IN DEPTH Fan Installation Guide (with Downrod Shortening/Extending Method)

Hey Gang! Welcome back to the channel, we've got a good one for you today. A lot of people make ceiling fans look easy, which, maybe after 50 installations they are. But for a lot of people it's a one time replacement, and you want to make sure you do it right! We wanted to take this opportunity to bring to you a super detailed "install along" if you will. In this video we show you how to install and wire not one but TWO different and popular fan styles. Lot of small things to get right here for functionality and safety. We hope you learn something new and if you have any questions feel free to drop em in the comments below. If you have any tips or tricks share them as well! Thanks for watching and we'll see ya in the next one!
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[@bsummers76]

I've installed many ceiling fans, and know how to do it, even still, I love watching you guys do anything. You two remind me of me and my Dad. We used to do all sorts of projects like this as well. My Dad has since past away but this brings back warm memories, Thank you! Love you guys!!

[@richardbennett22]

"Video a little longer than usual"....are you kidding me, enjoyed every minute of it 👍

[@devinm9245]

yep super!

[@htownblue11]

Never new the bulb numbers were 1/8ths of an inch. That was fantastic to learn! Great video as always boys.

[@Dovey129]

Didn't even notice it was a 35 minute video, it's as entertaining as always! Keep up the great work guys!

[@zarblitz]

11:37 no wonder this guy works fast, he's got three hands.

[@JorgeAguilar714]

The piece that always gets me is the trim piece around the canopy screws. Not all fans have them I guess, but it’s always tucked away under 3 layers of styrofoam. Also, the screw dropping struggle is real. Great video.

[@ChadAmI80]

Hey I learned something new today about light bulb sizes :-)

[@ktwingstrom]

I needed this video a couple months ago when I renovated my master bedroom and replaced my fan. Nice video as always. Thanks guys!

[@pauljena9859]

Jordan and Paul, thanks for the shoutout, but you can’t make me do a quad shot anymore. We laughed and watched with glee!

[@sillymikey7079]

Great camera work. It is so important to show every connection of wires and how it is completed. You did a great job. Commentary aligns with everything that is being shown on the video. Outstanding video production. Thank you.

[@StudPack]

Thx Mikey 👊👍

[@gsh319]

I've also done all this work dozens of times, you guys are dead on. It's great to see "regular guys" knocking all these hit list jobs out. Great work madmen!

[@xpontiac]

This man can make a video of how to sit on a chair and I'll still watch! very instructive and fun! You've got yourself another subscriber sir, thank you!!!

[@jakedillon5984]

yall make my job easier, im an independent contractor doing general construction, i love learning new tricks i have never seen a video that i did not learn something new, thanks guys keep up the amazing work, ps i love your quality standards, so much higher than the average contractor

[@seanm3636]

I sleep better knowing there are people like Paul and Jordan out there.

[@jeffchase2491]

I like the way you operate. I am a retired electrician 40+yrs. You are spot on with your methods. I would do very little differently. Enjoying your videos and learning a variety of skills in all you do. 👍

[@meb3153]

I thought red was for 3 way light differentiation?

[@Fealox]

This is a phenomenal video. I love how you've walked through all the little details, great camera angles, great commentary. I also liked seeing you accidentally drop a screw or two or put the fan fasteners on the wrong side, then having to shorten the downrod because the Mrs. wanted it adjusted... All part of what goes into making a beautiful living space!

[@kevincromwell4590]

You guys rock! It's great to see father and son working together and getting it done.👍

[@lawman5511]

I installed many fans as a semi professional homeowner and landlord. The last one was 20 years ago, which means I’ll probably have to do it again soon. Thanks for the vid. Very informative.

[@gregmeister1900]

OMG.... 5/16 on a wire nut. I've struggled for so many years. Thank You Thank You :)

[@StudPack]

Thanks for watching guys! If you're not subscribed scroll back up and help us get closer to that 100k mark!

[@TeflonBilly426]

I installed seven Hunter ceiling fans in my current house, no drop cloth and a lot of cursing at screws that fly everywhere when dropped from 7-8 feet up. I'm moving to a new house that's got thirteen pre-wires for ceiling fans that I'll have to install myself, I am definitely using that drop cloth trick. I'd make another recommendation: magnetic screwdrivers because getting those screws started at the awkward angles to lock in the shrouds was a big pain.

[@jthonn]

I hear ya Robert. I have 17ft ceilings, I think I even made up a couple of curse words. One of the screws I never did find...

