How to Balance a Ceiling Fan and Stop the Wobble

Start with Quick Hardware Checks and Cleaning

Most wobbling ceiling fans do not actually have bad blades. In many homes, the shake comes from loose mounting hardware or uneven dirt buildup. Before you spend time working with clips or weights, run through a quick physical inspection of the fan to rule out simple mechanical causes.

Turn off the wall switch and grab a sturdy stepladder. Inspect each part of the fan in this order:

• Wipe down every blade: Dust accumulates heavily on the top surface of fan blades over time. If a sticky clump of dust gathers on one blade while another stays clean, that tiny weight difference will make the fan oscillate at medium and high speeds. Wipe both sides of every blade with a damp microfiber cloth.
• Tighten the blade screws: Look at where each fan blade attaches to its metal arm, which is also called a blade iron. Use a manual Phillips screwdriver to snug up all two or three screws on each blade. Do not use a power drill, because excessive torque can strip the screw threads or crack composite wood blades.
• Check the motor arm screws: Follow the metal arms inward to where they connect to the rotating motor housing. These screws frequently back out over years of daily spinning. Firmly tighten every screw holding the arms to the motor.
• Inspect the light kit and glass globes: A loose glass shade or rattling decorative light bowl can vibrate violently, making it look like the entire fan is shaking. Verify that all shade thumbscrews or retaining rings are snug and hand-tight.
• Check the hanging extension rod: If your fan hangs down on a pipe, known as a downrod, check the set pin and lock screws at both the top and bottom of that rod. If those connection screws work loose, the fan will swing loosely instead of rotating around a fixed center.

Once you finish tightening every screw and clearing off the dust, turn the fan back on at the wall switch. In many cases, securing this hardware eliminates the wobble immediately, saving you from needing any extra balancing work.

Measure Blade Tip Height to Spot Bent Arms

If the screws are tight and the fan still wobbles, the next likely culprit is uneven blade height. In the fan trade, this vertical alignment is called blade tracking. Every blade tip should travel along the exact same horizontal path as it spins. If one blade tip sags even an eighth of an inch lower than the others, it cuts through the air at an uneven angle, creating aerodynamic drag that shakes the entire fixture.

You can check blade tracking in less than five minutes using a standard yardstick or a stiff tape measure:

Turn off the fan and let it stop moving completely. Position your ladder underneath the outer edge of the blades, keeping your body slightly to the side so you do not bump the assembly. Place your yardstick vertically against the ceiling, directly beside the outer tip of one blade. Note the exact distance from the ceiling surface down to the bottom outer corner of that blade tip.

Holding the yardstick in the exact same spot on your ceiling, gently spin the fan by hand to bring the second blade to the ruler. Measure the distance to that tip. Repeat this process for every blade on the fan, writing down the numbers if needed.

All blade tips should match within one-sixteenth to one-eighth of an inch. If you find a blade that hangs noticeably lower or higher than the rest, the wooden or plastic blade itself is usually fine. Instead, the metal arm holding that blade has bent slightly out of position. You can fix this by gently supporting the metal arm with both hands near the motor and applying light upward or downward pressure to bend the metal back into line. Never push directly on the flat blade paddle, as thin wood blades can warp or snap under pressure. Once all blade tips measure the same distance from the ceiling, turn on the fan to see if the wobble is gone.

How to Balance the Fan Blades in Five Clear Steps

When your hardware is fully secured and all blade tips hang at identical heights, your fan is shaking because of a minor weight imbalance between the blades. Manufacturing tolerances in wood density, veneer thickness, or blade hardware can make one blade slightly lighter or heavier than the others. Using a simple plastic balancing clip and small stick-on counterweights solves this problem completely.

