how to remove this plastic thingi

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Jul 5th, 2021 4:41 pm

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Jul 1st, 2021 2:29 pm

buysell2008 [OP]: Member; Aug 25, 2020; 351 posts; 88 upvotes; oshawa

Jul 1st, 2021 2:29 pm

how to remove this plastic thingi

i want to remove the plastic light holder and replace with fan rated holder to install the fan. How do i remove it as i dont see any screws inside of it. plus the earlier fan holder has 1 screw that is just spinning and not unfastening.
https://i.imgur.com/R5zyQeo.mp4

15 replies

Jul 1st, 2021 2:45 pm

fordmaple: Deal Addict; Nov 6, 2014; 1298 posts; 2360 upvotes; 0 downvotes (Maple,O…

Jul 1st, 2021 2:45 pm

It likely looks like this and can't be removed without cutting the drywall:

Jul 1st, 2021 2:46 pm

ChicoQuente: Deal Fanatic; Jun 21, 2003; 5990 posts; 3411 upvotes; Stoney Creek, ON

Jul 1st, 2021 2:46 pm

The box is fastened from the exterior of the box. You can either slide a sawsall blade up the side to cut the screws or nails or just start breaking the box apart until you can access them.

Here is what the box likely looks like.

+1

Jul 1st, 2021 4:05 pm

buysell2008 [OP]: Member; Aug 25, 2020; 351 posts; 88 upvotes; oshawa

Jul 1st, 2021 4:05 pm

would this be rated to hold a fan? i dont have to remove it if i dont need to

Jul 1st, 2021 7:33 pm

ChicoQuente: Deal Fanatic; Jun 21, 2003; 5990 posts; 3411 upvotes; Stoney Creek, ON

Jul 1st, 2021 7:33 pm

buysell2008 wrote: ↑ would this be rated to hold a fan? i dont have to remove it if i dont need to

I wouldn’t put a fan on that personally. I think they are rated up to 50lbs but keep in mind a fan is heavy and also due to vibration can exert more downward force.

EDIT: On top of that you’ve already mentioned you’ve stripped a thread. Do you really want to install a fan on a single good screw?

Jul 1st, 2021 7:46 pm

buysell2008 [OP]: Member; Aug 25, 2020; 351 posts; 88 upvotes; oshawa

Jul 1st, 2021 7:46 pm

granted, i will get rid of this.
i have 3 more like this that i have to remove to swap for a new fan that i can save the chore.

Jul 1st, 2021 8:50 pm

Askari: Sr. Member; Aug 16, 2007; 929 posts; 125 upvotes; Richmond Hill

Jul 1st, 2021 8:50 pm

Install one of these for the fan after you’ve removed the old box

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/westin ... 1000185436

+2

Jul 1st, 2021 10:23 pm

Agent240sx: Jr. Member; May 10, 2006; 129 posts; 74 upvotes

Jul 1st, 2021 10:23 pm

Its this on the second floor? Is this box accessible from the attic? it is best removed there, it will probably be covered by a vapor barrier (if located on 2nd floor) making it even harder to remove from the room side.

It is doable from the room side but you would probably have to head up there anyhow to reinforce the new junction box to safely support the weight of the fan. As well as add new vapor barrier you removed/cut to remove the old plastic box.

Jul 1st, 2021 10:51 pm

buysell2008 [OP]: Member; Aug 25, 2020; 351 posts; 88 upvotes; oshawa

Jul 1st, 2021 10:51 pm

my plan is to cut the plastic out and install this. https://www.homedepot.ca/product/westin ... 1000185436

where will the vapour barrier be? it probably would be above the joist right?

Jul 2nd, 2021 7:37 am

ChicoQuente: Deal Fanatic; Jun 21, 2003; 5990 posts; 3411 upvotes; Stoney Creek, ON

Jul 2nd, 2021 7:37 am

buysell2008 wrote: ↑ my plan is to cut the plastic out and install this. https://www.homedepot.ca/product/westin ... 1000185436

where will the vapour barrier be? it probably would be above the joist right?