[@TheGuitarman1968]

Great Video! I have installed dozens of ceiling fans over the years, for myself and others, and I can do it in my sleep now. However, it is always cool to see how others do things from a different (and professional) perspective. As for the ceiling gap above the fan canopy. Most modern Hunter fans, with the larger decorative canopies, have rubber pads between the larger metal hanging bracket arms and the ceiling. The arms can then be bent up or down to adjust for the canopy ceiling gap before installing the canopy screws. The system works great for a professional look. I am a bit OCD about that perfect look, so Hunter really came through here... .lol. Also, those Wago connectors are awesome! I have not used the old-school acorn nut connectors in years for any electrical projects. Keep up the good work! 👍

[@barryomahony4983]

Tutorials don't get better than this. Putting down the drop cloth is a great idea. I've spent a lot of time looking for dropped screws. Outside lights over gravel driveways are the worst. :)

[@El_Jefe_Zamora]

26:55-26:58 it's all good Jordan, we've all been there, haha.

[@Jaredcouture12676]

I do a lot of fans in a 115 year pulp mill building converted to apartments. Ceilings range from 13 to 17 feet. What I use, and what the kids should shove in your stocking this year are Klien Screw holding screwdrivers. Things are awesome for fans and ceiling lights.

[@odiesclips7621]

Once again, excellent professional work. You boys rock!!!

[@vakitaturcios4066]

Disculpen ese ventilador lleva recector o no

[@nnamrehck]

Your attention to detail is great! I love the fact that you match the color temperature of the lights.

[@LLAMA-LLAMA]

You must be so proud of your son and it’s awesome you both work together. Keep up the great videos and thank you.

[@carlmetzger3971]

Every time I watch one of Stud Pack's videos, I learn something new. Love you guys. Keep them coming!

[@longliveliberty2257]

Your sense of humor about hammering that like button makes me crack up. A joy to watch. Thanks a bunch.

[@donhozy]

Nice attention to detail in your effort to match the color for all the light bulbs.

[@StudPack]

Thx 👍

[@kevinintheusa8984]

I love old Hunter ceiling fans. We have 4 in our older home and they run super fast and quiet. I think all of them are 52 inches and on high they will blow you out of a chair. I absolutely hate the newer fans and especially the remote controls now. The newer Hunter ceiling fans don't seem to blow as well even on high and they all come with those stupid remotes to control the light and fan. I prefer to put my fan controls at the switch and have a fan control along with the light on one box. Hard to lose the controls that way. Love your work and videos. My son and I are remodeling an older home together and I think we have some similar energy and relationship you two have. Great video.

[@milesharlan1]

Great idea about drop cloth and dropping small screws from ceiling fan!! I have done it I think every time I put up a fan!! Keep up the good work!!

[@davidwayneprins]

Watching this video a year after it was published. But it definitely brings back memories from my days working in the electrical department of the local home center and putting up four fans in the two homes I've owned over the past twenty years. Honeywell made fans as early as the mid 90s. We carried one that had a thermostat in the wall switch at that time. Two other common bulb sizes: The bulb in your refrigerator is an A15 and a 3 way is an A21. Other letters are C for cone (night light bulbs), G for Globe (think what is usually above a bathroom mirror) and R for reflector (flood and spot lights) . A is "Appliance" and T is "Tubular" I've always connected black to black and then the light to the red (depending on the manufacturer, that wire in the fan can be red, blue or black with a white stripe)

[@kleinster99]

Great video. One of the best step by step out there. Good job on it

[@smarthome2660]

Very nice video! I just rewired & strengthened all of my 8 ceiling fans. My home is 88 years old and now has modern fans. All 8 have their own remote control plus all 8 are voice controlled as well. Because all rooms have their own Alexa, to turn on a fan or a light all you need to do is ask it and no need to tell Alexa the room you want to control when you are in that room. There are 3 fan groups to control multiple fans from any location, first floor, second floor or all at once. Alexa has control for brightness and fan speed too. For power outages you can set it to last state or off when power returns. If WiFi is down, the wall switches and fan controls work just like normal. You can set routines and schedules if so desired. I notice that one of the fans you installed had a horizontal winter / summer switch. I like them to be vertical so I can remember up is for upward air flow and visa versa.

