Asked on Jul 23, 2017

Does anybody know how to extend a bolt about 1/2" to 1" longer?

Menace
by Menace
I have a bathroom fan unit with a cover I need to add to it but the screw to attached the cover is about 1/2" short.

  6 answers
  • There is no "extending a screw" - sorry, you will just need to head on over to the hardware store for a longer one. Take the one you have with you to make sure you get the correct size and length.

  • Ant11605640 Ant11605640 on Jul 23, 2017

    Take your bolt to the hardware store. They will match it with a longer one

  • Menace Menace on Aug 22, 2017

    Thanks everyone.

  • Donna Donna on Jul 14, 2020

    I am facing the exact same dilemma. Since I am not an electrician, the bolt appears to be fixed to the exhaust unit so it's not going to the hardware store with me. However, after some research I have learned that you can extend a bolt by using a coupling nut. Since the bolt is only used to hold up the vent cover for the fan, I feel confident that a coupling nut will be sufficient in this case. All I'm going to do is take the nut that screws onto the bolt to the hardware store to match up the size and the threads and then I will buy a coupling nut with a headless bolt to extend the reach.

  • Menace Menace on Aug 07, 2020

    Thank You very much. This is the same problem i have. I am going to try this, this weekend.

    • Donna Donna on Aug 11, 2020

      I found an easier fix and didn't have to try the one I wrote about earlier. If this is for a bathroom exhaust fan, first try getting a cover that has a larger diameter. I knew I needed an 8" round fan cover but Home Depot only had a 6" so I got that instead. That's when I discovered the bolt was too short and wouldn't reach. But instead of getting the coupling nut, I went to Lowe's, found an 8" fan cover and it fit perfectly. For some reason, the larger fan cover is flatter which makes the hole close enough to the bolt that the bolt passes through the hole enough to get a screw fastener on the end of it. Sometimes, things will work out the easy way.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on May 22, 2021

    I learned something today about a coupling nut. Glad you asked this question.