Ever stared at a gorgeous brick pillar or cedar post and thought, “I don’t really want to punch holes in that”?
We feel you— and that’s exactly why the ZeboZap / CondoMounts Strap-On Fan Mount exists. In under 15 minutes you can hang a high-velocity fan on almost any square, round, or rectangular post without a single pilot hole. Below is a full walkthrough you can share with friends, customers, or installers who still think drilling into brick is the only way.
What You’ll Need
| Item | Supplied? |
|---|---|
| ZeboZap / CondoMounts Strap-On Fan Bracket Kit | ✅ |
| Outdoor oscillating fan (18–20 in recommended) | — |
| 13 mm wrench or adjustable spanner (for strap bolt) | — |
| Soft tape measure | — |
| Ladder (if mounting above 7 ft) | — |
| Optional: cordless drill with masonry bit (only for the comparison demo, below) | — |
Step-by-Step: Strap-On Installation
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Pick Your Post
Choose a vertical post that’s plumb, solid, and 90–140 mm (3½–5½ in) wide. Wood, steel, brick, or even PVC-wrapped columns all work. -
Pop Open the Kit
Inside you’ll find:-
Two stainless-steel straps
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Powder-coated fan bracket (pre-assembled)
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Pivot bolt + washer stack + lock nut
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Pre-Fit the Bracket
Hold the bracket against the post at chest height (or wherever you want airflow). Check clearance so the fan can tilt and oscillate freely. -
Wrap the Upper Strap
Thread the first strap through the top slot of the bracket. Wrap it all the way around the post, feed the loose end through the buckle, and snug by hand. -
Add the Lower Strap
Repeat for the bottom slot. Having two straps spaced ~25 cm (10 in) apart prevents wobble—especially on windy days. -
Tension Both Straps
Use the 13 mm wrench to tighten each strap bolt until the bracket no longer slides. Tip: hand-tight plus ¼ turn is perfect; overtightening can dent softer wood. -
Hang the Fan
Slide the fan’s yoke onto the pivot bolt, add the flat + spring washers, thread on the lock nut, and tighten until the fan swivels but doesn’t droop. Insert the cotter pin if included. -
Plug Into a GFCI Outlet
Always use a weather-protected, grounded receptacle. Give the chain a pull—LOW > MED > HIGH—done!
Total install time: 10–15 minutes (first-timer).
How Long Would Drilling into Brick Take?
| Task | Time (mins) | Mess Factor | Gear Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measure & mark | 5 | Low | Pencil, level |
| Hammer-drill pilot holes (3×) | 10–15 | High: silica dust | Rotary hammer + 5 mm masonry bit + PPE |
| Drive expansion anchors | 5 | Medium | Impact driver / wrench |
| Seal holes (optional) | 5 | Low | Exterior silicone |
| Total | 25–30 min (pro) | Dust, noise, risk of cracking brick | $100–$200 in tools |
Key takeaways
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Dust & debris: You’ll cover yourself and the patio in pulverised brick.
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Permanent holes: Not ideal for rental properties or heritage masonry.
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Skill & torque: Mis-angle a hole and the bracket will never sit flush.
The strap method skips every one of those headaches—no masonry bit, no wall plugs, no silica dust cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the straps loosen over time?
A: Stainless band clamps hold their tension extremely well. We still suggest a quick torque check every season—takes 30 seconds.
Q: Can I strap to a round metal gazebo post?
A: Yes. The bracket sits flat; on a round post the straps provide all the clamping force you need.
Q: What about wind?
A: Dual-strap spacing + non-stretch stainless bands keep the bracket immovable. For hurricane regions, add a dab of exterior-grade construction adhesive under the bracket for extra security (still removable with a pry bar).
Final Breeze-Friendly Tips
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Aim high – Mount the fan slightly above seated head height (~7 ft) for best airflow.
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Mind the swing – If you have string lights, make sure the oscillating path won’t tangle them.
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Cover when not in use – Even with an IP44 motor, a small BBQ cover or trash-bag sleeve will double the life of your fan in rainy climates.
Ready to feel that cool cross-breeze without swiss-cheesing your brickwork? Grab the ZeboZap / CondoMounts Strap-On Fan Bracket today and turn any post into a powerhouse of patio comfort—no drill required.
Shop the kit:
🛒 ZeboZap.com → Accessories → No-Drill Fan Mount
🛒 CondoMounts.com → Outdoor Living → Strap-On Gazebo Fan Bracket
Enjoy the breeze—and the zero holes left behind