990012FGT Hinkley Lighting Accessory - Ceiling Fan Down-rod-12 Inch Down Rod Length-Graphite Finish

I actually needed an 8-inch downrod. So, I drilled out the top lock holes to be the same size as the original holes, and in line with those holes. I did this by carefully wrapping the rod in two layers of blue painter tape and fastening it in the drill press vise. I then used a iron pipe cutter to remove the excess length. Finally, I used a variable speed Dremel tool with grinding stone to smooth out the inside cut area in order to prevent any damage to the wiring.

I actually needed an 8-inch downrod. So, I drilled out the top lock holes to be the same size as the original holes, and in line with those holes. I did this by carefully wrapping the rod in two layers of blue painter tape and fastening it in the drill press vise. I then used a iron pipe cutter to remove the excess length. Finally, I used a variable speed Dremel tool with grinding stone to smooth out the inside cut area in order to prevent any damage to the wiring.