Question

Cage nut thread sizing

Asked by: Maxwellb

Hi Experts,

I've got a server rack with standard square holes for mounting equipment - only problem is that most of my servers are of the 'pre-square hole' era. I understand I need 'cage nuts' to convert the square holes into threaded round ones. My question is: How do I know what thread sizing I need? Is there a standard (Ha! Wouldn't THAT be nice...)? I've got Dell, Compaq and IBM servers, would each use a different sized threading?

Thanks!
-Max

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Asked On
2009-09-05 at 14:15:27ID24710250
Tags

server

,

rack

,

server rack

,

rack mount

,

datacenter

,

rack mounting

,

thread size

Topics

Networking Hardware

,

Computer Servers

,

Storage Technology

Participating Experts
3
Points
500
Comments
6

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Answers

 

by: IanThPosted on 2009-09-06 at 04:01:32ID: 25269427

 

by: MaxwellbPosted on 2009-09-07 at 00:37:35ID: 25273304

Hi,

So there's no way of knowing without buying some of each?

Thanks,
Max

 

by: atrevidoPosted on 2009-09-08 at 12:05:34ID: 25285055

The threads are in the cage nuts not your servers.  The servers normally just have screws that are built into the server that go into the cage rail kit.  I assume you are talking about a 4 poster rack.   Did you buy the rack new?  Normally it comes with a bag of cage nuts and screws

 

by: IanThPosted on 2009-09-09 at 02:52:12ID: 25289551

yes the rack has the holes you need to measure them rack as thats the thing you need to know the server has screws as atrevido says but they can be changed to match the nuts you get

 

by: aleghartPosted on 2009-09-24 at 16:45:45ID: 25419055

Just buy cage nuts and matching screws.  Pick one size and replace everything.

Your servers, hubs, blank plates, etc will only have round/oval openings...any of the standard screws will fit through the holes.

Cheaper in bulk:
http://www.racksolutions.com/rack-screws-dell-hp-compaq-ibm.shtml

In general expect to pay around $1USD per pair of nut/bolt.

When you have mix-and-match, it is very frustrating.  Installation.  Re-racking/relocation.  Replace worn/unsightly trim...it's better to buy a couple of hundred and save the rest as spares.

Sounds good to recycle the old parts until someone decides to have a tour of the facility and makes a trivial comment about how the equipment looks old and ill-maintained or messy.

Then, you'll be spending a couple of hours replacing all of the nuts and bolts while the equipment is running (and already stuffed together).

Oh, and clean up that spot on the floor, and maybe mop and wax while you're there at midnight anyway.  :)

 

by: MaxwellbPosted on 2010-01-28 at 14:54:56ID: 31625346

Sorry for the delay! Problem solved.

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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