Straightening ceiling fan blades
Steve B
drooped. These blades appear to be some type of luan, about 3/16" wide.
They appear to be either composite plastic, or some form of pulped wood.
Can they be straightened? Maybe put in an oven with some brick weights, and
a pan of water to make a steam chamber out of it? Other suggestions?
If I go buy new ones, are there different materials and grades? The local
ReStore, (the one for Habitat for Humanity) has sets of 5 for $3, and I'll
take them Wednesday when I go to see if the bolt pattern is the same. But
just wondering if these can be salvaged.
Steve
jamesgangnc
Lot of times the mount is symetrical. If so just flip them.
Evan
Trying to "straighten" fan blades once they sag due to exposure to
excessive
moisture is a fool's errand...
So is trying to bake them in your oven with bricks on top of them...
As far as buying new fan blades at your local ReStore you should only
be
concerned with the length and weight of the replacement blades, you
can
drill additional holes using your current fan blades as templates, but
you
don't want to hang too much weight or add too much load (larger blades
produce more drag requiring more effort on the motor) to your fan
unless
you want to be replacing the whole thing sooner rather than later...
~~ Evan
dadiOH
Turn them over.
Most nowadays seem to be made of fiberboard (hardboard, masonite (your
"pulped wood") which is *NOT* lauan. Any plywood, including lauan, works
pretty good, ditto plastic and steel. Fiberboard does not especially if
there is much humidity.
--
dadiOH
____________________________
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The Ghost in The Machine
> On May 16, 11:16 am, "Steve B" <pittmanpir...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> > We put some fans out on our patio. Over a few years, the blades have
> > drooped. These blades appear to be some type of luan, about 3/16" wide.
> > They appear to be either composite plastic, or some form of pulped wood.
>
> > Can they be straightened? Maybe put in an oven with some brick weights, and
> > a pan of water to make a steam chamber out of it? Other suggestions?
>
> > If I go buy new ones, are there different materials and grades? The local
> > ReStore, (the one for Habitat for Humanity) has sets of 5 for $3, and I'll
> > take them Wednesday when I go to see if the bolt pattern is the same. But
> > just wondering if these can be salvaged.
>
>
> Lot of times the mount is symetrical. If so just flip them.
BOOWAHAHA...AINT THAT MUD IN YOUR EYE.
THAT'S WHAT ID DO, TURN THEM UPSIDE DOWN.
BUT THEN IN TIME THEY MAY WILT AGAIN...SO GET SOME RIGID TYPE AS
PLANNED, THE MOUNTING HOLES SEEM PRETTY STANDARD...GOOD LUCK.
TGITM
N8N
I'd be tempted to see if you can get new ones of fiberglass or
plastic. They're typically just a piece of flat stock with three
holes drilled in them. If you're handy and have a source for some
suitable stock you can make them yourself. Or have some made from
Damascus steel :)
nate
jamesgangnc
Took a few years to sag. Flip them and he'll get that again minimum.
Making blades is just silly unless you have nothing better to do and
all the purchased ones will probably have the same problem eventually.
Charlie
"Steve B" <pittma...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:4dbAp.33529$GM6....@news.usenetserver.com...
designed for outdoor use.
Anything else will be a waste.
DerbyDad03
>
> - Show quoted text -
I've had a fairly inexpensive fan in my kitchen for over 20 years and
the blades have not sagged one iota.
(I say "fairly inexpensive" because I remember thinking at the time
that my wife bought it "This is too cheap to last very long, but I'll
make her happy and put it up. Boy, was I wrong!)
The blades are indeed some type of pressed material. I know this
because I was trying to clean them once and the ultra thin layer of
paint started to wipe off and exposed the material underneath.
I primed and painted them to make them white again. Maybe that's why
they never sagged.
Perhaps that would be a good preventative maintenance step to take
before installing a fan.
jamesgangnc
>
> - Show quoted text -
His sagged because he has it on a porch where the humidity probably
gets high from time to time.
RBM
"Steve B" <pittma...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:4dbAp.33529$GM6....@news.usenetserver.com...
There are paddle fans made specifically for outdoor use, often called
outdoor fans, porch fans, and gazebo fans. The blades on this type of fan
are typically made from materials such as plastic, that are not damaged by
the elements
>
>
dadiOH
> For use in an uncontrolled atmosphere like a patio get a set of blades
> designed for outdoor use.
> Anything else will be a waste.
They may well be a waste too.
I got 3 fans designated for that use. All three wound up with sagging
blades. Fiberboard. Two were so bad they looked like open umbrellas. I
made new blades from 1/4 ply, no sagging.
