I don't see any label indicating it is suitable for a fan, but the house was built in '97 I don't know if they did that then. Sorry it's not a great picture, but I do see screws in the back and wires coming in from the side which seem to tell me it is mounted to something above it. If I wanted to be sure can I just take the whole thing out and put it back after I see what is behind it? I'm not sure I can get to this from above.

 

It doesn't appear to be, I would install a retrofit box. Here's a link:
15.5 cu. in. Retrofit Ceiling Fan Saf-T-Brace-0110000 - The Home Depot

On the retro box, use the #10-24 threaded insert posts to mount the fan.
The #8-32 ears are for lightweight fixtures.

 

I bought a box from the store, not quite the one you linked to, but when I went to take the older box out I was surprised to see what I saw. Here are more pictures.



The bar that is already there looks a bit like the retro-fit product you linked to. Is it the same thing?

If it is not the same thing and needs to be replaced, how can I get it out? I'm not sure I can get there safely from above with my attic layout. It appears to be stapled in there and I'm not sure I can reach the other side, it's not really centered between studs.

In any case, how can I get the existing box back on? the metal piece that goes on top of the bar I'm supposed to screw in to is just loose, and it's near impossible to line it up without being able to see/feel it.

Or for that matter, how does the retro-fit box work such that you can install it from below without seeing what you're screwing in to?

Thanks for the help!

 

That sounds more like a non fan rated box hanger. If it looks like the hanger in the picture below it is not fan rated.



If the box you have uses 8-32 screws to mount fixtures to it it is not fan rated.

 

Normally that style of bar is not used for a fan rated box.

 

So any suggestions/options for how to get the old bar out? It is nailed in with a sort of U-shaped nail. And the way the hole is, I can't reach the other end. If I rattle the bar a little I can hear it, it's too far for me to reach.

 

Cut the old bar with a hack saw or multi-tool and you will be able to bend and break the bar off.
Leaving the nailing plates is OK IMO, the new bar will dig in.

 

Thanks for the idea, it worked fairly well. I cut the old bar with a bolt cutter and twisted/bent it until it broke off the far end, and pried it off the near end with some pliers.

I have also seen replacement boxes at the store that use an L-shaped bracket to screw into the side of the wood, and support the box with the bottom side of the L. I think my hole is close enough to the beam that this would work. Any thoughts about that?

 

As long as it is a fan rated box and you have room nothing wrong with it.