Fix Pull Chains On Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans provide soothing bursts for fresh air in any room, adding much-needed circulation and cooling. Many older homes, especially those without air conditioning, have failing ceiling fans in-need of basic upkeep. One of the most obnoxious parts of ceiling fan repair can be a snapped pull chain. It can be very frustrating to have to pull out a stepladder or chair to get at the shortened, half-broken chain. Luckily, if your fan itself is not damaged, simply fixing the chain is relatively simple with the right tools.

Instructions

1. Keep the broken piece of chain. In most cases, you can reuse this to prevent stylistic clashes or unnecessary spending on a new chain.

2. Determine whether your chain is beaded or linked. A beaded chain will consist of several small metallic balls strung together---this type of chain common for ceiling fans. A linked chain looks more like a traditional chain, with individual, circular links connecting together.

3. Use needle-nose pliers to bend apart the link on the broken end of a linked chain. Do not stretch the link open to form a larger, gaping circle. Instead, gently bend it sideways to retain the circular shape and create a gap without opening up the link itself. If your links do not have pre-cut seams for easy bending, you'll need to purchase a small metallic ring and bend it accordingly.

4. Insert the broken, freshly bent end of the chain into the lowest link hanging from the ceiling. Twist the link back into place, removing the gap.

5. Use a small connector clasp for beaded chains. These chains are much easier to fix than the linked chains described in Step 3. Simply snap the clasp onto the ends of the pull chain. While the supplies for linked chains can be easily purchased at hardware stores, such clasps are more often available at jewelry sellers and craft stores.

Tags: ceiling fans, linked chain, linked chains, pull chain, small metallic