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While ceiling fans shouldn’t get loose over time, they still can—especially if they’re installed incorrectly. A wobbling or tilted ceiling fan can shift the screws out of place, causing it to loosen and become a fall risk. It’s important to tighten screws and balance blades as soon as you notice that they’re misaligned or uneven to prevent the ceiling fan from loosening further and becoming a hazard.

Stainless steel or aluminum fans are long-lasting and have less air resistance. They are best for outdoor use as their durability helps them withstand unpleasant weather conditions. Their heavy weight requires a stronger motor, which leads to more noise than other blade materials.

Wooden fan blades are a classic, durable option. They are much quieter than metal fans and feature a wide range of styles and finishes to choose from. However, they can be damaged by moisture if not covered with plastic.

Plastic fan blades are lightweight, easy to clean, and versatile. There are various shapes and styles to choose from as plastic is easily molded and dyed. They will also deteriorate slower than other materials as they aren’t as susceptible to humidity and moisture.

You should generally avoid using WD-40 on a ceiling fan. While it might quiet a squeak temporarily, it is primarily an anti-corrosion and water displacement agent, not a true lubricant, and can damage the fan's components over time. Most modern ceiling fans have sealed bearings and do not require oiling, so a squeak may indicate another issue. For fans that do require lubrication, it is better to use a light machine oil, 30-weight motor oil, or a lubricant specifically designed for ceiling fans.

It is unlikely that a ceiling fan will fall, even if it develops a wobble. During a proper installation, ceiling fans are securely bolted to a ceiling joist, and the fasteners used for mounting are generally separate from the components related to balancing. A wobble is typically caused by an imbalance, which can be annoying and may lead to other issues, but is not usually dangerous on its own.

However, if a fan is wobbling because it was not installed correctly, it could be at risk of falling. For safety, it's always a good idea to ensure all mounting screws are tight and to address any wobbling or imbalance issues promptly.