Does ceiling fan screw-type matter?

DIYnewbie9

I know ceiling fans need to be mounted to ceiling fan-rated support and boxes with 10-32 screws. My question is, can any 10-32 screw suffice? I ask because my fan instructions say to only use the screws provided with the box, but the ones in the box are too short to do me any good. These are the same instructions that told me to use electrical tape on every wire nut which, while not hurting anything, does not do much (at least that's my understanding). Anyway, I bought some longer 10-32 machine screws which are pretty much identical except they actually feel a little stronger (heavier), don't have the screw tip slightly cutaway, and they don't have ridges under the screw head. Any problems with using these instead?

DangerMouse

I see no problem, I'd probably use lock washers to compensate for the lack of 'ridges' under the heads.
This keeps the screws from vibrating loose.

DM

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diyorpay

As DangerMouse said, vibration is bad. Take the extra time after blade install to balance/reposition blades so nearly no vibration is end result. Use provided weights as necessary, or a penny, or a dime etc. Fans with no shaft are easier. Fans with a shaft extending from ceiling may need balancing.

Jim Port

The ears on the box should not be that far back from the surface that the provided screws are too short. The box is only allowed 1/4" recessed from a non-combustible surface.

Most of the 10-32s provided with the brackets are also a tri-oval shape.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

DIYnewbie9

I guess because of the thickness of the drywall the new ceiling fan-rated box (the kind with the extendable support bar) sits more than 1/4 from the drywall surface. I am aware of the 1/4" requirement and am using a plastic box extender to cover the gap. I have it as ceiling fan-rated box and support bar, plastic extention ring, and then fan mount screwed in with longer 10-32 screws and a split ring lock washer.