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APC rack with threaded holes instead of cage nut inserts (self.homelab)

submitted 1 year ago by snekerpimp to c/[email protected]

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Just picked up an APC 48u rack. The listing had no shots of it, and I didn’t notice till after I got it home and set up, the rack rails do not have square cage nut holes, but what appear to be threaded holes. I can not find a bolt or screw with the right size and thread pitch. It looks like it’s an M5 fine thread, but wanted to see if anyone had any info on this. Am I just supposed to get self tapping machine screws, like the previous owner did? Or is there some APC proprietary bolt that I’m working with here?

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

That’s a network rack, and the bolts are a standard size. I’m at work so can’t check at the moment but I can get back to you later.

Edit: These ones fit mine:
Monoprice 12/24 Screw for Rack, 50 -Piece, Black 108622 https://a.co/d/giNM2Dm

[–] snekerpimp 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The only thing that fits is an m5-0.8, but it will only go half way then bind, making me think it’s the wrong thread pitch? Or the messed up every single hole…

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Unfortunately threaded racks can be lots of different sizes - the most common in my experience are 10-32, 12-24 or M6x1. I just label racks with their screw size in a visible area to avoid confusion.

Someone at my current job ruined every single thread in one of the server rooms, so that's definitely a possibility as well. I will say it is obvious when someone has done that once you take a close look, though.

Best bet is to just buy one of each screw size at a local hardware store and try them out. Maybe also see if there is a model number on the rack, but don't hold your breath.

[–] snekerpimp 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I work in automotive, nuts and bolts are my job. Miss-threading because of laziness is unacceptable lol I’ve used everything in my bolt bins sae and metric…

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I agree.

Does anything work on the threads in the back or are they the same?

It is incredibly unlikely all the threads are screwed, despite my story.

If they truly are, you should be able to buy replacement rails. If you do, I'd say go square if you can and use rack studs for ease of install.

[–] snekerpimp 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

All threads are the same. You can tell the holes that they used by the threads that are messed up. Looking up replacements, can only find 42u hight and cage nut…. APC wants $1200 for the set… only paid $200 for the rack.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Go buy a tap and die set from Harbor Freight for $20. Make your own threads.

[–] snekerpimp 1 points 1 year ago

Lol this is exactly what I was trying to avoid.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

They must have hired the guy we got rid of. Bummer, dude. Might have some luck at an IT recycler nearby. Contact them and tell them what you're looking for.

[–] snekerpimp 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

At this point I might as well just use self tappers myself, not planning on moving much around… but nothing ever goes according to plan lol

[–] gramathy 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I mean if the U label sticker being off an entire hole isn’t a giveaway that someone’s not competent..

[–] snekerpimp 1 points 1 year ago

Further inspection revealed that they were all off, and were pieced together by fragments… I’m pealing them all off and have a white sharpie

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