Unbalanced blades cause ceiling fans to wobble or squeal.
Unbalanced fan blades can cause problems such as shaking and squealing. Besides being annoying, balance problems also cause the fan to work improperly, lowering the amount of air flow that would normally be recirculated if the blades were balanced. Most hardware stores offer fan blade balancing kits that include a weighted clip and self-adhering weights. It is possible, however, to use household items at little or no expense to balance your fan blade and get the air flowing in your home.
Instructions
1. Turn the ceiling fan off and allow it to completely stop. Place a stepladder directly beneath the fan.
2. Clip up to three clothespins about halfway down the lower part of one of the fan blades. If the blades have a slight wobble, use one clothespin. For more severe wobbling or squealing, use two or three clothespins.
3. Set the fan to turn counterclockwise and turn it onto its highest speed. If the wobbling still occurs, turn the fan off and wait for the blades to come to a complete halt.
4. Remove the clothespins and move them to the blade next to the first blade. Place them in the same spot and then turn the fan on again.
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for each fan blade until you find the unbalanced blade. The fan will stop wobbling or squealing when the clothespins are attached to the .
6. Stop the fan and dampen a rag in soapy water. Clean the top of the unbalanced fan blade, rinse it with water and dry it with a towel. The surface must be clean for the tape to adhere.
7. Tape as many 3/8-inch washers as clothespins to the top of the unbalanced fan blade in the same area as the clothespins. Place the washer so that it is centered in between the blade edges.
8. Turn the fan on. If the fan still wobbles or squeals, test other blades for balance using the same process until the wobbling or squealing stops.
Tags: unbalanced blade, wobbling squealing, , three clothespins, Unbalanced blades