1. Attach the plastic balancing clip to the middle of one blade.
   Slide the small plastic U-clip over the back edge of any blade, positioning it halfway between the metal arm and the outer tip.
   Why this step matters: Placing the clip at the midpoint provides enough leverage to show whether adding weight to that specific blade helps smooth out the rotation.
2. Turn the fan on to your problem speed and observe the wobble.
   Set the fan to the speed where the shaking is most disruptive, which is usually medium or high speed, and step back a few feet to watch the center hub.
   Why this step matters: Watching the fan at its worst operating speed gives you an immediate visual cue whether the added clip weight reduced the shake or made it worse.
3. Move the clip from blade to blade until you identify the problem blade.
   Turn the fan off, let it stop, move the clip to the next blade, and switch the fan back on. Repeat this process on every single blade on the fan.
   Why this step matters: You will notice that on some blades the clip makes the wobble far more violent, but on one specific blade, the motion will noticeably smooth out. That smooth blade is the light blade that needs counterweight.
4. Slide the clip along that chosen blade to find the sweet spot.
   With the clip placed on your winning blade, turn the fan off and slide the clip a few inches toward the outer tip, then run the fan. Then try sliding it closer toward the motor arm.
   Why this step matters: Sliding the weight farther out toward the tip increases its balancing leverage, while moving it toward the center softens the effect. You want to locate the exact point along the blade edge where the wobble stops completely.
5. Stick the permanent adhesive counterweight on top of the blade and remove the clip.
   Turn off the fan once you find the ideal spot. Peel the protective backing off an adhesive metal balancing weight, press it firmly onto the top center line of the blade directly parallel to where the clip is resting, and slide the plastic clip off the edge.
   Why this step matters: Placing the weight on the top surface keeps it hidden from view from below while permanently locking in the smooth, wobble-free spin.

If a single weight reduces the wobble by half but does not eliminate it entirely, you can stick a second small weight right next to the first one along the center line. When you upgrade to a larger unit like the best ceiling fan for master bedroom spaces, following this exact sequence keeps wide-span blades whisper-quiet all night long.

When Wobbling Signals a Loose Ceiling Mount or Unsafe Box

Most wobbles come from the blades, but sometimes a wobble indicates a serious mounting hazard. If your fan wobbles and makes a grinding or thumping noise at the ceiling, you need to verify that the hanging assembly is safely locked in place.

Start by inspecting the ceiling canopy, which is the decorative ceiling cover cup that conceals the wiring and mounting bracket. If you see the canopy itself shifting or flexing against the drywall while the fan runs, the issue is not blade balance. It means the mounting bracket or the electrical box behind it is loose.

Shut off power at your home's main circuit breaker panel before checking any ceiling mount parts. Never rely solely on a wall switch when inspecting the bracket. Loosen the canopy screws and slide the cup down the hanging extension rod to reveal the metal bracket attached to your ceiling.

Look closely at how the hanging rod connects to the bracket. The top of the rod features a round metal or nylon ball with a small groove cut into its side. This ball must rest securely inside the mounting bracket cup, with the bracket's metal ridge sitting directly inside the ball's groove. If an installer twisted the rod and failed to seat that groove, the ball will wobble haphazardly every time the motor starts up. Simply rotate the downrod by hand until the ball drops into the groove and locks against turning.

Next, check the electrical junction box inside your ceiling. Building codes require ceiling fans to hang exclusively from heavy-duty metal boxes stamped with the words "Acceptable for Fan Support." These fan-rated boxes are rated to hold between 35 and 70 pounds of dynamic motion and are bolted directly to a ceiling joist or an expandable steel brace. If you discover that your fan is attached to a lightweight plastic electrical box meant only for light fixtures, stop using the fan immediately. A standard lighting box will eventually crack under the vibration of a spinning fan. If the ceiling box wiggles in the drywall or lacks proper structural support, call a licensed electrician to install a fan-rated brace.

What to Look for in a Fan Balancing Kit

When tightening your screws and straightening the blade arms does not cure the shake, a simple fan balancing kit is the safest and most effective tool to finish the job. These kits are affordable, universal accessories that work on nearly every residential ceiling fan style, including modern flush-mount hugger units and traditional hanging fixtures.

Before purchasing a kit, check the types of parts included in the package. A reliable kit should contain several flexible plastic balancing clips alongside self-adhesive metal counterweights. Look for kits that supply both 3-gram and 5-gram weights. Having both sizes gives you much finer control over the balancing process. A small 3-gram weight is often all you need to calm a slight flutter on an indoor bedroom fan, such as a best white ceiling fan with light for bedroom setup, while heavier 5-gram weights help balance large living room blades or outdoor patio models.

