Some ceiling fan vent cover screws won't go in.

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Topic: Some ceiling fan vent cover screws won't go in. (Read 530 times) previous topic - next topic

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Some ceiling fan vent cover screws won't go in.

December 12, 2020, 10:00:13 pm

We bought ceiling fan vent covers for our rig and just installed them last week. The vent covers snap on to the vent frame from the inside. So you have to install the metal snaps on the vent frame so the covers will snap on. The vent covers come with screws and the metal snap-on pieces. When we tried to screw the screws provided with the vent covers into the hole (after removing the original screw) we hit something hard and the screw would not go all the way in. (The screws provided with the vent covers are a little longer than the original screws in the vent frame). This happened on one screw hole in the bathroom vent and one on the the bedroom vent. Don't want to force the screw for fear it is hitting something that we could damage. Any suggestions for how to install these screws and snap-on pieces so our vent covers will snap in all four corners of the vent?

Re: Some ceiling fan vent cover screws won't go in.

Reply #1 – December 12, 2020, 10:11:05 pm

"...the screw would not go all the way in."

Solution = shorter screw! Use the same diameter in a slightly shorter length, at least for those which won't seat. And stainless steel would be preferable for all where they are likely to be exposed to the weather.

If you have a Dremel tool (or a file) you could try grinding down the tip of the screws you have.

Re: Some ceiling fan vent cover screws won't go in.

Reply #2 – December 13, 2020, 10:38:48 am

My husband bought several different types of screws at hardware store to try this. The screw needs a very specific head shape in order to fit into the metal snap on piece. (See picture which shows #1 original screw in frame, #2 vent cover screw, #3 metal snap on piece, #5 vent cover screw with metal snap on piece placed on head.) If the head is too big it will stick out of the metal snap on piece and the vent cover will not snap on to it. The original screw in the vent frame is short and fat. The fan vent cover screw is longer and narrower. But we have not yet been able to find the screw that will fit into the metal snap on piece - and screw all the way into its hole without hitting hard point (for two screws). Guess we keep hunting for the screw with needed configuration. We will be at the Mothership first week of January to replace a white window shade. Will also ask Todd about it. May end up being a supplemental velcro solution. Seems like a piddly problem - I know - but things like this bug me! Thanks for taking the time to offer a suggestion!

Re: Some ceiling fan vent cover screws won't go in.

Reply #3 – December 13, 2020, 10:47:04 am

Maybe contact the manufacturer of the vent covers for screw length/head size, shape options?

On edit:

A Brief Introduction to the Different Types of Screw Heads - Home Quicks

Re: Some ceiling fan vent cover screws won't go in.

Reply #4 – December 13, 2020, 11:14:02 am

When I bought the vent covers, I just used the existing screws and had no problem. I had previously used reflectix panels. I trimmed them to fit in the vent for double insulation.
YMMV
If the screw doesn't go in tightly, dip a flat toothpick in wood glue and insert into the hole before driving screw.
Joel

Re: Some ceiling fan vent cover screws won't go in.

Reply #5 – December 13, 2020, 12:16:05 pm

The hard spot you hit when drilling pilot holes maybe one of the three steel roll bars, the roll bars can be drilled too.

Larry

Re: Some ceiling fan vent cover screws won't go in.

Reply #6 – December 13, 2020, 12:19:17 pm

Are the screws so long that they may be going all the way through the framework and hitting either the metal flange on the vent or the roof aluminum?

Jon

Re: Some ceiling fan vent cover screws won't go in.

Reply #7 – December 13, 2020, 03:20:28 pm

"Very specific head shape..."

I believe what you need and are speaking of is called a 'Oval-head' screw. See the link below... they are available in both 'dome head' and flat head types.

McMaster-Carr

Re: Some ceiling fan vent cover screws won't go in.

Reply #8 – December 16, 2020, 10:23:08 am

Thanks for all the suggestions folks! I will use the info to track down a suitable screw for my ceiling vents!

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