White plastic roller broken on roof vent operator - options?

[Spikedog]

The little white plastic roller wheel on my bathroom roof vent busted off last weekend. I found the vent cover flipped all the way open and the wheel had busted off neatly and was lying on the screen like a little Lifesaver candy. The crank handle is fine, and the plastic vent cover is brand new.

There's a rivet that held the wheel on that I can drill out. I was figuring on going to the hardware store and browsing through the parts bins for something that might work. Anyone else come up with something to fix this?

I could buy a whole new assembly for ~$40 but I think I can make something work here.

[Bama Rambler]

Look in the sliding and/or patio door section. They have lots of small plastic rollers and ways to attach them.

[rclogg]

Originally Posted by Spikedog

The little white plastic roller wheel on my bathroom roof vent busted off last weekend. I found the vent cover flipped all the way open and the wheel had busted off neatly and was lying on the screen like a little Lifesaver candy. The crank handle is fine, and the plastic vent cover is brand new.

There's a rivet that held the wheel on that I can drill out. I was figuring on going to the hardware store and browsing through the parts bins for something that might work. Anyone else come up with something to fix this?

I could buy a whole new assembly for ~$40 but I think I can make something work here.

Chrysler rear brakes used to have a U shaped retainer that you have to replace with every brake job, it hold the E-brake lever in place to the primary shoe (it bends close with ease). i used two of them to replace the worn out nylon retainer, cost me $2.09

BrakeBest Hardware & Hydraulics H1177-2 - Brake Hold Down C-Clip | O'Reilly Auto Parts

[Spikedog]

with a small nylon roller from Ace. The aluminum rivet that held the old roller was a pain to get removed. I hacksawed both sides off it and still it held on - I couldn't press it out. I eventually used a self-drilling screw to bore it out, and then used the same screw to hold the nylon roller. The little roller doesn't actually roll (since it has a screw holding it on) but that doesn't seem to matter that much. Fixed it for $0.25.

[Caretti]

I used a tie strap and so far so good, $0.01?

[Spikedog]

Originally Posted by Caretti

I used a tie strap and so far so good, $0.01?

Can you still operate the vent? That sounds pretty good. I tied it down with dental floss to get the vent to close, then duct taped it for the 100 mile drive home. It've been easier if there wasn't a screen in the way so you can't work on it from below. I should throw a few tie wraps in the tool drawer.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by Spikedog

Can you still operate the vent? That sounds pretty good. I tied it down with dental floss to get the vent to close, then duct taped it for the 100 mile drive home. It've been easier if there wasn't a screen in the way so you can't work on it from below. I should throw a few tie wraps in the tool drawer.

Do you NOT have MaxAir type vent covers over your vents? Do you drive with your Lids in the Open position? Youroo!!

[Spikedog]

I've got 2 vents with MaxxAir covers. They are bigger vents with thermostatic fans. I have 2 smaller vents that don't have MaxxAir covers. One is plain, and the one I just fixed is in the bathroom. It has a very small electric fan, very noisy.

[youroo]

Originally Posted by Spikedog

I've got 2 vents with MaxxAir covers. They are bigger vents with thermostatic fans. I have 2 smaller vents that don't have MaxxAir covers. One is plain, and the one I just fixed is in the bathroom. It has a very small electric fan, very noisy.

Yes they are Very Noisy,but even though it is a small fan isn't it installed in a standard 14x14 opening that can be replaced by a Real Ex Fan with a MaxAir cover? Youroo!!

[Caretti]

I have opened and closed it several times. I have the covers so don't need to use it much.

Peace,
Bob