Make sure the plastic clips feature a slightly flared opening. Flared clips slide easily over composite, solid wood, or plastic blades without scratching the decorative finish or denting the blade edge. Avoid using improvised household fixes such as taping coins, steel washers, or refrigerator magnets to your blades. Household tape dries out quickly under constant airflow, and a flying metal coin can cause serious eye injuries or crack expensive furniture.

1

21 Pcs Ceiling Fan Balancing Kit 5 Set Ceiling Fan

View on Amazon

• LFR Score

  LFR Score is a ranking system developed by lightfansreviews.com. LFR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.9
• Brand
  Fibraze

Key specs2

Included Weight Sizes

9x 3g weights and 6x 5g weights

Multi-Fan Balancing Supply

Having both 3g and 5g counterweights lets you correct minor blade flutter as well as heavier blade iron misalignments across up to five ceiling fans.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Provides both 3-gram and 5-gram self-adhesive metal weights for fine and coarse balance adjustments
• Includes six flexible plastic balance clips to locate the uneven blade without marring finishes
• Supplies 21 total pieces across five sets to service multiple wobbling fans in one home

Cons

• Metal counterweights cannot be repositioned once the adhesive backing is firmly pressed down
• Adhesive weights require surface cleaning with rubbing alcohol before sticking to dusty fan blades

2

Newday 48 Inch Black Ceiling Fans with Light, Remote, Reversible

View on Amazon

• LFR Score

  LFR Score is a ranking system developed by lightfansreviews.com. LFR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  7.3
• Brand
  Newday

Key specs2

Motor and Airflow Reversal

The reversible DC motor allows seasonal airflow changes from the handheld remote, driving downward airflow for summer cooling and upward circulation for winter.

Fixture Blade Span

48-inch sweep diameter

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Features an energy-efficient reversible DC motor that switches between downdraft and updraft modes via remote
• Compact 48-inch blade diameter fits medium-sized bedrooms and dining areas
• Includes a handheld remote control for adjusting fan operation and lighting from across the room

Cons

• Replacing the entire fan fixture requires ceiling bracket rewiring rather than a simple clip-on fix
• Product data does not list specific lumen output or color temperature for the included light

3

PHITUODA Ceiling Fan Blade Balancing Kit, 20pcs

View on Amazon

• LFR Score

  LFR Score is a ranking system developed by lightfansreviews.com. LFR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.0
• Brand
  PHITUODA

Key specs2

Package Piece Count

20 pieces total

Specification Clarity

Because individual gram values and clip counts are not detailed in the listing, verify package contents before starting multi-fan balancing tasks.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Provides a 20-piece assortment designed to stabilize wobbling ceiling fan blades
• Helps eliminate motor strain and clicking noises caused by blade weight discrepancies
• Compact package stores easily in a utility drawer for future fan maintenance

Cons

• Listing does not specify the individual weight values of the counterweights
• Exact split between temporary balance clips and permanent adhesive weights is unstated

4

HFYHWT Ceiling Fan Balancing Kit

View on Amazon

• LFR Score

  LFR Score is a ranking system developed by lightfansreviews.com. LFR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.8
• Brand
  HFYHWT

Key specs2

Kit Contents Disclosure

The product title does not list the number of clips or adhesive weights, so confirm package counts if you plan to balance several fixtures.

Application Scope

Designed to counteract blade flutter on existing ceiling fans where loose bracket screws are not the primary cause of wobbling.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Dedicated hardware kit designed to isolate and resolve ceiling fan wobbles
• Works on standard residential ceiling fans without requiring power tool installation
• Lowers operating noise by counteracting blade weight imbalances

Cons

• Product listing does not specify piece counts or clip quantities
• Counterweight gram ratings are not disclosed and must be verified before purchase

5

HFYHWT Ceiling Fan Balancing Kit, 40 PCS

View on Amazon

• LFR Score

  LFR Score is a ranking system developed by lightfansreviews.com. LFR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  9.2
• Brand
  HFYHWT

