Fantastic Fan Vent Opening Knob - Ouch

db_cooper

Has anyone found a smaller knob, or done any modification to make this knob more flush to the fan?  It's the most common place I've skinned my head,  and it really doesn't need to be that big of a knob.  If I lived in there full time,  I'd probably have the muscle memory to miss it,  but seems like I at least graze it once a trip.

I took the knob off, hoping I could fashion a smaller one, but it's integrated into the unit with a metal sleeve and the screw goes the entire length. 

jkjenn

I agree and have wondered the same thing. It really hurts!

ericnliz

db_cooper & jkjenn, Wow, I'm tall, and haven't hit it yet..... Only thought I have right now would be a bright colored tennis ball with a slit cut in it to cover it and soften the blow & make 'ya more aware of it. Let's ask the mod gurus....dalehelman, any ideas, Pop-T@B..?

Verna

I've never done that either.......;)

Nomad

My dad always told me being short would be rewarded - You bend down more than you reach up and you don't have to worry about pesky knobs :-)

rfuss928

How about a vinyl cap like those used to protect pipe fittings before installation?   The right size would just slip on the outside surface of the handle and not really interfere with operation.

These are about 1-1/2 to 2 inches in diameter and 3/4 deep soft vinyl.



The 2" one fits my MaxFan pretty well.

jkjenn

Almost every day. It seems to hit right at that softer, more vulnerable part of the head, too.

The rubber caps wouldn't do it - needs to be thicker. I thought about using a thick batch of Sugru to make a ball around it but I am not sure that would do it. I also thought about one of Rocky's mini tennis balls. 

I doubt Fantastic Fan ever envisioned their product would go someplace with such low clearance. 

hymie

Have you looked at the McMaster Carr catalogue? They have every profile / size ever made. 

ChanW

@jkjenn,
Soft head?
Eh? 

(I guess yours just hasn't hardened up enough over the years, and developed calluses, from hitting your head too much.)

jkjenn

Yup and 2 concussions....one that gave me headaches for a year. :(

db_cooper

I also lack the stringy protein scalp protector, so every bump shows. ☺

db_cooper

I think JKJenn and myself probably hit the knob more than tall folks because we're just tall enough to hit that thing but not used to having to worry about it anywhere else.

I may have my tinkering neighbor give it a go, he just got a 3d printer.

db_cooper

Problem solved, at least for me.  I removed the knob and screw.  You can just put the knob back sans screw, and adjust fan.  Remove knob and store someplace.  With the Outback cargo nets, I'll just throw it up there in a corner.   Cheapest mod to date.

Ratkity

LOL db!

jkjenn

db_cooper said:

Problem solved, at least for me.  I removed the knob and screw.  You can just put the knob back sans screw, and adjust fan.  Remove knob and store someplace.  With the Outback cargo nets, I'll just throw it up there in a corner.   Cheapest mod to date.

Perfect, thanks. I have the remote so don't use that black handle, anyway.

Newfisher

Tennis ball? Like what Dad used to put on the trailer hitch to keep it from getting grease on his pant leg.

db_cooper

1 inch of Velcro to secure knob on cargo shelf = .05 c
Not bumping head on knob = Priceless