How to reattach exhaust fan facia cover?

[Matkai]

We have an IXL exhaust fan in our bathroom, a model that is no longer made.  It is in perfect working order but two of the plastic clips of the cover have snapped off.  I have been in contact with IXL and they do not make spare parts.

I am hoping someone will have an ingenious idea of what we can do to find a remedy that does not involve replacing the entire unit.  We have tried command velcro - but the moisture caused this to fail.  

Any other suggestions?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Matkai,

Is it possible to get some photos of the exhaust fan? This would help our members to better understand the specifics of what we are looking to achieve.

My first thought was you could modify the plastic fascia so you could use something like this Rolltrak Zinc Flyscreen Flush Swivel Clip attached to the ceiling to hold it in place.

Allow me to tag some of our helpful members to see if they have any ingenious ideas, @Dave-1, @Noyade, @DIYGnome, @JoeAzza.

Let me know if you need a hand uploading images, I'd be happy to assist if required.

Jacob

[JoeAzza]

Hi @Matkai , if you don’t mind having brackets showing on the outside of the IXL unit, you could try small metal brackets installed at opposite ends to each other

Just hold the cover up in place and push the angled bracket in be between the ceiling and light fitting, then mark a hole in the bracket on the cover, remove and drill and fit a small self taping screw into the cover. 
maybe your Velcro was getting too hot from the lamps.

I found these on Bunnings website,  I am not sure if these are long enough for your fitting, you can probably get various lengths of similar brackets.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-20mm-zinc-plated-angle-brackets-4-pack_p2760591

[Noyade]

Hi @Matkai 

As @JacobZ has asked - photos would be great. Especially the broken clip.

Cheers.

[Dave-1]

Evening @Matkai 

Broken clips, especially old one sthat are fragile before we start to use them are painful. Now I am not sure what clips you are refering to but I had my exhaust fan plus lights clip break when I was cleaning it several months ago.

I bypassed it as I couldnt find whatever the clip was attached to anymore 😕 I ended up using a buuterfly end with a bolt (for mounting things on cavity walls) andthe unit actually rests on the bolt part while the butterfly part is poked through the hole so the bolt dosnt fall out. Its been working for 7 months now  Ramset 3 / 16" x 75mm Plasterboard Spring Toggle Anchor - 10 Pack is what I had spare and I just used one. 

Dave

[Matkai]

Photos added to original post.

Was thinking I could attach ceramic magnet discs to the underside of both the grill and the surround with glue?  The grill itself is light weight, I just need something that will hold it in place and a product that can withstand moisture?  Thoughts?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Matkai,

The method you're advising sounds reasonable assuming the grill is not particularly heavy.

If you were to go with this method, I'd advise using Selleys 3ml Power Grip All Plastics Glue to attach the magnets.

Let me know what you think and don't hesitate to reach out if you've got any other questions.

Jacob

[JoeAzza]

Hi @Matkai , after looking at you photo re fan, Bunnings sell a similar fan, 200 mm dia, $22.00

https://www.bunnings.com.au/arlec-200mm-white-fan-exhaust_p0161018

iIf you have to buy glue and magnets I’m sure they would come close to the cost of buying a replacement fan, you need to check the diameter of your existing fan to see if it matches the Bunnings one, then you can either change the old to the new unit and keep the old fan as a spare, or try the new fan cover to see if it fits onto the old unit.