EZ-Brace101 Ceiling Fan Support Bracket

I bought 2 of these, because I was installing 2 ceiling fans in our 2 spare bedrooms. The first install went well. One has to spend some time figuring out how/where the can light fixture is attached to the joist, so that the bracket can be attached at the proper orientation. Also, I had to cut out a small piece of drywall, so that the trailing edge of the bracket would fit flush with the ceiling, otherwise, it goes in a little slanted. Another thing I did is to mark where I would be drilling thru the can, and I drilled some pilot holes in the can. This makes it much easier to screw-in and seat the supplied wood screws. On the second install, it took me about 30 minutes to realize that the can light fixture was not side-attached to a joist at all. Instead, it was somehow mounted from above. I was able to add a few wood screws for additional strength, but on this install, I did not need the EZ-Brace 101 so I returned it to Amazon, unopened, for a refund. One final note, if you're not a carpenter, or an electrician, this installation process takes a lot longer, because there is a distinct element of trial-and-error that an experienced builder would not have to deal with. The EZ-Brace 101 is a fine product, and if/when we install another ceiling fan, I'm planning on using it, if the light can fixture allows for it. Another nice thing about this product is that you don't have to get up into the attic to add bracing to the can fixture. My attic is filled with 18 inches of insulation, and it would have been a nightmare for me to get up there to find those light cans. So glad I did not have to do that.

For Christmas, my granddaughters wanted ceiling fans in their bedrooms. No problem as I have installed 10+ over the years. Unfortunately, I seen discovered the ceiling light box receptacle was not suitable for a ceiling fan. The box was nailed to a ceiling joist and retrofitting a ceiling fan rated box was going to be a bit of work. On YouTube, I came across the EZ Brace 101 video. This product would work since the existing box was nailed to a ceiling joist.I just installed the first fan today using the EZ Brace 101. It worked great. This is a QUALITY and well thought out product. And it is structurally strong ! It comes with the lag screws, torx bits, shims and screw assortment in the package. I did find it easier to predrill a hole in the receptacle box for the the first lag screw. Now my 2 grandsons want ceiling fans in their bedrooms so I just ordered 2 more EZ Braces. At $24, the cost may seem a bit high but it comes with all necessary itens for install plus its a lot easier and better solution for retrofitting a ceiling fan into a not suitable ceiling box.

My house is a 1952 house with cloth wire running to the light boxes. The box itself is a metal box mounted to the joist on the side. No way was I going to attempt to install a new fan-approved box and risk having to rewire the whole house. This ingenious product did the trick. I had to make significant modifications to the light box, which was too shallow for the brace, which took a while and frustration, but once I'd done that, and also drilled through the box the EZ Brace 101 went right in, through the PRE-DRILLED holes and into the joist, solid. If my box had been either the same depth, or plastic, I'd have had it installed in about five minutes. (As a teacher, I'd forgotten what day it was, on a Saturday, and called the number on the package information sheet. Robert answered and described how to adapt my metal to accept the brace and still remain in code for fan installation, box even on a Saturday.)

This is an excellent product! Works great.

I realized a had an old Bakelite box in the ceiling, and the large screw from the EZ Bracket shattered the box requiring rework. Also, the ground lug location on the EZ Bracket interfered with my fan bracket, making it impossible to get the fan tight to the ceiling. I’m sure it has its applications, but mine wasn’t it. I did not use this product.

Easiest install as compared to the spreader bar type ! I would use the spreader bar where possible but for the locations that will not allow it this products works Great !

It fits and works properly.

It took the installer about 30 seconds to install the Ez-Brace 101, without having to go into the crawlspace. The ceiling fan was an outdoor/model, so it was very heavy, no problem.I wish everything in life went this easy.