How to Fix a Wobbly Ceiling Fan

How to fix a wobbly ceiling fan

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Project Overview
  • Total Time: 30 - 45 mins
  • Yield: Fix a wobbly ceiling fan
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $5 to $30

A wobbly ceiling fan is ineffective and annoying, and it can be dangerous if it falls from the ceiling. Knowing how to fix a wobbly ceiling fan ensures its long life, safe operation, and efficient air handling.

Learn simple, inexpensive, and effective ways to fix a wobbly ceiling fan—without having to remove the ceiling fan.

Safety Considerations

Warning

Ensure that the power to the ceiling fan is shut off at the circuit breaker, not just at the wall switch, remote, or chain on the fan. Be careful when working on the fan while standing on the ladder.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Tape measure
  • Extendable duster
  • Microfiber towels
  • Step ladder
  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Dropcloth
  • Dust mask

Materials

  • Ceiling fan blade balancing kit
  • 5 replacement ceiling fan blades (if needed)
  • 5 replacement ceiling fan blade arms (if needed)

Instructions

Tools needed to fix a wobbly ceiling fan

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  1. Cut Power to the Ceiling Fan

    Shut off power to the ceiling fan by flipping off the circuit breaker at the electric service panel.

    Turning off the power supply to the ceiling fan

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  2. Cover the Floor

    Cover the floor directly below the ceiling fan with a dropcloth or plastic sheeting.

    Covering the floor beneath the ceiling fan with plastic sheeting

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  3. Clean the Fan Blades

    Clean the fan blades with the extendable duster. Hold a free blade with one hand to stabilize the fan. Start at the center and pull the duster outward until the dust drops from the blade. Clean all blades.

    Dusting off the fan blades

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  4. Remove the Canopy

    Remove the canopy by first removing the canopy cover ring. The canopy is the metal, dome-shaped part that hugs the ceiling, covering the mounting bracket and hanger ball.

    Removing the canopy to the ceiling fan

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  5. Check the Stability of the Mounting Bracket

    Grasp the mounting bracket and wiggle it to check for stability. If you can access the attic with a flashlight, this is an alternate way to inspect the strength of these items.

    Checking the stability of the ceiling fan bracket

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  6. Check the Hanger Ball

    Lift the ceiling fan by the downrod to ensure the hanger ball is correctly seated in the bracket. The hanger ball is meant to be flexible within the mounting bracket, allowing the fan to hang level.

    Checking the hanger ball

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  7. Replace Components and Test Fan

    Reattach the canopy and the canopy ring. Turn the power back on at the electric service panel. Test the fan. If it is still wobbling, turn the power off again and proceed to the following steps: securing and rebalancing the fan blades.

    Replacing the canopy and testing the fan

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  8. Check Fan Blade Height

    Use a ruler or tape measure to measure the distance from the top of each fan blade to the ceiling. Be sure to measure each blade at the same point. All measurements should be the same or within 1/4-inch.

    Measuring the fan blades' distance from the ceiling

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  9. Tighten the Fan Blades to the Blade Arms

    Blade arms are the T-shaped metal pieces that attach the fan blades to the ceiling fan. If any fan blades are drooping because they are loosely connected to the blade arms, use a screwdriver to tighten them.

    Tightening the fan blades

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  10. Replace Fan Blade Arms

    Replace the fan blade arms if they are bent or distorted. Bent fan blade arms are difficult to bend back into shape, so it's best to install replacement fan blade arms.

    Replacing the fan blade arms

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  11. Replace Fan Blades

    Entirely replace warped or sagging ceiling fan blades. Fan blades tend to be sold in five-packs, so it's best to replace all fan blades at once.

    Replacing the fan blades

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  12. Balance the Ceiling Fan

    Balance the ceiling fan by adding weighted clips to the blades.

    Attach a plastic balancing clip from the balancing kit to the middle of any fan blade. Turn on the fan and observe for wobbles. Shift the clip from blade to blade to see if this eliminates the wobble.

    When you find the blade causing the wobble, shift the clip along the length of the fan blade until the wobbling is gone. Use the adhesive to stick the weight in place.

    Adding the fan blade balancers

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

When to Call a Professional

If the ceiling fan is defective, have a home repair service or electrician replace the ceiling fan. If the electrical box is loose within the ceiling, you may also decide to have a professional replace the box.

FAQ
  • Could a ceiling fan fall if it is wobbly?

    Minor ceiling fan noises and wobbles will progressively become worse. These wobbles can loosen the mounting system or motor and may cause the ceiling fan to fall. Even a low-speed setting is not a safe mode of operation for a wobbly ceiling fan.

  • Do ceiling fans that have downrods wobble?

    Ceiling fans with downrobs can slightly wobble. The longer the downrod, the more potential for this type of minor wobbling. Anything more than a slight wobble should be corrected.

  • How do I know if my ceiling fan is going to fall?

    One way to know if your ceiling fan will fail is if wobbles are left unchecked. Wobbles can eventually loosen the mounting system or motor and damage the fan. A ceiling fan that is going to fail may wobble or make noises. It may also show sparks or cracks, or it may shed broken pieces