How to remove the cover of a wall-fitted extractor fan

[Lucky Luke]

Hello: I know, in a theoretical way, to remove the cover of this fan (it is an "Expelair GXC6EC kitchen fan with pull-cord"). However, to actually do it is proving impossible for me. In the photograph I posted here, the spring-loaded pressure buttons can be seen clearly, and anyone might think, "What's the problem? Just press them in — on both sides. Keep them pressed, and pull the cover off, stupid!"

Well, to get at the fan (which is fairly high up the kitchen wall) I must use a step-ladder and stand on nearly the top step, which is rather precarious for a two-handed job. Even if pressing catches worked as they are surely intended to, there is a risk of the cover coming off suddenly, and me going backwards off the step-ladder (I am in my nineties and reasonably fit, but my balance is not as good as it used to be). My fear arises because I tried, more than once, to press these two catches in and release the cover. I pressed them in, but the cover simply would not come off. At first, this may have been because I pressed so hard that my fingers touched the sides of the cover, and pressed those in also. However, no matter how carefully I pressed, the cover would not budge. So, is there anything else that should be done, that I have not done?

In the bathroom of our house is another fan, exactly like the one in the kitchen. I tried pressing the catches on the sides of this fan too, but even the catches seemed not to budge. I can't think why they should be different from the ones on the kitchen fan.

So, the problem remains: how to safely (in view of being up a ladder) get the cover off? All and any replies would be appreciated.
With thanks in anticipation,

Lucky Luke

 

[Burnerman]

Perhaps you need to push a flat bladed implement ( screwdriver) into those slots, Luke?
For heavens sake, stay lucky and get someone to give you a hand!!
John

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Perhaps you need to push a flat bladed implement ( screwdriver) into those slots, Luke?
For heavens sake, stay lucky and get someone to give you a hand!!
John

That's the right way to go John, from the manual:

But bloomin' eck, in your nineties! Get someone else to climb ladders.

 

[Lucky Luke]

That's the right way to go John, from the manual:

View attachment 353569

But bloomin' eck, in your nineties! Get someone else to climb ladders.

Thanks for that, fellas (this includes Burnerman). However, I don't see how it's possible to press on both catches AND pull the cover off at the same time. (There is only one pair of hands available.) With regard to getting help, circumstances would make this very difficult, unless I paid a tradesman. However, I certainly will take great care. Perhaps one catch at a time would allow it to be moved forward (slightly) on one side, then one the other. I shall try that.
L.L.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Normally with these pesky type of things you can either do one at a time as you say or kind of use your palms to pull on the grille whilst using your fingers for the coin/screwdriver etc.

 

[Burnerman]

Maybe you could push a lolly stick or something into the slots, which will allow the cover to release from the bottom?
Remain lucky!!
John

 

[Lucky Luke]

Maybe you could push a lolly stick or something into the slots, which will allow the cover to release from the bottom?
Remain lucky!!
John

Also, Freddiemercurystwin said: Normally with these pesky type of things you can either do one at a time as you say or kind of use your palms to pull on the grille whilst your fingers a coin/screwdriver etc.

Well, thanks for the comments, follks. I was trying to do this while my wife was away, but she is back today and I won't have time to try again until another time when I can take as much time as I like (I don't like disturbing the usual routines when she is here). I shall bear in mind all that has been remarked, and I shall not take any chances with safety. Thanks again, folks!

 

[Burnerman]

We look forward to hearing about a hopefully safe and successful outcome, Luke!
May we ask what the problem is with the fan? It looks pretty clean from here.
Regards
John

 

[foxhole]

Get your wife to do it.

 

[Tigercubrider]

Sometimes you can pop one side, then shove something between the body and wall before attacking the other side.
It shouldn’t suddenly pop off.
Having faceplanted off a 50cm step ladder 3 months ago and landing on my nose, I urge you to get a better ladder or find help.
I’ve not come off a ladder in 40 years and it bloody hurts!

Please try to get someone to help. Does anybody close have a regular window cleaner gardener?
A fiver or bottle of plonk should do it. Or plain good will.
It might be a bit sticky with grease.
They are awkward rather than requiring a severe tug.

 

[Lucky Luke]

We look forward to hearing about a hopefully safe and successful outcome, Luke!
May we ask what the problem is with the fan? It looks pretty clean from here.
Regards
John

John, I don't know how long it will be before I can get at it, now. My wife goes to stay with our son for a few days, every year, and I thought I would seize the opportunity. So, my best opportunity has gone. I'm afraid I'm very much bound up with household chore-sharing every day (my wife is far from fit), so don't get much opportunity to drag out the cooker etc., to get at a fan, then spend quite some time dismantling it and cleaning it. The photo is one of the bathroom fan (the same kind, but one different from the one I tried to open), Being over the cooker, the kitchen fan must have got greased up, and when the cord is pulled, it takes ages for it to start. I was able to give the outside of it a good cleaning, so that's worth something. It was beginning to look really grubby.
Your good wishes are appreciated.
L.L.

 

[Burnerman]

I do notice Luke, that this particular fan is still available - around £90 from Screwfix.
It may be worth considering as cleaning these things is one of the most thankless tasks of all time - especially if corn oil fume is an issue as hardly any solvent will touch it.
Just a thought!
Regards
John

 

[Lucky Luke]

I do notice Luke, that this particular fan is still available - around £90 from Screwfix.
It may be worth considering as cleaning these things is one of the most thankless tasks of all time - especially if corn oil fume is an issue as hardly any solvent will touch it.
Just a thought!
Regards
John

John, as it happens, in the loft are a couple of unopened, spare fans stored. Being afraid of them not being available at some time in the future, and because enough holes had been drilled in the wall to install previous fans, I wanted to stick with this latest model (no drilling, with crossed fingers, hoping that no holes will be impossible to drill because of existing holes, half a diameter away). When I have an opportunity, I could fit a new one, then clean the one taken down, at greater leisure, and store it. That may be the best way forward.
Thanks for the observation!
Regards,
Luke

 

[Burnerman]

A really good move!
Do be careful.
Regards
John

 

[Tigercubrider]

Does your son drop his Mum back?