Key specs2

Bulk Piece Count

40 pieces total

High-Volume Fan Maintenance

With 40 components, this bulk package suits households with multiple ceiling fans needing iterative weight placement across several blades.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Large 40-piece kit offers extensive supplies for whole-home ceiling fan servicing
• Provides ample balancing hardware for multi-blade adjustments across several rooms
• Reduces vibration-induced ceiling rattle by evening out rotating blade masses

Cons

• Breakdown of clips versus adhesive counterweights is omitted in the product title
• Specific gram denominations for the included balance weights are not stated

6

PATIKIL Ceiling Fan Blade Balancing Kit, 5 Sets Include 5Pcs

View on Amazon

• LFR Score

  LFR Score is a ranking system developed by lightfansreviews.com. LFR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  7.3
• Brand
  PATIKIL

Key specs2

Heavier 5-Gram Weight Focus

The 5g metal weights provide substantial counterweight mass, making them practical for pronounced wobbles where 3g weights prove too light.

Balance Clip Quantity

5 plastic balance clips

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Includes ten 5-gram self-adhesive metal weights suited for correcting heavier wobbles
• Five plastic balancing clips allow checking multiple blades without scratching surfaces
• White and black color scheme pairs neatly with neutral ceiling fan finishes

Cons

• Lacks lighter 3-gram weights, which can make subtle, minor balance adjustments tricky
• Adhesive backing cannot be repositioned after firm contact on the fan blade top

7

KALIONE Ceiling Fan Blade Balancing Kit Including Fan Balancing Clips

View on Amazon

• LFR Score

  LFR Score is a ranking system developed by lightfansreviews.com. LFR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  7.2
• Brand
  KALIONE

Key specs2

Counterweight Calibration

The 3g weights allow precise incremental adjustments, which prevents overcompensating and causing an imbalance in the opposite direction.

Multi-Blade Tuning Sets

4 sets with 12 weights

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Includes 12 metal self-adhesive 3-gram weights for precision flutter correction
• Comes with balancing clips to slide along blade edges during locating steps
• Four-set configuration provides adequate parts for multiple blade adjustments

Cons

• Does not supply heavier 5-gram weights for severe blade tracking discrepancies
• Adhesive pads require a clean, grease-free blade surface for long-term bonding

8

16 Pcs Ceiling Fan Balancing Kit,4 Sets Fan Weights Balance

View on Amazon

• LFR Score

  LFR Score is a ranking system developed by lightfansreviews.com. LFR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  7.4
• Brand
  ZNBSIXP

Key specs2

Four-Fan Service Setup

Equipped with 4 clips and 12 weights, this kit offers an exact one-clip, three-weight ratio across four separate ceiling fan balancing jobs.

Included Clip Count

4 resilient plastic clips

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Four plastic balancing clips allow methodical checks along blade edges
• 12 metal self-adhesive 3-gram weights provide accurate incremental correction
• Four complete sets support balancing up to four individual ceiling fans

Cons

• Lacks 5-gram weights for fans with significant blade weight variations
• Plastic clips can slip off if placed on unusually thick or beveled fan blades

9

20 PCS Ceiling Fan Balancing Kit, 5 Sets High Calibration

View on Amazon

• LFR Score

  LFR Score is a ranking system developed by lightfansreviews.com. LFR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.5
• Brand
  HFYHWT

Key specs2

Weight-to-Clip Balance Ratio

A 3-to-1 ratio of 3g adhesive weights to plastic clips provides three counterweights per clip set for fine-tuning persistent blade vibrations.