DerbyDad03
Well, if you made your own blades, then according to jamesgangnc you:
1 - Are either silly, or
2 - You have nothing better to do.
Not that I'm trying to start anything...
;-)
dadiOH
Of COURSE not :)
jamesgangnc forgot
3. Frugal
4. I can make 'em better
Charlie
"dadiOH" <dad...@invalid.com> wrote in message
news:4dd18cba$0$28423$882e...@usenet-news.net...
> Charlie wrote:
>
>> For use in an uncontrolled atmosphere like a patio get a set of blades
>> designed for outdoor use.
>> Anything else will be a waste.
>
> They may well be a waste too.
>
> I got 3 fans designated for that use. All three wound up with sagging
> blades. Fiberboard. Two were so bad they looked like open umbrellas. I
> made new blades from 1/4 ply, no sagging.
I've got one in a lanai that was installed in 1998 that is still going just
fine.
The room is essentialy open to the outdors in humid Florida.
Blades are plastic. You have to pay attention to what you are buying.
Charlie
Caveat emptor
Steve B
"Charlie" <le...@thestation.com> wrote
> The room is essentialy open to the outdors in humid Florida.
> Blades are plastic. You have to pay attention to what you are buying.
>
> Charlie
>
> Caveat emptor
Oh yeah. Great. NOW you tell me. ;-)
When SWMBO insisted that the fans would be fine outdoors even though they
were obviously indoor fans, if was one of those, "We'll see" moments. So
far, one's blades droop by two inches, the other is in danger of taking off
Aunt Lucy's big hair.
I will get two sets at ReStore at $3 per set, and see how long they last,
and in the meantime look for some that are intended for outdoor use. I've
even seen indoor sets that droop.
And then there's balancing .................................
Thanks for the info, guys.
Steve
Heart surgery pending?
www.cabgbypasssurgery.com
Heart Surgery Survival Guide
DerbyDad03
> "Charlie" <l...@thestation.com> wrote
When you buy the blades, will you also be buying the mounting
brackets?
Even if the mounting brackets line up with the holes in your motor,
the angle may be an issue.
Cheaper fans use low blade angles so they can use a cheaper motor.
Increasing the blade anlge might cost you more a lot more than $3 a
set.
Smitty Two
<6ce567a7-a55c-46dc...@gh5g2000vbb.googlegroups.com>,
DerbyDad03 <teama...@eznet.net> wrote:
The whole thing is a fool's errand, in my book, trying to make a silk
purse of a sow's ear. Steve's bimbo bought a cheap ass POS fan, and now
it's time to throw it away and buy a good one.
DerbyDad03
> In article
> <6ce567a7-a55c-46dc-a29b-82435c2e5...@gh5g2000vbb.googlegroups.com>,
>
> - Show quoted text -
A fool's errand can oft times be fun.
A little time in the shop making/fixing something that you might
otherwise buy can be very therapeutic.
Which feels better:
Saying "I made/fixed that." or saying "I bought that."?
Smitty Two
<46cf303f-9105-4bb9...@w36g2000vbi.googlegroups.com>,
DerbyDad03 <teama...@eznet.net> wrote:
Most of us in the group here are of an age where prioritizing our time
is important, because we don't feel quite so immortal anymore. It's
often great to fix or build, but a crappy old ceiling fan with warped
blades isn't something I'd spend 10 seconds on. It's always going to be
crap, no matter what he does to it.
The Ghost in The Machine
SPEAK FOR YOURSELF SMITTY TWO TWO.....THE MAN HAS A VERY GOOD SHOP
WITH EQUIPMENT SOPHISTICATED ENOUGH TO MAKE THEM.....THE FLAPS WHERE
OF RATTAN LIKE MATERIAL AS USED IN ISLAND LOCATIONS.....IF HE CAN PULL
OF CUTTING OUT A NEW SET OUT OF WOOD, HE IS A GENIUS, COMPARED TO A
SPOILED RICH WELL TO DO LAZY OLD TIMER LIKE YOU.
LET HIM USE HIS SHOP....IT'S WHAT HE BUILT IT FOR.
TGITM
DerbyDad03
Since you have no clue how old I am, I don't see the point in bringing
up "age".
Regardless of a person's age, spending time in a shop building/fixing
something may very well be a priority. Why would sensing one's
mortality lead that person to "go shopping" instead "go building". In
fact, having a tool in your hand and making something instead of
buying it not only can be therapeutic regardless of your age, but it
might even make you feel better about your own mortality since you
will be leaving something that you made behind.
> It's often great to fix or build, but a crappy old ceiling fan with warped
> blades isn't something I'd spend 10 seconds on.
