How To Install A Fan Box

[@ChrisKChandler]

Thank you for such a no-BS how-to video! You respect the value of people's time and we appreciate it! Thanks for sharing the know-how 👍

[@Bud4Ooz]

Thanks for not making a video 30 minutes long. Quick and to the point great job

[@billyc.2162]

You need a connector or bushing for that wire. You can't just pop the wire through the opening. It's against code. The vibration of the fan will cause the wire to rub against the box and cause issues eventually.

[@charliedillon6097]

Thats why they invented circuit breakers haha

[@WatcherSix-r9z]

You posted this in 2013 and its STILL helpful. This was the exact information i needed and I appreciate it! ♥

[@Est91.]

Forgot a Romeo connector & a ground screw but good job, also for those who want a ceiling fan but a joist is in the middle of your room, you do not need a bar, you can screw the fan box directly to the joist with Sheetrock screws

[@billybryson2009]

would have been nice to see what type of sorcery you used to get the original brace out! i was just dragged through the 7th circle of hell trying to pry it out from underneath!

[@highqualityhomemaintenance7565]

jer bo I'm sorry, but I can't stop laughing. How long was the trip through the 7th circle of hell? 30 minutes or 3 hours?

[@greenbeacon394]

I feel your pain, I had to do that exact thing a friends Rental property.

[@twoods450]

I just had to deal with removing the old bar on my 15' ceiling with no access from above. Talk about a pain in the ass, but well worth it. I personally just cut it in half, bent it side to side until it was loose, pried the nail out slightly with a screw driver then gave some good pulls until the nail came out. getting the brace out was probably the hardest part of everything done.

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

Sometimes it takes what it takes. Way to get creative. Have a great day!

[@inspirationalinspirations6463]

They have screwed my old brace in, which could be good or bad, depending. But not enough room to unscrew that thing as of now

[@maki80808]

I saw the box moved a little when you pushed it to the right.

[@royalwhetstonejr.9082]

Cali Maki I did too

[@jcmorrison5487]

@ 4:01

[@nathanielrunels5305]

Dude just saw it move lol

[@banditcosmo]

Thanks for the video. How do you get the existing box bar out ? I got one side loose but I can't reach the other to get the old bar out.

[@SoulhoodArt]

I'm trying to figure this out now. What did you do?

[@dustnbrewks8978]

Dude! I really appreciate you making this video. I’m looking to add a fan to a room that never had one

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

Glad the video helped.

[@rkgsd]

Clever design of the brace. Pretty sure some old time installers wished this was around years ago.

[@buzzyboy988]

great video, only thing i'd say is that you should have used a plastic grommet where the wire goes into the box, this helps protect against the sharp metal box cutting into the wire sheathing and causing a arch. not likely to happen but the grommets are cheap insurance

[@archanaamit27]

It moved a little bit. That's it

[@homelessmans2cents675]

Should you have placed a black button in the hole to hold the Romex?

[@parsaalfarsi]

This is the only helpful video I’ve found! Straight to the point, keep up the good work!

[@NeverEndingGalaxy]

You forgot the Romex Connector - You just fed the wires through the box without a connector

[@docz2010]

OSHA baby!

[@alexanderbilicki5152]

Not a OSHA violation but an NEC voilation, must have a connector for MN cable. Romex BTW is a trade name for NM cable. You will not find the term Romex in the NEC.....

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@MasterTheNEC]

@@alexanderbilicki5152 Nailed It....!

[@Tramplyfe]

It’s what happens when they have handymen doing electrical work

[@girlmastergeneral]

"It doesn't move at all" **pushes box right over to the right**.Now it can't wobble anymore LOL. No wire clamp, no chaffe boot nothing lol.

[@Rocksolidhandyman]

OMG!⚡️😳🤣🔥😱

[@dan428]

i have the same issue with the old brace from light fixture.. i was hoping to see how you removed it

[@salg500]

dan428 i used a multi tool with metal cutting blade and zipped it out. If its attached to joists with nails it a bit hard but with some grunt you can twist it out .