Five-Set Calibration Supply

5 clips and 15 metal 3g weights

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Five resilient plastic clips provide flexible placement without gouging blade edges
• 15 self-adhesive 3-gram metal weights allow multiple weights per problem blade
• Five complete sets provide broad coverage for multi-room home maintenance

Cons

• Only includes 3-gram weights, requiring multiple stickers if a heavier fix is needed
• High blade speed during locating runs can dislodge clips if not fully seated

10

SUNIYORS Ceiling Fan Balancing Kit, 9 Gold 3g Weights with

View on Amazon

• LFR Score

  LFR Score is a ranking system developed by lightfansreviews.com. LFR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.1
• Brand
  SUNIYORS

Key specs2

Weight Finish Aesthetic

Gold-toned metal finish

Tool-Free Balancing Process

Slide the plastic clip onto the blade edge to find the wobbly spot, then stick the gold adhesive weight onto the top centerline without tools.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Gold-colored weights blend cleanly with brass and warm-toned ceiling fan finishes
• Tool-free clip and self-adhesive design allows fast blade adjustments
• Includes three balance clips and nine 3-gram metal weights for three-fan coverage

Cons

• Limited to nine total weights, leaving fewer spares for severe imbalances
• Does not include heavier 5-gram weights for larger blade discrepancies

11

Alpurple 3 Set Ceiling Fan Blade Balancing Kit,Fan Balancing Kits

View on Amazon

• LFR Score

  LFR Score is a ranking system developed by lightfansreviews.com. LFR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.6
• Brand
  Alpurple

Key specs2

Three-Fan Balancing Kit

Designed with three clips and nine 3g weights, this kit gives you three counterweights per clip set for typical residential fan wobble fixes.

Adhesive Weight Selection

9 metal self-adhesive 3g weights

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Three balancing clips allow troubleshooting multiple fans or comparing two blades
• Nine metal self-adhesive 3-gram weights deliver fine balance adjustments
• Compact kit provides the necessary essentials without excess plastic waste

Cons

• Three sets may fall short for homes with four or more wobbling fans
• Lacks heavier 5-gram counterweights for fans with pronounced blade sag

12

Chedin 24 Pcs Ceiling Fan Balancing Kit,6 Sets Blade Balance

View on Amazon

• LFR Score

  LFR Score is a ranking system developed by lightfansreviews.com. LFR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.5
• Brand
  Chedin

Key specs2

Six-Set Tuning Capacity

Supplying six balance clips and 18 individual 3g weights, this kit supports servicing up to six separate ceiling fan units throughout a residence.

Wobble and Noise Target

Aims to reduce blade wobble and motor noise

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Six plastic balance clips support larger balancing sessions across six fixtures
• 18 metal 3-gram adhesive weights provide ample counterweight material
• Tool-free clip and stick-on format requires no drilling or bracket removal

Cons

• Does not include 5-gram weights for heavier blade iron misalignments
• Permanent adhesive weights require careful placement to avoid peeling off fan finish

13

WHMVPWT Ceiling Fan Balancing Kit with 18 Gold 3g Weights,

View on Amazon

• LFR Score

  LFR Score is a ranking system developed by lightfansreviews.com. LFR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.4
• Brand
  WHMVPWT

Key specs2

Gold-Finish Counterweights

18 gold-colored 3g weights

Six-Fan Balancing Capability

With six clips and 18 gold weights, this set accommodates multi-room fan balancing while blending with warm metallic ceiling fan finishes.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Gold-toned metal weights provide a discreet match for brass, bronze, and gold fans
• Six plastic balance clips allow checking multiple blades without repeated clip swaps
• 18 self-adhesive 3-gram weights give ample tuning flexibility across six sets

Cons

• Omits 5-gram weights, which means stacking 3-gram pieces if more mass is required
• Gold finish may stand out visually on white or matte black ceiling fan blades

14

HFYHWT Fan Balancing Kit, 12PCS

View on Amazon

• LFR Score

  LFR Score is a ranking system developed by lightfansreviews.com. LFR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  7.3
• Brand
  HFYHWT

Key specs2

Twelve-Piece Pack Size

12 pieces total

Hardware Verification Need

Because exact clip counts and gram weights are unlisted, check package specifications to ensure enough adhesive weights are included for your fan.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Compact 12-piece pack provides essential hardware to reduce fan wobble and noise
• Self-adhesive weights stick directly onto blade tops out of sight from below
• Budget-friendly kit size for addressing one or two problematic ceiling fans

Cons

• Product listing does not detail the exact count of clips versus weights
• Individual weight values in grams are not specified in the listing data

15

Ohniyou Ceiling Fans with Lights, 52'' Low Profile Ceiling Fan

View on Amazon

• LFR Score

  LFR Score is a ranking system developed by lightfansreviews.com. LFR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.0
• Brand
  Ohniyou

Key specs2

Low-Profile Ceiling Clearance

The flush mount design mounts directly against the ceiling deck, helping maintain standard 7-foot floor-to-blade clearance in rooms with standard 8-foot ceilings.