That's you and that's fine. But that has no bearing on how others
(young or old) might choose to spend what time they have left here on
earth.
> It's always going to be crap, no matter what he does to it.
And if that's fine with him, then who are we to say that he shouldn't
spend his time fixing it?
Nate Nagel
I imagine even a *good* ceiling fan will warp blades outdoors, if not
specifically listed for that use.
nate
--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel
cl...@snyder.on.ca
At the speed those things turn, the blades could be vertical and not
harm most of the ceiling fan motors out there.
cl...@snyder.on.ca
Depends if it works or not!!!. If it doesn't work and you bought it
you were just foolish. If it doesn't work and you made it you are
foolish AND incompetent - - - - - .
Matt
> On May 16, 11:16 am, "Steve B" <pittmanpir...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> We put some fans out on our patio. Over a few years, the blades have
>> drooped. These blades appear to be some type of luan, about 3/16" wide.
>> They appear to be either composite plastic, or some form of pulped wood.
>>
>> Can they be straightened? Maybe put in an oven with some brick weights, and
>> a pan of water to make a steam chamber out of it? Other suggestions?
>>
>> If I go buy new ones, are there different materials and grades? The local
>> ReStore, (the one for Habitat for Humanity) has sets of 5 for $3, and I'll
>> take them Wednesday when I go to see if the bolt pattern is the same. But
>> just wondering if these can be salvaged.
>>
>> Steve
>
As a point of reference, see also the following, which was posted in
a.h.r about 2 1/2 years ago.
http://www.diy-forum.net/scariest-thing-your-house-t151205.html
> On Sun, 16 Nov 2008 07:10:06 -0600, "HeyBub" <(E-Mail Removed)>
> wrote:
>
>>(E-Mail Removed) wrote:
>>> What is the scariest thing in your house?
>>>
>>> In my house the scariest thing is that ceiling fan in the living room.
>>> One never knows when the propeller will come off and decapitate me or
>>> someone else. It came with the house and I want it removed. I put a
>>> sign by the switch that says "DO NOT TURN ON". But somehow somone
>>> always turns it on. Then I have to risk my life walking in that room
>>> to shut it off. I dont know why they put dangerous things like this
>>> in houses.
>>>
>>> Linda
>>
>>It's a simple matter to install a safety-chain on ceiling fan blades. A
>>small length of chain and two bolts per blade are all that is needed. Simply
>>attach the chain from the metal spoke to the blade and you're good to go.
>>Works just like the safety chain on a trailer hitch.
>>
>>Another safety item is to have blade fabricated out of rubber. You can do
>>this yourself with fairly thick sheet rubber and a sharp knife (use extreme
>>caution with sharp tools). If the blades DO come off, they'll only cause
>>bruising (unless they hit you in the eye - use safety glasses while enjoying
>>the breeze).
>>
>
> This might hold the propeller blades on, but what if the whole fan
> comes flying off the ceiling? Instant decapitation. When I was a
> child these were not used in houses, but I remember going to a store
> with my parents and the ceiling fan in the store got me so scared that
> dad had to take me out ot the car while mom shopped. They are
> frightening and just dangerous no matter what. There must be better
> and safer ways to cool a building.
>
> I told my husband not to buy this house because of that ugly
> frightening fan, but he insisted it was a good house and said he would
> get the fan professionally removed. That was over 3 years ago, and I
> have already threatend to divorce him if he dont get it out of here.
> He always says money is tight and there are more important things to
> fix, and tells me to just not turn it on. I explained to him that
> even if it's off, it could fall on someone and kill them. I am going
> to hire someone myself to remove it if he dont do something about it.
> Even if it means the end of our marriage. I just cant live in a house
> with that thing anymore. Especially since it seems to turn itself on,
> because my husband said he never turns it on, and the kids know if
> they turn it on, they will be severely punished. So it must turn
> itself on. Either it leave this house, or I will take the kids and
> leave.
>
> Linda
Steve B
"Oren" <Or...@127.0.0.1> wrote in message
news:pj96t6pi07t3aimst...@4ax.com...
> On Tue, 17 May 2011 06:55:31 -0700, "Steve B"
> <pittma...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>>
>>When SWMBO insisted that the fans would be fine outdoors even though they
>>were obviously indoor fans, if was one of those, "We'll see" moments
>
>
> It may take 25 years of marriage before the truth is known.
Actually, three. One set droops about three inches, and the other droops
like an umbrella.
DerbyDad03
>
> - Show quoted text -
Here's the llink to one of the many, many sites that stress the
relationship between blade size/angle and the power of the motor:
http://www.lampdepot.com/ProductCartPages/page111.htm
I quote...