[@qbensis1350]

this video is great! perfect crash course on a non rated junction box

[@nono559]

I want to install an outdoor fan on my patio. I took off the old light fixture to put the ceiling fan electric box. Only problem is there is only one stud where the old electric box is as attached to. Any tips on what to do to get the brace to work?

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

There’s only one stud? Typically if the old box is attached directly to one ceiling joist you will find one 16 inches away by getting access. Are you removing the old box? Can you gain access to the patio ceiling through the hole? Can you look up inside the hole?

[@nono559]

Ask The Maintenance Man no access for me to get there I did look through the hole with a flash light and nothings there. I can’t put the box that’s built for fans because there’s no way to mount it. Only a regular electric box that was mounted to that single stud for the light fixture.

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

Can you get a wire or something in the hole to find out how far away the next joist is? I have used my cellphone in the past. If you put the camera end in the hole from the old box and take a picture with a flash you might be surprised at what you see. Feel free to email me if you need more detailed help.

[@nono559]

Ask The Maintenance Man will do thank you

[@minicooper6296]

Thank you! I am glad I watched this before heading to the hardware store

[@tsnstt]

Do I need to use any kind of tools to tighten it more or is my hands enough. I’m asking cause I have a weak grip.

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

You should probably use a wrench to secure it tight. Thanks for the question.

[@tsnstt]

Wow thanks for the quick reply!! EVERYONE OUT THERE SMASH THE LIKE BUTTON UNTIL IT TURNS BLUE!!!

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

That’s why my channel is called “ask” the maintenance man. Have a great day.

[@dimplethomas6573]

@@TheMaintenanceMan what type of mounting box is it? From where can we buy?

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

Hubbell Raco 936 Ceiling Fan Box and Support, 4 in www.amazon.com/dp/B000HEIYHA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BKE4HWBAZM1J17ERY6KE

[@星海音乐]

Where to buy the ceiling brace and box kit? HomeDepot? Thanks!

[@computer59]

SUPER helpful thanks, i thought it'd be more difficult to replace my old support box that is not intended for ceiling fans. Thanks!

[@ukbb2632]

4:00 the box did move.

[@zacherycoleman6197]

Thats a metal outlet box... correct me if Im wrong should you include it in the path to ground?

[@robbieching8952]

Thank you for this informative video. How do you remove the brace bar?

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

That will depend on the original style of bar. Some are nailed into place so you will need to remove the nails first. Some are just press fit and come out fairly easily.

[@user-pq7ej9dw3l]

Here we are 9+ years later. I'm needing this bracket for a light I'm putting in. Wonder if their still available, or if some new electrical code has took them off the market. Fingers crossed.

[@CGphotoOp]

Awesome. Will this work to hang bathroom vanity lights on a wall?

[@DesiLensbyShoaib]

How you took the old one out?

[@jacksagrafsky4936]

My joists are 24 inches on center will, or do they make the brackets as wide as I would need it?

[@darrylwright4921]

How'd you get the old brace out?

[@bkoz319]

went up to the attic but he edited that out

[@patrikemmert2698]

bkoz319 there is no attic. Try watching the video. There is a shot from inside the ceiling cavity of a second floor apartment. It was filmed one handed. Took two hands to remove the old brace. And a pair of pliers. That was explained also.

[@mrdatenight8066]

Great video...Straight to the point!

[@andrewroberts2318]

We’re is the connector for the wire at.

[@JCraftvfx]

Does this still work if its off center with the support beams? Like the original light fixture box is butted up to one of the beams?

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

There has to be enough room on one side for the v shaped bracket but not being centered is not an issue. Sorry for the late response.

[@garrisondyer]

I've got what I believe is a truss in the way for when I'm putting the new fan box in between the joists... One end of the bar is going to run into the truss (I think I'm using that word correctly...). Any recommendations?

[@HatedJared]

I'm having the same issue. What did you end up doing?

