Screws and cage nuts for server racks and network cabinets, used to mount servers, switches, patch panels and NAS units in 19-inch racks. The range suits IT installers, home lab builders and office admins. Brands include ALLNET, StarTech.com, LANBERG and HP Enterprise, with further options from QNAP and Inline.
How to choose rack screws and cage nuts
Thread size. Most 19-inch racks with square holes take M6 screws and cage nuts, but some racks use 10-32 UNF or M5. Check the rack manual before ordering, because forcing the wrong thread damages both the screw and the nut.
Hole type. Cage nuts only work in racks with square mounting holes, where they clip in from the inside of the rail. Racks with round or pre-threaded holes need screws alone, so confirm which type you have first.
Material and finish. Plated steel is the usual choice for dry offices and server rooms. Stainless steel is also available in our range and resists rust better in damp spots such as garages or unheated cupboards. Silver and black finishes are on offer too, and black fixings are less noticeable in a dark rack.
Pack contents and quantity. A device normally needs four screws and four cage nuts, so a full rack takes many sets. Look at whether the pack includes washers or a cage nut insertion tool. The tool saves time and spares your fingers when you fit dozens of nuts.
Fit with your equipment. Servers and NAS units from some manufacturers ship with their own rail kits and fixings. Check what is already in the box so you buy only the missing pieces.
Rack fixing brands we carry
- ALLNET: a German network technology company whose rack accessories sit alongside its cabling and infrastructure products.
- StarTech.com: a Canadian maker of IT connectivity products, known for rack hardware and accessories sold in sets.
- LANBERG: a Polish brand producing network cabling, patch panels and rack equipment, so its fixings match its own cabinets.
- HP Enterprise: a server and rack manufacturer, so its fixings are designed around its own server racks and hardware.
- QNAP: best known for NAS storage, including rack-mount models that use dedicated fixing hardware.
Also in our range: Inline.
Frequently asked questions about screws and cage nuts
What size are cage nuts for server racks?
Most cage nuts for 19-inch server racks are M6. Some racks use 10-32 UNF or M5 instead, so the rack manufacturer's specification is the safest guide. If you are unsure, test one screw by hand before buying a large quantity.
Do all server racks need cage nuts?
No, only racks with square mounting holes use cage nuts. Racks with round holes take plain screws and racks with threaded holes need matching threaded screws. Look closely at the rail holes to see which you have.
How many cage nuts do I need for one rack-mounted device?
A typical 1U device is secured with four screws and four cage nuts, two on each side. Larger or heavier equipment may need more fixing points, so check its rail instructions. It is sensible to buy a few spares, since cage nuts are easy to drop inside a rack.
Are stainless steel rack screws better than standard ones?
Stainless steel screws resist rust better, which helps where humidity is high or temperatures swing. In a dry, climate-controlled server room, standard plated steel does the same job. Choose the thread size first, then the material.