[@tedd8055]

When I watch your videos I get sucked down a worm hole. I just hit one after the other. Awesome stuff. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@itzNickyJayBeats]

Hey Paul, When I install ceiling fans I use my magnetic wrist band! It's a trooper when it comes to not losing my screws into the oblivion!

[@tbird341]

Fantastic work guy's, great education.

[@iwillburn]

Awesome video guys!, my son Loves fans, we've watched this one a few times now. every video is a delight.

[@user-hc7uh7jn8t]

I put blades on before laying fan in cradle. Have to be careful with blades but saves neck muscles and much easier. Great videos.

[@dostuffchannel]

Extremely thorough explanation of ceiling fan installation. Thank you!

[@k.j.g.9601]

Wow, I REALLY wish this video was available a year ago. Great video you guys, and my wife would have reacted the same way

[@davidoubre1864]

"Is it hanging too low", You know her well! 😆

[@bobpurcell5662]

Thanks again for the new-to-me info: I had never seen the fan installation box before-that sliding bar with 8-32 and 10-32 option is neat. Also, I noticed you had a triple-tap screwdriver (around 32:36) which wouldn't work for your metric ground screw. I have one and it has made my life easier. I volunteer in a RE-Store (Habitat for Humanity) and in refurbishing light fixtures often the brackets to attach to the boxes don't arrive with the used light fixtures. We end up using a universal-type bracket that has multiple spaced holes but usually only two are tapped. It is an easy matter to tap the holes which line up and place the 8-32 screws where needed. And one more thing-I don't know if they are packaged this way in the US, but I always refer to the "square" head as "Robertson" screws here in Canada. And not only can you exert more torque w/o stripping the head, they can be placed on the driver and inserted one-handed.

[@StudPack]

Thx Bob 👍. Robertson was Canadian but I’m sure you know that 👊

[@peteteaokimosh9798]

That was great! Very informative and very helpful . Love the trick for the use of a drop cloth. Keep up the great videos 🤠

[@braydenmatkowski293]

I personally loved the longer video, I’m sure others would agree this was fantastic work. Never need to skip ahead in studpack videos because there is 110% entertainment the whole way through can’t wait to see more progress on your other jobs on the go aswell. This rebuild is coming along beautifully. WOW

[@jonesgang]

Have you ever had the pleasure of installing a ceiling fan that was built in 1921? Hunter made some really great fans in the day. But with that one you have to install a hanger in the attic for the down rod to attach to. Those fans only worked in one direction. So in in order to change the direction of air flow you change the pitch of the blades with a lever at the base of the blades. They were truly an engineering marvel.

[@StudPack]

I’ve done a few older fans that hung off of an eyebolt. Never seen blades that reverse like that 👍

[@Jace0241]

I love the video close-ups. Thank you for the awesome tutorial.

[@larryroyovitz7829]

You remind me of when I used to solder guitar and microphone cables, if you forgot to put the strain relief on and you solder it...worst day ever. :)

[@mikez4132]

Been working in construction for around 20 years. Worked with and learned from electricians and contractors yet never knew or heard mentioned what the number letter designation meant on light bulbs. Lol… great piece of info for my back shelf knowledge lol. I cant wait to ask someone for the 11 8th light bulb hahahah

[@StudPack]

Thx Mike 👍

[@gotellhismercy]

Really enjoy how you explain things. I have that same big fan. Very helpful video thank you!

[@MikeZMonroe]

Learn more practical diy stuff in one video here than entire season of the scripted and rehearsed This Old House episodes. Like all the little features in a electrical box, I’ll never remember them all.

[@devinm9245]

you won't remember them all no one does until they put into to practice, but being exposed to it has intrinsic value. you don't gain knowledge per say but you do gain understanding

[@wwilliams1358]

Great info on the bulb sizes 1/8"...never knew what that was for. Nice installs, and would like to see one with a remote installation. I'm about to change out 3 fans for some Hunters, and I just had to laugh when you asked how long before mom says it's too short! I seem to have that problem too with my wife, so now I always have her check before the final step...then it stays!

[@karenmitchell6814]

That fan/light switch that came with the Hunter fan is my favorite non- remote enabled switch. I’ve gone through several fan/light switches over the years for all my fans (I live in AZ, fans in almost every room) and that is the one that has made the keep-list. (Edit: yes you can buy them separately.) Now if only it was Alexa enabled as well!

[@TorBoy9]

The controller for the hunter fan is pretty cool, only needing a single switch. Nice design.

[@curiouscat3384]

Excellent camera work Jordan! I can see every detail.