[@garrisondyer]

@@HatedJared Thankfully I had my handyman working on a separate project at the time, and he looked at it and just handed me his sawzall and said "just take it out -- there's a bajillion others in there doing the same thing, why does that one need to be there too?" It took about 3 seconds of sawzalling and that small "truss" piece (I still *think* I'm using that word correctly... ) just split in two and pretty much fell off of both joists it was between. A quick reach into the hole with my hands to grab them and take them out was all it needed then, and then there was plenty of space for the braces to expand firmly into each of the joists. Hope your project works out!

[@ashhiro8179]

Thanks for the video! I was able to finish my project because of it! I really appreciate the upload!

[@pauldonica7506]

Where's your bushing protecting the wires that are going into that metal box?

[@nagantm441]

@@TheMaintenanceMan geez someone has an attitude here lol

[@sidzam9522]

can you bring in the electric wire from the side or it has come from the middle?

[@kiwik90]

Wire clamp?

[@TheSeancassady]

I have a box in a newer home that feels incredibly solid but I'm switching from a light to a ceiling fan. My problem is that the screw hole to attach the ceiling fan bracket to the box is stripped out. Can I just go up to a larger self-tapping screw and not worry about replacing the box?

[@mattccool2]

I've done this in the past and it worked well. You don't want to go to large with the new self tapping screw though.

[@mgoblue2]

How about the wire connector. Also how did you find center when putting the bracket up and keeping the box flush with the ceiling. Another job video without doing it the proper way.

[@sybergato]

I wonder how that held up through the years. Doesn't wobble loose? I'd think over time from a fan it would work itself loose.....

[@tsnstt]

I found out the fan the wife bought weight less than 18lbs. Was wondering because the weight of the fan is so light and the standard junction box holds 50lbs fixture weight, can I just attach the light ceiling fan to the existing junction box and call it a day?

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

I’ve done it before but It’s all about sag. Screw the fan bracket to the box and pull down a bit. It’s hard to pull at exactly 18lbs but give it a good pull. If it seems robust and doesn’t move much go for it. If you hear drywall crackling stop and change it out. If it sags beyond the face of the drywall you will have problems getting the fan flush with the ceiling and you should change it out. Check the sag. It’s worth the ol’ college try. Just be smart and safe about it.

[@tsnstt]

Ask The Maintenance Man thanks sir! I’ve also subscribed to your channel as a thank you for your help

[@bushgnome]

I like that retro fan brace what's the manufacturer? one thing though, you need a bushing for the comes wire, otherwise nicely done!

[@jubyloo2]

What was wrong with the old brace?

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

The old brace flexed to much under the weight of a fan with a light kit on it.

[@justinkearney1081]

I love how simple he made this look...

[@patrickjohnson7801]

I put on in for a buddy of mine I it was the easiest one I have ever dealt with, I had to cut the drywall out a little larger and I used channel locks to tighten instead of my hand, kit comes with a wire procter for the steel box

[@ItsFrankiesGal]

at count 1:00 "ya gotta be able to bend that [the existing brace] outta there" ... its nailed in. not much help for you to just cut the camera away and then when you return its magically removed. specifically right there is what stumps aspiring DIYers and prevents them from completing the project. on to the next video ...

[@kevinritchie4693]

You can use a small hacksaw to cut the bar in half - makes it a little easier to manhandle out of there.

[@nrfa6229]

MaxiesGal Well said!

[@JWMEM763]

I just pulled one out of my ceiling and the "nails" were threaded - I actually had to up into the attic to get that sob out using a small pry bar!!!

[@jopisano67]

MaxiesGal. I know right. If you are gonna do a video , take the time to record its entirety. I have the same box in my ceiling and was waiting to see how to remove it. But no.. You skip that part. My guess is it must have been a pain in the ass to remove.

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

Thanks for the advise. My video skills years ago were not the best. I was just gettin going with things. I’ve learned a lot since then. Sorry for any frustration that may have caused.

[@cuylerrigney8998]

When did Dane cook start doing DIY videos

[@heroknaderi]

Good job 👍 I enjoyed it

[@billsutherland3935]

I see you don’t have to deal with insulation. That’s nice.

[@huskerjr]

Best video I've seen. Thanks alot!

