So I buy all the parts I thought I needed.





That spreader bar, that "bites" into the ceiling joists from which you hang your ceiling fan electrical recess box and other associated parts.





Then I when I go up to the fucking hole... I forget that the hole has a 2x4 running across the floor joist. There is no room to stick the spreader bar inside. Anyways.... this job just became way more complicated than Youtube videos can help with.





Is it enough to simply screw the metal box into the 2x4 above the hole, and the ceiling joist to the side,... or do I absolutely have to use the damn spreader bar?





I live in Peoria. I was all set to do this myself, as the video I watched on Youtube made it look much more straight forward. Anyways, if you can either instruct me on here on what the best, safest way to do this is... or if anyone's willing to swing by and lend a helping hand, I'd appreciate the help.





Here's a video I uploaded to video to provide a better idea of what it looks like.








 

Home Depot carries short depth ceiling boxes. You will mount it directly to the 2x4.  How deep is it from the 2x4 to the edge of the sheet rock?


20

5/8 deep box
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Westinghouse-6-cu-in-New-Construction-or-Remodel-Ceiling-Fan-Saf-T-Pan-0103600/204845541?N=5yc1vZbohnZ1z0zp1gZ1z1131uZ1z1139pZ1z113et

1 1/2 deep box
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Raco-1-1-2-in-Deep-22-4-cu-in-4-in-Round-Ceiling-Fan-Box-296/203634404?N=5yc1vZbohnZ1z0zp1g

It is approximately 2" deep.

Screw the ceiling box directly to the beam or w/e the term is for the wood. Give the whole thing a tug or three to secure it's secure, install the fan. I'm never up in Peoria or I'd cruise over and help you.

There is another box specifically for that situation, where it has an L-bracket on the top. you have to look around some, but home depot had them, and I think ace. the staff will be useless, you'll just have to look yourself.
looks like a deep j-box cup with a metal L-bracket on the top, with holes to screw perpendicular to the beam.