[@l.rod2827]

Always learn something new with you guys, awesome...

[@DaddyBeanDaddyBean]

When attaching fan blades, I always attach all of them with the screws just barely snugged up, then go around and tighten them all down kind of medium-firm, and around one more time to full tightness. It seems to let them settle into position, so to speak, nice and even around the perimeter of the motor, with less chance of one being canted off to the side and therefore out of balance.

[@JoeDAngelo4u]

Looks good, during the start as electrical contractor installing fans, all ways used lock tight on fan blade screws it keeps them from coming loose .

[@joebinion1]

Really loving the longer video great tutorial on installing ceiling fans god bless you guys

[@elliotsimpson3591]

Oh trust me, my Euro friends... Some of us in the states hate freedom units just as much as you guys! The metric system is SO MUCH EASIER and actually makes sense!

[@mikeschwendeman4403]

Big box stores have different length and color down rods. Your method works if the store isn't close. Great video

[@patrickdriscoll7881]

Three great electrical tips today. Light bulb size interesting for conversation. White drop cloth below ladder = old man strength (brains). Unibit for enlarging holes in wood is genius and safer/cleaner than trying to use a larger paddle/spade bit.

[@carterbarns843]

I am so glad you said that about lining up the stripped insulation on the joint rather than lining up the ends of the wire. So many guys, I see, line up the end of the wire with their lineman and then twist the joint. When you do it like that, your insulation is uneven at the bottom of the wire nut. I’d rather line up the insulation and then cut to wire nut length after you have twisted. So glad you said that!! Always drives me crazy!

[@poorfesor]

I watch a lot of craftsmen, you have become my favorite in the home contractor.

[@StudPack]

Thx 👊👍

[@jwg19444]

👍 That drill guide is slick; thanks for the video and tips.

[@Aepek]

1:48 oh, WE HAVE ALL BEEN THERE, at least ONCE🤣 If it happens twice, well…..🤪 Great vids and great times. Enjoy hanging out with you both✌🏻

[@Cnightz]

Hit me with a Heart. This channel is what's up!

[@backplomer]

Great vid mate, I’ve done hundreds and hundreds of fans, we always fully assemble on the ground, blades and all, also take out the pin in the top of the rod and remove all the covers, makes getting the rod in easier. Also here in oz, 240v , real man’s electricity 😂😂😂 we can just screw the hanging bracket straight to the ceiling and conceal all the wiring behind the top cover, also most of our fans now come with plugs fitted to the bracket and the fan , so the house wiring attaches to the bracket and then the fan just plugs in once you lift it up , super easy 😃✌️

[@jaymesmith7361]

Loving the content guys!!! Im on covid watch from work and y'all are keeping me entertained and from going crazy stuck here at the house, lol.

[@StudPack]

Much appreciated 💪👍

[@billballeza377]

Excellent tutorial, thank y’all!

[@eastcoastmodz5195]

25:08 Suggestion: place painters tape (couple of passes) over the down rod so when tightening with a wrench it doesn't scratch the down rod. Cheers. Loving the videos.

[@oldnstillworkin5709]

Great job boys! I always use my cordless on all them screws

[@travisk5589]

I remember back when one needed to hold the ceiling fan in the air while the wires were hooked up. Fans have become so easy to install

[@Titantitan001]

I was just freakin thinking that lol. Clever! A lot of the new methods seem so obvious but we were the idiots that kept installing the fans instead of coming up with a easier way and sitting on a beach! Hah! Cheers mate

[@kenmore01]

Yep, I remember doing that at my sister's house about 12 years ago. It was a hoot!

[@jonesgang]

For future reference. On the ceiling bracket there is a small L hook. You attach the dust cover to that hook to hold the fan while you wire it. Trust me it is there. Done thousands of ceiling fan installs.

[@J-Irv]

If you fully assemble the fan and then hang it I find easier. You don’t have to go up and down the ladder to assemble the fan. Just connect have the wires. Great professional work as always👍

[@eyeonart6865]

Great filming and instructions! Thanks!

[@Jamie-zs4yc]

Wago Lever Nut would had easily fit in that for sure. I'm not a fan of the push-in style. But most Electricians in Europe used the Wago Lever connectors. Keep the videos coming!! Awesome

[@alandaters8547]

The wagos also make connections between solid and stranded wire more secure and much easier to do while up on a ladder!