[@Dirksteal]

I’ve never had one of those actually not move. I found one years ago that the rod was square not round. Can’t find it now. I use the round one but I’m usually cursing before I’m done

[@ar159101]

Will these brackets work on metal studs?

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

I’m afraid not. They function on tension and the metal studs just bend. Im sure there is a product that functions with metal studs, unfortunately I’m not currently aware of one.

[@MasterTheNEC]

Dude...Put a connector on that NM-B....Gesh!

[@MasterTheNEC]

@Zap Brannigan LOL...I am always looking for material to comment on in a podcast or video. In this case I just had to add a little comment..;)

[@SpringfieldGuy]

Thanks, I was wondering the best way to do this; what a wonderful product ... and it's available on Amazon!

[@Bignene628]

Where can I buy this from

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

www.amazon.com/dp/B00027EWNW?ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_JND8BQ9DJNFTYN6RKWF9&starsLeft=1

[@lucidbarrier]

What is a Romex connector?

[@mikegee3991]

Nice video, I had my electrician remove my 6 inch recessed light to install a ceiling fan and he's telling me that even with this brace, the 6 inch hole is too big for the junction box so he'd have to make the hole smaller so there's not a big gap around the junction box. It didn't make sense to me and the canopy for the ceiling fan is about 8 inches. What do you think about that?

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

If the box is secure enough to hold the ceiling fan and the canopy of the fan is large enough to cover the gap... Go for it. That’s not a structural issue. That shroud doesn’t “support” the fan. It’s aesthetic and your gap would be underneath that upper shroud you’d never see it. Hope that helps. Have a great weekend.

[@mikegee3991]

Thanks for your quick response. That definitely helped!!!

[@thomashoermann]

Better stuff some insulation around the gap or you will have a hell of a draft. The canopy is only cosmetic.

[@thulin313]

The bar and box kits now come with a romex connector.

[@MrJrakk]

No box connector??

[@johnfore2346]

hey man i got a mobile home and my studs are high on the ceiling if i put the box that you put in it won't be flush with the ceiling sheet rock ? im stumped cant figure out what to do please help man

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

It's a standard size fan box. If you have smaller studs in your mobile home you might be able to get a short box from a local home improvement store and use it instead of the one that comes wit the kit. You will most likely have to drill holes in the new short box for the mounting screws. Hope that helps.

[@adamaffronti9756]

what if the drop ceiling is 6 inches higher then the ceiling tile?

[@jennycotela4319]

my bracket didn't fit between joists. it was way too big. what are my options ?

[@charliebrown1449]

call an electrician

[@stylinamerica4569]

Hi How do YOU remove the old chintzy bracket?

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

When I removed the old bracket I used a pair of pliers and spread the metal apart then used a hammer claw to pull the end of the bracket from the joist inside the ceiling.

[@wahinenuiloa]

Best Video on this topic. Thanks for the closeups and clear instructions. Well done! Thank You!

[@chvyracn24]

Where can I buy that mounting bracket

[@jmacdono]

Home Depot has it.

[@vinnyb.7587]

Great video. I went and bought the same bracket. Pretty easy install.

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

Great! That’s why I do this. I love to hear stories of people doing things and feeling good about it.

[@todddrury3465]

Should have used a plastic grommet. Otherwise good video.

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

Yes, please be safe and use the plastic grommet. Thanks for the question.

[@brianreilly2373]

best video.. saved me a lot of time? I have this exact brace and couldn't figure it out.. This company needs to add your video to instructions - thanks for sharing it!

[@larrywiddifield7117]

Can you tell who makes the brace and where it is available, thanks

[@dpangburn9581]

First thing you got to do is get that out😂. That's the part WE WANT TO SEE!

[@Slimjim260]

You didn’t explain how you got the old brace out?????

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

There are a few different types so I chose not to address that particular detail.

[@03meenu]

where did u buy that box

[@lightsfansofthewest481]

Lowe's.

[@MKLRODZ]

Awesome thank you buddy for making that simple

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

No problem. Glad the video helped.

