Gristle

Stripped Screw Hole in Ceiling Advice

https://lemmy.world/post/966841

Stripped Screw Hole in Ceiling Advice - Lemmy.world

I was hanging a ceiling fan in this room when I discovered that the mounting screw holes in the electrical box are stripped. My dad has suggested using JB Weld putty, letting it cure, drilling it out with a small bit and then using wood screws. First time homeowner and have neither the confidence nor the expertise to completely replace the box. Is my dad’s route the best course of action or is it a waste of time and/or dangerous to go that route?

Jul 3, 2023 at 12:49amWeb
Show threadSpaceNoodleJul 3, 2023

Now is the perfect time to learn how to install a rework box!

I’d be wary of trusting JB-weld to prevent a ceiling fan from crushing my family.

Show threadTwiddleTwaddleJul 3, 2023
I’ve never installed an old work ceiling fan box, but they definitely exist for exactly this purpose.
Show threadGristleJul 3, 2023
Thank you for the reply! Yeah, that’s what I was worried about too. I don’t know enough about jb weld to judge one way or the other so I thought I’d see what some strangers thought and that’s enough for me to avoid it.
Show threadAbidingOhmsLawJul 3, 2023

You could tap the holes one size bigger and use new screws. HOWEVER, You should replace to box with a “old work” box designed for ceiling fans. Using a box that is not made to hold a fan or using the stripped holes is inviting a ceiling fan to fall on you head.

Old work boxes for fans have a bar with spike that extend to span the joists and drive the spike into them, this supports the weight of the fan properly.

mobileimages.lowes.com/…/08782498.jpg?size=pdhi

Show threadjadesayadeJul 3, 2023

Op, I’m an electrician. This comment is the best advice. All boxes used for fans need to be fan-rated. This is possible to do without attic access.

I haven’t watched the video but this looks to be an okay start: youtu.be/DKWeyydoYTI

Just remember that ceiling fans are heavy and the little wiggle over time will cause more wear and tear than you might think.

Best of luck!

How To Install A Fan Box

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