Filter mounting help needed

[Jeff7]

Hopefully I can explain this good enough so that I can get suggestions. I have a fan on the side of my computer (cut a hole for it) that is blowing air in over the expansion cards. It has a filter mounted on the outside of it. Unfortunately, the screws go first through the filter, then the case, and then the fan, and are secured in place with one nut each. Problem: Removing the screws causes the fan inside the case to fall, requiring that I open the case just to remove the dust filter assembly.
I'd like to have a secure, but removable way of keeping the fan in place, while also being able to remove the filter assembly without having to open or turn off the case. Suggestions?

 

[kzochert]

Form some sort of holder on the outside of the case, the kind that you could just slide out. I don't know how to describe what I am thinking but, think of your aAir conditioning filter. The metal brackets taht keep the filter in place, then you just silde it through the open side.

 

[chopstxxx]

screw 2 diagonal screws into the fan only, and the other two through the filter and the fan.

 

[Jeff7]

kzochert, that sounds like a good idea. I just need to find brackets now that will fit the bill and not look like crap.

chopstxxx, having only 2 diagonals in wouldn't keep the fan flush with the case. (Hey, I'm not a perfect driller, ok?)

 

[ubersam]

How about Velcro?

 

[MedicBob]

Here is how I would do it:

Get longer fan screws at local hardware store.
Get twice the number of nuts. IE: 4 screws, 8 nuts
Install fan as norm with nut to the outside
install filter over screws(fan) then put second set of nuts on.

OR

Instaed of getting 2 sets of nuts, use metal self locking washers, they are used in automotive bodywork. They look like a very thin wavy washer with 2 notches to hold screw. Also might be called retaining washers, not sure. Just check your local hardware store and look around.
then install filter and nuts.

 

[Jeff7]

Think I see what you mean too, Medicbob. Plus I can custom cut the screws so that not too much sticks out. I can buy rounded nuts too that won't catch on anything when in place. Or something like a wingnut that could be unscrewed a little easier.

 

[MedicBob]

Yep, it should work plus look pretty good. BTW the name of the things I was trying to descibe are "Speed Nuts" any decent hardware store has them.

 

[herdmaster]

Try places like "millisec" or "2cooltek" they have all sizes of filters with a holder that mounts on the fan and the filter itself just snaps on.

 

[NesuD]

I have used 2coolteks plastic filter brackets. They allow you to remove the filter element for cleaning without unscrewing anything. After a few weeks i put it on the exhausting side of the fan inside the case and replaced it on the outside with a chrome grill. i have to open my case to clean it but that only takes a moment then i just snap the plastic grill off it and remove the filter element for quick easy cleaning.

 

[HouRman]

filters make fans loud which is why I took mine off, and decided to just vacuum and dust more than usual

 

[fast_eddie]

another vote for plastic filter mounts!