[@CharlesMartel676]

Outstanding video!!! Thanks! Didn't know how to do this. Leaving for Lowe's now!

[@robertwalker7979]

I'm sho over here tryna figure out how I'm about to mount this ceiling fan without tearing into the ceiling. But these wires I got are so old & brittle that I'm worried they gonna break off doing this so I might as well just tear this all up & run new wire to the switch🤦🏾‍♂️. If the wire was newer in my situation, this would have so worked. Still, great video👍🏾

[@lucasboreland]

Nice. Just need a connector on your wire!

[@marcosmedellin4490]

YOU FORGOT THE ROMEX CONECTOR, AND I USE A PLIERS TO TIDE THE BAR TO MAKE I SECURED

[@SW-pm3ls]

Agreeed Klein’s or wrench 180 degrees pass hand tight should be perfect.

[@natemail00]

I'm curious why you didn't use a clamp for the wire? would the box slice the wire with a stationary fixture? probably not, but if you put a fan on that sucker the box will undoubtedly vibrate and cut that insulation.

[@jayehrgott]

+natemail00 It is code to have a stay of some type for the cable, this wouldn't pass muster on an electrical inspection for that very reason.

[@ericwimmer3230]

you did a great job at explaining everything, thank you.

[@ThomasThorn-qp6nn]

Helpful however he needed to add a cable clamp to his electrical box

[@jasonparkinson7621]

Thanks was informative. Muchas gracias!

[@fb510m]

good video, this is what I wanted to learn about, to me this is the foundation to a great install and is the hardest part, you however made it look quite easy; thank you!!!

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

Thanks Elvis, it’s always good to hear when a video helps someone.

[@kevinjames1587]

Definitely helped me but would love to know how you removed old brace nailed to joist

[@drdilettante]

I wish you would have tested the box moving on the round rod more. I just installed this, and no matter how much I tighten the screws, the box moves on the rod. Bad design. The rod shouldn't be round.

[@TheMaintenanceMan]

Sorry to hear that you’ve encountered that issue. The rod used in this video is a hexagon so the box held on nicely. There are things that can be done about the issue you’ve got but this specific video isn’t about problem solving, it’s about general installation. If you’d like to get your issue fixed feel free to head over to the website and click ask a question. It will go straight to me. Or go to the Facebook page and I’ll respond as soon as possible. Have a great day!

[@electricety]

That model of fan box comes with snap in Romex bushing I'm sure he put it in after he made the bid that's elementary key to installing wire

[@maccduff1602]

Good video. But those are joists, not studs.

[@carlll7983]

Good video 👍

[@steelermia]

lol box moves 4:00

[@christophermorris6268]

You need a cable clamp or a non-metallic cable sleeve on that wire my man.

[@91PublicSafety]

"See the box doesn't move at all. *box moves" lol all kidding aside, great video. Short and informative.

[@SRD124]

A little bit of movement in the box is normal, but other way, it is secure really good to the joists so there is no way it could fail and then the whole fan falls on him or anyone

[@fleondodgen]

Semantics, semantics! Good job!

[@GTD_Y2]

Don't forget your Romex connector.

[@tiztiz5839]

4:01 Jut so you all know the box did not moved at all , the Sheetrock moved to the left .

[@tomkennedymx]

Exactly what I was looking for thx + 1 sub

[@tommywordell]

Dude, not even a plastic push through RX connector? Basic maintenance rule #1!!

[@michaelroystanley]

Fantastic video, thank you!

[@forrestreyle9328]

Great instructions thank you

[@johnmacnaughton3391]

No electrical connector on the cable to the box? If he's the "maintenance man", what does he do with HVAC or plumbing? Make sure your home insurance is current before you hire this guy!

[@ss4435]

Didn’t explain how to center the bracket so the box lines up with the hole.

[@sockowe1209]

Dude...you rock. Thanks!

[@takebyforce2]

This is EXACTLY what I needed in my room. Thanks for the helpful vid and keep them coming!!

[@zorrosfox]

Thank you very much and now I know how to do it , big help