Dual Remote and App Control

Handheld remote and smartphone app

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Low profile flush mount design installs close to ceiling decks for 8-foot ceiling clearance
• Quiet DC motor delivers energy-efficient airflow with dimmable integrated lighting
• Dual control interface supports operation via handheld remote or smartphone app
• 52-inch blade span provides balanced room air circulation for bedrooms and living rooms

Cons

• Full fixture replacement takes significantly more installation effort than a clip-on weight kit
• Flush mount profile draws air from a tighter ceiling boundary layer than a hanging downrod

16

Hunter Fan Company 53091 Builder Deluxe Indoor Ceiling Fan with

View on Amazon

• LFR Score

  LFR Score is a ranking system developed by lightfansreviews.com. LFR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  9.2
• Brand
  Hunter

Key specs2

Pull Chain Manual Control

Classic pull chain operation

Traditional Bronze Aesthetic

A new bronze finish and 52-inch blade span offer classic indoor styling, though installing a replacement fan requires verifying a fan-rated ceiling box.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Established Builder Deluxe 52-inch design fits standard indoor living rooms and bedrooms
• Includes an integrated LED light kit for dependable overhead illumination
• Classic new bronze finish complements traditional and transitional home decor
• Simple pull chain controls offer dependable manual operation without remote receiver failures

Cons

• Lacks remote or app control, requiring manual pull chain adjustments at the fixture
• Requires full ceiling box installation and wiring rather than an external balancing fix

17

Tweruna 25 PCS Ceiling Fan Balancing Kit, Ceiling Fan Weight

View on Amazon

• LFR Score

  LFR Score is a ranking system developed by lightfansreviews.com. LFR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  9.5
• Brand
  Tweruna

Key specs2

Dual-Gram Weight Selection

Offering both 3g and 5g weights gives you flexibility to address slight blade vibrations or heavier tracking discrepancies with a single balancing kit.

Seven Balancing Clips

7 resilient blade balance clips

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Includes seven balance clips, providing the highest clip count among the listed kits
• Supplies both 3-gram and 5-gram self-adhesive weights for fine and coarse balance adjustments
• 25-piece package contains ample components to balance up to six or seven ceiling fans

Cons

• Adhesive weights cannot be moved once stuck down, requiring careful pre-checking with clips
• Fan blades must be thoroughly cleaned of dust for the adhesive backing to adhere securely

Last update on 2026-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

FAQs

Why did my ceiling fan suddenly start wobbling?

Sudden wobbling is almost always caused by a loose screw or an uneven layer of dust. Over months of rotation, motor vibrations can back out the screws holding the blade arms to the motor. Also, if one blade collects sticky dust or grease while the others do not, that small weight difference creates an immediate shake.

Can a wobbling ceiling fan fall from the ceiling?

A ceiling fan will not fall simply because the blades are out of balance. However, severe long-term wobbling puts repetitive stress on the mounting bracket and ceiling screws. If the fan is mounted to an unapproved plastic lighting box rather than a fan-rated metal junction box, that ongoing vibration can eventually cause the bracket to pull loose.

Should I stick the balance weight on top or on the bottom of the blade?

Always stick the permanent counterweight on the top surface of the blade, running along the center line. Placing it on top hides the metal square from view so your fan looks clean from the floor. Sticking it along the center line also ensures the weight does not pull the front or back edge of the blade out of pitch.

What if my fan still wobbles after using a balancing kit?

If balancing clips and weights fail to stop the shake, check whether the hanging ball at the top of your downrod is locked into the bracket groove. You should also verify that the ceiling junction box is bolted firmly to a joist. If the mount is solid and the blades still wobble, the fan motor shaft itself may be bent, requiring motor replacement.