snekerpimp

APC server rack with threaded holes instead of cage nuts

https://lemmy.world/post/1302069

APC server rack with threaded holes instead of cage nuts - LemmyWorld

Just picked up an APC 48u server rack. There were no pictures of it in the post and I did not notice until I got it home and set up, that the rack rails have threaded holes instead of square cage nut holes. I can’t seem to determine the thread size and pitch, and have a thread gauge coming. Until then, does anyone know anything about this? The people I grabbed it from had used self tapping machine screws and drove them in with an impact wrench. Is this what APC had intended, or is there some $300 proprietary screw I have to buy from them? [https://i.imgur.com/uf6TDlE.jpg] [https://i.imgur.com/3WFoRQH.jpg]

Jul 10, 2023 at 3:17pmWeb
Show threadSheeEttinJul 10, 2023
Rack screws are pretty standard. You should be able to get a big pack for cheap from the usual online suppliers. Looks like you would want M6x16mm screws.
Show threadsnekerpimpJul 10, 2023
I have m6 cage nuts from my last rack and they are WAY too big. An M5-0.8 will thread about half way in and then bind, making me think it’s a thread pitch issue?
Show threadtburkholJul 10, 2023

If they’re #10 (US) screws, they’d be 4.8mm major diameter and 24 or 32 threads per inch, so something like M4.8-1.06 or M4.8-0.78. If M5-0.8 thread half way, it sounds more like 10-32.

If you’re outside the US, that might be why the previous owners resorted to the ugga-dugga. That will (probably) have wrecked those holes for either their factory pitch or whatever the owners used. You might consider getting a 5MM drill and a 6mm hand tap. You might have fair luck with 10-32 screws, depending on how hard they are to get in your country.

Show threadsnekerpimpJul 10, 2023
In the US, figured they were a bizarre metric thread someone hammered a sae thread into. #10-24 is sooooo loose though, it’s hard to imagine they would design it with that much slop.
Show threadgripworksJul 10, 2023

While I can’t speak for your rack in particular, most pre threaded racks are either 10-32 or 10-24 screws.

You can buy them easily on Amazon.

I work in television, and in our equipment room we have 50 racks that are pre threaded. And we use these: [Amazon link](Penn Elcom S1032/HP/WA/100 High Point Rack Screws with Washers - Set of 100 a.co/d/g13kPzw)

Show threadsnekerpimpJul 10, 2023
This is what I thought too, but both #10 threaded bolts I have are too small, one will thread, the 24 ones I believe, but you can wiggle them, enough to wiggle them out with out turning them.
Show threadScrubblesJul 10, 2023
I learned this the hard way, there is a difference between a “data rack”, which is the one with cage screws, and a “network rack”, which comes with the threaded machine screws. I believe switches have standardized screws
Show threadsnekerpimpJul 10, 2023
I will try and attack it from this angle. Thanks for the input!