[@lynoreabbott1010]

It's impressive how you don't get frustrated when you have to re-do something. I dropped my cotter pin into the motor housing, my down rod was too short, I had a stripped screw in my old junction box, and I broke a bulb. In the 2nd room, the junction box was too high, had to get spacers, we tried with and without a downrod, and apparently when we put the blades on, we accidentally rotated the housing so we can't get to the winter/summer switch. So frustrated. My son and I were yelling at each other every 30 minutes.

[@jeffweber8244]

Another great video. Didn't know about the bulb size code. Only change I would have made was to wrap the tip & threads of the ground screw inside the tube with some tape to prevent a nick of the wires.

[@peehandshihtzu]

There is also a bit called a combo bit that has the square drive with a slotted put together. I know Klein makes some, I like them especially for wiring because of the frequencies of that type of screw terminal found in common devices. They are nice because it gives you the torque of a slotted bit and the grip of a square drive. You won't strip out the square on cheaply made lugs. :)

[@sunriseorsunset328]

The bit type is known as "ecx" designed for electrical screws. I happen to have them in both my Klein and Milwaukee multi-bit screwdrivers. Many other brands now made them.

[@peehandshihtzu]

@@sunriseorsunset328 That's cool, I don't know what I would do without mine. Do you know what ECX stands for by chance??? :)

[@sunriseorsunset328]

@@peehandshihtzu My guess is "Electrical Combination". Some of my bits/drivers are marked C.1, C.2, C.3 without any "E or X"

[@peehandshihtzu]

@@sunriseorsunset328 Interesting, that would make sense. :)

[@john.french]

Excellent video! Nice guessing on how long the chief designer requests a change. Works the same in my house! Like button cooled

[@adhen_K]

Liked & Subscribed! Great video! Appreciate you guys putting these out! Looking forward to learning more from your channel!

[@bigneilh]

Wow I learned something todfay! the number is the 1/8's of an inch. I guess that makes sense now but never realized it. Thanks!

[@kevinintheusa8984]

I bought some aluminum rod and bent a hook on one end that is 90 degrees to the rod then another hook on the other end. Then when I work on a fan I hand the ball end on the larger hood and then hood the other end to the box so it will leave more room to wire everything up. My Dad used to cut up a coat hanger and do the same thing. I think I hung 6 fans in one of our houses in a day and it really helps with getting the wires connected and tucked out of the way if you have a bit more room.

[@sokalsophia4687]

This is a great great great video! I really loved that you actually shared ! Many others say they do but… not so much.

[@SOLDTONORM]

Great photography!!!

[@jimcooksey812]

I love my Hunter fan... talks to Alexa... VERY good air movement!

[@chikudon1]

I liked your explanation about what B11Bulb means. I didn't know that. Thank you.

[@snagelpuss44]

Thanks so much for the super helpful video!!

[@luisamezcua1504]

Great explanation thank you. Enjoy your videos

[@stevebowser7248]

Ah, you reminded me of a long drop I had to had build back in 1988. We had an octagon tower element over the breakfast area - we needed a 9' drop. Just what you said, took a piece of 3/4" RGS pipe, filed down any irregularities, cleaned any oil residue (any store bought pipe bought RGS has residue) and did about 4 coats of rattle can white. Looked perfect. Everyone who looked at it couldn't believe the drop length. We did have to spend some time to balance that bad boy!

[@StudPack]

Cool. The wires were long enough?

[@stevebowser7248]

@@StudPack Actually we spliced them with wire nuts in the downwrod. Had to stagger them out since they couldn't sit side to side but they fit in the pipe. We figured it the downrod was grounded and not combustible.

[@StudPack]

👍

[@thomasdavidson7057]

You make these tasks very interesting

[@StudPack]

Thx Thomas 👍

[@landarrows1810]

Very informative. Thank you so much.

[@CARLOSTREUIL]

I think the biggest lesson learned is to have the boss approve the fan blade color and height before final wire up.

[@robertsalazar5061]

Very nice and well explained!!!

[@devinm9245]

thanks for uploading!

[@ibreakchains]

Love your videos!

[@andrewblair1813]

love watching your videos... did not know how light bulb type and size worked. I don't know if you have ever mentioned it or not.. green square is a a #1 Robertson..yellow is #0.. red is #2.. black is#3 and brown is #4. Thank you for the great content..you guys do amazing work!!

[@AndrewBurtonS-group]

your videos are so helpful thanks a ton.