Permanent Fix for Plastic Vortex Fan Crank Handle

[Robert]

After over-tightening and stripping the plastic crank knob on the Vortex fan in our 16DB, I spent probably a couple of hours on the internet looking for a replacement, to no avail.  Now granted, I probably could have contacted the fan manufacturer directly and gotten a replacement, but the more I thought about it, I decided I really didn't want another plastic handle to strip out again. So I ordered a metal 3" crank handle and a 2" metal extension (2 to a pack) from Amazon.  Here are the links:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006P1K6XY/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BQWVY6/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also had to go to the hardware store to get a 3" screw, as the one included with the crank handle was 1/4" to short.  I don't know the thread size, but the guy at the hardware store was glad to match up what I brought him. It cost me all of 25 cents. Pictured are the results.

If I had it to do over, I'd have gotten a 1/2" shorter crank, but I wasn't sure when I ordered if that would work.  You could possibly go 3/4" shorter and still have clearance, but I'm not sure.  I'm very happy with it, and I don't think we will hit our heads on it at all.  As a plus, it cranks up and down faster than the plastic knob.

[Paul]

Nice work! That is a really good idea

[Robert]

Thanks, I figure if anybody else breaks or strips out the plastic crank on their fan, this might help them with a quick fix that will also be more durable.