Racking systems require very specific hardware for the assembly of the structure itself and for the mounting of the equipment. Both rackmount screws and cage nuts are widely used. You'll also occasionally see clip nuts, although they are becoming less common.
What Are Rackmount Screws?
Small, threaded fasteners with pan heads (usually) and often a black finish, these screws are used to mount the equipment on standard rack rails. They come in a few different sizes - the most common ones in the US are the 10-32 and the 12-24, while the M6 rack screw is widely used in Europe.
Different Types of Racks
Besides the various styles of rack screws, you will also find three different types of racks on the market. The threaded variety is often used with audio equipment or shelving and is made to fit a certain type of rack screw - hence an M6 rackmount screw is used with an M6 rack rail.
Computer systems however, don't seem to fit well with threaded rack rails and the round, unthreaded racks were introduced. By using a clip nut the screws were able to fit snug in the unthreaded holes and the components were safely attached.
Then, when the disadvantages of round holes were uncovered, manufacturers brought out square unthreaded rack rails and the cage nut was introduced.
What is a Cage Nut
These handy fasteners literally just snap into the 3/8” square holes in the vertical rails, creating the right fit for the rack screw with a matching thread. It's important that you source the cage nut with the rackmount screws in order to ensure the threads match. You'll find cage nuts in all the screw types and installation is simple and fast using these nuts.
Many computer server systems are now utilizing square rack holes to deliver speedy assembly of the system. This style of rack cuts down as installation time, saving businesses money. The added cost of cage bolts is not enough to deter corporations from wanting this style of racks, which means that the manufacturers will continue to offer them.
Rackmount screws and cage nuts go together well in many applications. A must for computer networks, they will also find their way into many other industrial settings.
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