove the tape, and stick the weight permanently to the blade. Continue this process on as many blades as needed until the fan operates smoothly.
Tip: To identify which blade is behaving badly, dab each tip with a different-colored fluorescent paint while the fan is spinning. For easy removal, put the dab on a piece of masking tape.
Ceiling fans can be dangerous. Whether you are looking to remove or replace any type of ceiling fixture, leave this task to the experts from A1 Handyman (208) 995-6457. Having professionals handle your ceiling fan installation and repair needs will insure your peace of mind.
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