You likely can’t use that product in your location without cutting a new hole in the ceiling. Your existing box is mounted directly to a joist as that is the only proper method to secure that box. In theory someone could have built it out on some blocking but that would still be in your way. Your issue will be that the retro product you want to use will not allow your box to be as close to the stud as your existing box so you’ll need to open more if the ceiling for the opening of your new box.

I would consider a traditional style octagon that is fan rated. There’s a sturdy one that I get at the supplier that is a heavy duty box and has 3 large wood screws already in the frame. It would work better for your location. Call up your local Gerrie/Westburne/Nedco and they can help you out.

Jul 2nd, 2021 9:27 am

GoodFellaz: Deal Fanatic; Jun 24, 2015; 7913 posts; 2655 upvotes; 0 downvotes

Jul 2nd, 2021 9:27 am

only proper way is to go into the attic and remove it and install the new box, make sure to shut the hydro off before you do it tho

Supermarket worker at Fortino's
I'm Not a Wise Guy but more of a Good Fella~!
Drive an Escalade

Jul 2nd, 2021 9:09 pm

Tommy74: Deal Fanatic; Jun 26, 2009; 5294 posts; 5086 upvotes; GTA

Jul 2nd, 2021 9:09 pm

Are people still installing ceiling fans? Are we back in the '80s?

I know, know " back home we only use fans" etc, but here AC units are widely available and way more efficient

.

Watch this guy getting comfortable with ceiling fan on 90 day fiancé

Images

Jul 5th, 2021 10:48 am

buysell2008 [OP]: Member; Aug 25, 2020; 351 posts; 88 upvotes; oshawa

Jul 5th, 2021 10:48 am

ok, got into the attic and removed the plastic thing
before removal

after removal
https://i.imgur.com/m09Q7k8.mp4

need to get a fan rated replacement with all the soft cushioning and all.
what was interesting was there was no moisture barrier between teh plastic thingi. it was all the puffy attic stuff. i have trampled on some of it and so it might not look as deep as before.

need to fix the insulation for later when i finish with the other 2 rooms too

Jul 5th, 2021 3:40 pm

GoodFellaz: Deal Fanatic; Jun 24, 2015; 7913 posts; 2655 upvotes; 0 downvotes

Jul 5th, 2021 3:40 pm

Tommy74 wrote: ↑ Are people still installing ceiling fans? Are we back in the '80s? I know, know " back home we only use fans" etc, but here AC units are widely available and way more efficient .

Watch this guy getting comfortable with ceiling fan on 90 day fiancé :

even in a home with central air, the upstairs will be a few degrees warmer, a ceiling fan makes the world of a difference to keep your rooms cool in the summer and spring

Supermarket worker at Fortino's
I'm Not a Wise Guy but more of a Good Fella~!
Drive an Escalade

+1

Jul 5th, 2021 4:29 pm

Tommy74: Deal Fanatic; Jun 26, 2009; 5294 posts; 5086 upvotes; GTA

Jul 5th, 2021 4:29 pm

GoodFellaz wrote: ↑ even in a home with central air, the upstairs will be a few degrees warmer, a ceiling fan makes the world of a difference to keep your rooms cool in the summer and spring

Nah, after completely sealing gaps on basement duct work, lighter color shingles and few extra inches of attic insulation the temperature difference is barely noticeable. Keep the furnace fan running all the time to circulate air better.

Jul 5th, 2021 4:41 pm

TLSRULZ: Deal Addict; Apr 18, 2005; 3631 posts; 1857 upvotes; Mississauga

Jul 5th, 2021 4:41 pm

Tommy74 wrote: ↑ Nah, after completely sealing gaps on basement duct work, lighter color shingles and few extra inches of attic insulation the temperature difference is barely noticeable. Keep the furnace fan running all the time to circulate air better.

I did that and its still 2-3C warmer upstairs.. I have ceiling fans in all the bedrooms.. on low they move air and it makes a world of difference.
The other thing is using the bathroom fans to exhaust the hot air as that gets collected up top.

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