Five simple steps for repairing a ceiling fan

Unbalanced or damaged blades are the cause of almost all problems with ceiling fans. Here's how to fix the problem in five simple steps.

• Ladder
• Stick and pencil
• Small weights, duct tape and glue
• Cleaning cloth
• Angle finder
• Screwdriver or wrench (if required)
• Replacement blade or blades (if required)

• Turn your ceiling fan off before you do any work on it.

• If your fan wobbles, it's probably due to unbalanced blades.
• Hold a stick against the ceiling at right angles to one of the blades.
• Mark the spot where the blade hits the stick.
• Rotate the fan by hand, noting the hit points of the remaining blades.
• If the hit points don't align, the blades are out of balance.

• Check that the blades are all at the same angle (normally 13 to 15 degrees).
• You'll need an angle finder for a precise measurement.
• Grasp the blade with both hands and gently bend the mounting struts up or down as needed to realign the blade.
• Alternatively, tape a small weight on the upper side of the blade, test, and glue the weight in place when the angle is right.

• Even if your fan doesn't wobble, check the blades for signs of damage such as corrosion.
• To remove damaged blades, undo the mounting attachments with a screwdriver or wrench and take them down.

• Make sure the replacement blades are a precise match.
• If they are too large or small, the fan will wobble.
• When replacing a blade, make sure that all screws and fittings are securely fastened.

• Check the fan at all speeds after you've made your adjustments.
• If you have replaced a blade or blades and the fan still wobbles, check the alignment again.
• Clean all the blades, paying particular attention to the leading edges of metal blades (where corrosion is common), to finish off the job.

Follow these five simple steps and you'll likely find fixing a ceiling fan with unbalanced or damaged blades even easier.