The 3 Different Types of Rack Screws: Which Is Best for You?

Racks are a huge space saver when it comes to audio and tech equipment. You can use rack mount equipment for servers to improve operations and storage at your business. One thing to consider when buying and changing racks is that not all racks have the same thread type. It can vary depending on the manufacturer and location. There are three common types of rack screws that we will break down below.

10-32 Screws

The first and original type of rack screw is called a 10-32 thread. The “10” is the size of the screw, and the “32” means that there are 32 threads per inch. This is the most common type of rack screw on the market. It comes in multiple driver styles, with Phillips and Torx being the most common.

12-24 Screws

The second type of screw is called the 12-24 rack screw, which is becoming more popular. It is slightly larger than the 10-32, and once again, the numbers describe the screw. The “12” is the size, and the “24” denotes 24 threads per inch.

M6 Screws

The final type of screw you may run into is a metric rack screw, which is often referred to as an M6. These are more commonly used in Europe, but there are certain manufacturers that use them regularly, such as HP. The 6 in the name refers to the size, as the outside diameter of the thread is 6mm. The standards for these screws can vary, but it is typically 6mm by 01mm.

The other situation you may come across with racks are holes that do not have threads in them. In this scenario, the racks will require clip nuts. You will need to get clip nuts that match whatever type of screws you want to use. The advantage of these is that you can buy new clip nuts to change the screws used. When purchasing a new rack, you can choose clip nuts to match the screws that you are already using on other racks.

Which Mount Screw Is Best for You?

When deciding which screw is best for you, it really comes down to your equipment and what you use it for.

First, if you are not living in Europe, it’s best to go with one of the first two types of screws. Besides that, it’s all about your preferences and needs.

No rack screw is better than the other. If you are already using a certain type of screw or equipment, it is better to stick with it. That way everything is uniform. If you are looking to put together a new rack, one of the more common types of rack screws is best.

In a scenario where you have multiple types or brands of equipment, such as purchasing used equipment, using clip nuts may be the best option. This way, you can swap out clip nuts instead of having to worry about screws fitting the rack.

Rackfinity Can Help with All of Your Rack Equipment and Hardware Needs

Whatever your rack-mount screw needs are, Rackfinity can help. We offer all three of the above types, as well as equipment and mounts to help you build the perfect rack. Check out our offerings, and feel free to contact us with any questions that you may have. We want to ensure that you find everything that you are looking for.