The most powerful, durable and expensive motor is a "Stack" or "K55"
style motor. ... The power allows for 14 - 16 degree blade pitch and
use of wider blades so you get more air movement.
...
Low Grade promotional fans use small motors to move narrow blades at
near 10 degree pitches. The result is much lower air movement. Often
having lifetime warranties.
Fan ratings : Performance, Medium, Moderate, Promotional
Performance 14 -16 blade degree --- Stack or 188x20 motors
Medium 12 - 14 blade degree --- 188x12+ , or 172x14+ motors
Moderate 10 - 12 blade degree --- 153x15 motors
Promotional 8 -12 blade degree --- 153x13 or less
Steve B
> On Wed, 18 May 2011 06:04:14 -0700, "Steve B"
> <pittma...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>>
>>"Oren" <Or...@127.0.0.1> wrote in message
>>news:pj96t6pi07t3aimst...@4ax.com...
>>> On Tue, 17 May 2011 06:55:31 -0700, "Steve B"
>>> <pittma...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>>When SWMBO insisted that the fans would be fine outdoors even though
>>>>they
>>>>were obviously indoor fans, if was one of those, "We'll see" moments
>>>
>>> And the problem IS?
>>>
>>> It may take 25 years of marriage before the truth is known.
>>
>>Actually, three. One set droops about three inches, and the other droops
>>like an umbrella.
>>
>>Steve
>
> fiberglass' blades. My limited knowledge is that fan blades are made
> in sets, balanced as a set, etc. They should be replaced as a 'set'.
>
> Even the motor should be rated for outdoor use.
Do you need my Paypal name to deposit that money?
Steve
The Ghost in The Machine
> On Wed, 18 May 2011 20:32:03 -0700, "Steve B"
>
>
>
>
>
> <pittmanpir...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> >"Oren" <O...@127.0.0.1> wrote in message
> >news:s9k8t69e1agstnphp...@4ax.com...
> >> On Wed, 18 May 2011 06:04:14 -0700, "Steve B"
>
> >>>"Oren" <O...@127.0.0.1> wrote in message
> >>>news:pj96t6pi07t3aimst...@4ax.com...
> >>>> On Tue, 17 May 2011 06:55:31 -0700, "Steve B"
> >>>> <pittmanpir...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> >>>>>When SWMBO insisted that the fans would be fine outdoors even though
> >>>>>they
> >>>>>were obviously indoor fans, if was one of those, "We'll see" moments
>
> >>>> And the problem IS?
>
> >>>> It may take 25 years of marriage before the truth is known.
>
> >>>Actually, three. One set droops about three inches, and the other droops
> >>>like an umbrella.
>
> >>>Steve
>
> >> I'd replace the fans. Getting outdoor fans that have a 'resin /
> >> fiberglass' blades. My limited knowledge is that fan blades are made
> >> in sets, balanced as a set, etc. They should be replaced as a 'set'.
>
> >> Even the motor should be rated for outdoor use.
>
> >Do you need my Paypal name to deposit that money?
>
> >Steve
>
NO! LET HIM MAKE SOME IN HIS ALMIGHTY SHOP.
THAT WAY HE CAN SHOW EVERYONE WHAT HE'S MADE OF.
DON'T FORGET TO POST PICS OF THE FINISHED PRODUCT OKAY.
TGITM
PATECUM
kerrima...@gmail.com
Ed Pawlowski
> Can I ask a stupid question? I am new to fixing things and one of my fan blade holder was. Ent upward moving in an armoire. How do I fix it?
>
The blade holder may be a cast metal and it may break when you try to
straighten it.
You can remove the blade and put the bracket on a hard surface and tap
it back in place using a piece of wood on it and hit the hammer on the
wood.
You can heat it and bend it but you need a lot of heat for that to work,
more than a homeowner typically has.
You may be able to contact the manufacturer and buy a new one. Or ven
pick up a new one at the factory next time you are in China.
Wade Garrett
> Can I ask a stupid question? I am new to fixing things and one of my fan blade holder was. Ent upward moving in an armoire. How do I fix it?
>
Even if you can bend the bracket, you'll never restore the angle exactly
to its original state. The fan blade angle will then be off a little and
will cause wobble.
If you run it fast enough and often enough, the fan may well loosen and
work itself out of the ceiling mounting turning into a flying
decapitation hazard.
Replace the bracket or scrap the fan.
--
The fastest way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.
gfre...@aol.com
wrote:
>Can I ask a stupid question? I am new to fixing things and one of my fan blade holder was. Ent upward moving in an armoire. How do I fix it?
