Any decent small USB powered desktop fans out there ?

[exxos]

I have two fans and while they work well, they just rattle continuously which drives me mad!!

The problem seems to stem from them only using bush bearings, where the shaft just isn't actually held in place properly, then the whole fan assembly can actually move backwards and forwards which generates the rattle..

For example this image shows what I mean...

Capture.PNG (401.71 KiB) Viewed 439 times

It is just a normal sleeve bearing which are pretty rubbish, a ball bearing would probably be the more secure but would drone unlike anything, they really should be something like a proper fluid bearing in one of these things but do they actually exist??


My only other thought is to simply buy a PC fan with a proper fluid bearing and just make a base for it to fit onto..

[rubber_jonnie]

I use one of these:

IMG20250502140352.jpg (235.32 KiB) Viewed 434 times

Had it for years and it's still going strong.

[elterwater]

Having been through many other types, I eventually bought several of these last year which have been great:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AUOKAI-Portabl ... 0F4Q7YW2R

On board battery can charge whilst it's also in use, USB C port for charging.

fan

71hEjcXereL._AC_SL1500_.jpg (200.46 KiB) Viewed 426 times

[alexh]

Most fans I've had rattle for one of two reasons.

• They are unbalanced due to dust deposits.
• Their bearings have gone.

Can't do anything about #2 but you'd be amazed how easily a fan is silenced by removing the guard and cleaning all blades evenly.

[exxos]

Thanks for suggestions.

This is mine.. was only a cheap one.. still works well...

IMG_3107.JPG (110.85 KiB) Viewed 409 times

You can see the blades move "up and down" because theres no problem bearings on the shaft. So the thing rattles all the time because of the movement.

IMG_3105.JPG (97.78 KiB) Viewed 409 times

IMG_3106.JPG (88.96 KiB) Viewed 409 times

I do have a dual blade one but that rattle as well

[exxos]

Most fans I've had rattle for one of two reasons. They are unbalanced due to dust deposits. Their bearings have gone. You'd be amazed how easily a fan is silenced by removing the guard and cleaning all blades evenly.

I will de-dust and give it a try...