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How to fix ceiling return-air grille clip?

Mikelaw

Hi, I have a ceiling return-air conditioning grille/filter similar to the one in the attached photos. The retaining clip/latch that holds one corner of the filter grille closed has broken, causing the corner to drop. Could you advise how to fix it? Many thanks

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R4addZ

Hi @Mikelaw

A picture of the broken clip and one of the good clip would be of real help.

EricL

Hello @Mikelaw

Thank you for sharing your question about your air grill. While we are waiting for your pictures, an idea came to mind how you could fix the grill. I propose installing a https://www.bunnings.com.au/taskmaster-46mm-white-magnetic-door-catch-3-pack_p0035578 . Near the corner of the broken latch. The magnetic body (square plastic assembly) can be glued and screwed on to the corner of the air grill frame. The steel flat plate can be glued onto the side ledge of the grill itself. I suggest using https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-130g-liquid-nails-fast-grab-strong-adhesive_p0615431 . My best advice is to give the adhesive enough time to cure before installing the grill back into place. Remember to do a dry fit to make sure everything fits into place.

Another option is to call the manufacturer of the grill and see if they can provide a spare part or the entire grill itself.

I've placed a sample image below on how the magnetic door catch can be installed onto the grill frame.

Please have a quick look at this safety guide if you are using a ladder - How to use ladders safely by @Adam_W.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @TedBear and @JoeAzza for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1

Good Afternoon @Mikelaw

I second @R4addZ suggestion of a picture of the grill, it would make suggestion a way forward a lot easier.

Dave

R4addZ

Hi @EricL & @Mikelaw

I was thinking similar thoughts but before suggesting it I wanted to see how things were fixed as screwing on to the side as in your rendering could spall the plaster of the ceiling in that area if they protrude too far into the frame.

JoeAzza

Hi @Mikelaw , I temporarily fixed a similar vent using a couple of cardboard strips folded over enough to fill in the gap, out works , it has been temporary for approximately one year now.

Mikelaw

Hi all. Thanks for responses. I have taken the photos of the broken hinge pin. that pin has completely snapped off, leaving just a tiny stump. Because it can't grip the frame anymore, the whole right side sagged down,

Kindly advice how can I fix it. Many thanks

JacobZ

Hi @Mikelaw,

If I am following correctly, then it is this piece that has snapped off. Is that correct?

If so, then I'm thinking you should be able to screw down through a small timber dowel into the plastic without too much issue.

What was the diameter of this piece?

If it is not too small to accept a screw, then I think this could be a good solution.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

Mikelaw

see this photo. Actually the right hand side of the pin completely snapped off How to do to get it fix?

JacobZ

Hi @Mikelaw,

Yes, I understand that the piece has snapped off, I was using the example of the intact one to show what should be there.

As mentioned, something cylindrical like a dowel would be what I'd be looking at.

If you can let me know the diameter of the intact plastic cylinder, then there may be a dowel that could be used to replace the broken plastic piece.

Jacob

Mikelaw

Hi Jacob.

For the dowel The width is about 2mm and the height is about 1cm Quite small. I am thinking something like the picture. Pls advise

Dave-1

Good Evening @Mikelaw

:) Those pins look huge! lol 2mm mmmm My thoughts go towards finding a piece of plastic with the same diameter and then cutting it to length and using a plastic welding glue attach it to the snapped off point. You may need to sand that point smoother so it joins nicely. Locktite is the glue I am thinking of, it has two glues to mix together and works on most plastics.

As to the plastic piece, two options spring to mind. Have a wander around Bunnings looking out for something cheap with a 2mm sized rod (the garden dept and drip irrigation comes to mind) or a hobby store would probably stock plastic rods that size. I just had a squiz on google and there seems to be a large range out there :)

Dave

JoeAzza

Hi @Mikelaw, instead of dowel, you could get a number of washers with the correct diameter glued together with superglue or similar, then insert a self tapping screw to fit the washers and drill a small hole into the vent frame, small enough to take the screw, I think this pin is just a holding pin for the vent.

Walzz

@Mikelaw, I wouldn't sweat it too much. I would just drive a 12 gauge TEK screw into the gap between the grill and the ceiling frame where it is unsupported and leave it at that. Another approach might be to find a local HVAC installer and pick up a second hand grill that fits your frame.

12G x 25mm Tek screws (5.5mm dia)
https://www.bunnings.com.au/buildex-12g-x-25mm-class-4-metal-cladding-teks-screws-with-seal-10-pack_p0920258

Mikelaw

Kindly advice how can I fix it. Many thanks

An update. I went to Bunnings carrying the grille, one of the helpful staff advised me the things that I need to fix it. Now finally done. Thanks for all your help👍

EricL

Hello @Mikelaw

Thank you very much for the update, it's good to see that you've sorted out the pin holding issue. Since it is made of steel it should provide a much longer service life than those old plastic ones.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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