Question: I am attempting to install a [retrofit fan brace](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commercial-Electric-15-3-cu-in-Remodel-Construction-Ceiling-Fan-Brace-with-1-1-2-in-Box-CMB150-OB/205383178#product-overview) and ran into an issue where my 2x4 are horizontal and not vertical, what are my options to support a fan or are there alternative braces for this setup? (also if any of the wording is inaccurate based on the picture please update/comment)

[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/3ofbh.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/3ofbh.jpg)

**Answer**

I ended up using 3 screws a top 2x4 and a sideways 2x4 and screwed into the brace, seems very stable but I noted it for only a light or lightweight fan (for now it's just a pool table light anyway) and then used the retrofit kit, which secured nicely (I hung on it for a few seconds at 150lbs)

[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/NRP6b.png)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/NRP6b.png)

Answer: 
I would take Ecnerwal's suggestion a bit further. Build some simple blocks with flanges using 2x3 (so they fit through the hole) and plywood (whatever you have on hand). Drop them in place with beads of construction adhesive or wood glue on the backs. Come back a day later and carry on.

```
SIDE (ELEVATION) VIEW
     ____ ______________________
    |    |                      |
    |----|-------- <--screws    |<-- new 2x3 block
    |    |                      |
   ||----|--------              |
   ||    |______________________|_____ <-- glue joint
   ||    |                            |
 __||    |                            |
   ||    |<-- glue joint              |
 __||    |                            |<-- truss chord
   ||____|____________________________|
       ^-- plywood

TOP (PLAN) VIEW
     ____ ____________________________
    |    |                      |     |
    |    |                      |     |
    |----|--------              |     |
    |    |                      |     |
   ||    |                      |     |
   ||    |                      |     |
___||    |                      |     |
   ||    |                      |     |
___||    |                      |     |
   ||    |                      |     |
   ||    |                      |     |
   ||    |                      |     |
    |    |                      |     |
    |----|--------              |     |
    |    |                      |     |
    |____|______________________|_____|

```
get some 2x4 (or 1x4) about as long as the truss is high and put some 2"or 2.5" nails through each end (so they stick out a bit)

pass it up through the hole and with it vertical press it against the side of the truss where the brace will contact the truss. it may be possible to screw it to the top part of the truss using a long driver

put the brace up and tighten it against the 2x4.

[![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/iQmvO.png)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/iQmvO.png)