Looking for Screws. Size matters.

[Chiropteran]

So I have had a nice Thermaltake branded power supply. This is not my exact model but it's the same case design:

https://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-TOUGHPOWER-Modular-Supply-PS-TPG-0750MPCGUS-1/dp/B00J0N7J1G

Notice on the 3rd and 4th pics down from the top, you can see the screw holes are indented into the case, and additionally the power supply case is slightly rounded. Long story short: regular computer screws will not reach the threads.

I've tried a basic search:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...ords=long+pc+screws&rh=i:aps,k:long+pc+screws

But I'm a bit lost. It seems standard size is 1/4 inch, and I see some 5/16 inch screws, but that is such a small difference I bet these are too short too. Anyone know of a good source for longer than normal computer screws?

 

[dave_the_nerd]

So I have had a nice Thermaltake branded power supply. This is not my exact model but it's the same case design:

https://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-TOUGHPOWER-Modular-Supply-PS-TPG-0750MPCGUS-1/dp/B00J0N7J1G

Notice on the 3rd and 4th pics down from the top, you can see the screw holes are indented into the case, and additionally the power supply case is slightly rounded. Long story short: regular computer screws will not reach the threads.

I've tried a basic search:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=long+pc+screws&rh=i:aps,k:long+pc+screws

But I'm a bit lost. It seems standard size is 1/4 inch, and I see some 5/16 inch screws, but that is such a small difference I bet these are too short too. Anyone know of a good source for longer than normal computer screws?

Hardware store. They're standard-thread machine screws; just bring one to match so you get the right size.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

If this addresses your regular four PSU mounting screws, then they would be 6-32 size in terms of the thread. I bought a handful of 6-32's about 1" to 1.25" long. But they are made for a flat screwdriver -- not a Phillips. That should be a drawback, but those items are definitely "out there." I either ordered them online, or picked them up at the local industrial metal-supply store, or the electronics-jobber-warehouse next door to it across town.

 

[Chiropteran]

Hardware store. They're standard-thread machine screws; just bring one to match so you get the right size.

A store? You mean like... outdoors? I'd have to actually talk to someone in real life?

I don't need my power supply to be secure THAT badly.

 

[Chiropteran]

If this addresses your regular four PSU mounting screws, then they would be 6-32 size in terms of the thread. I bought a handful of 6-32's about 1" to 1.25" long. But they are made for a flat screwdriver -- not a Phillips. That should be a drawback, but those items are definitely "out there." I either ordered them online, or picked them up at the local industrial metal-supply store, or the electronics-jobber-warehouse next door to it across town.

https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Find-Fa...e=UTF8&qid=1490994265&sr=8-2&keywords=6-32+1"

There they are 1", I'll give them a try.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

A store? You mean like... outdoors? I'd have to actually talk to someone in real life?

I don't need my power supply to be secure THAT badly.

Fair enough.

 

[sm625]

I thought these dimensions were part of the ATX specification? Why would they design a PSU like that?

At any rate it looks like you need #6 32 7/16" philips pan head screws. Maybe 1/2". 1.0" seems way too long. With such an idiotic design I wouldnt rule out the possibility of such a long screw hitting something inside and resulting in a puff a smoke.

 

[mindless1]

A store? You mean like... outdoors? I'd have to actually talk to someone in real life?

I don't need my power supply to be secure THAT badly.

Yeah but... $1 pack at hardware store, and even that is if they don't have a bin with them ~15 cents each, vs $9 for what Chiropteran linked.

However you can get cheaper 6-32 screws on Amazon or elsewhere, just depends on how picky you are about the head type. For example around $4 the following though you can probably get something on eBay for $2 if you want to wait a month for S/H from China:

https://www.amazon.com/Hillman-Group-945-Stainless-Machine/dp/B00HYK7624

https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Find-Fastener-014973173975-Phillips/dp/B008RNLFII

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAA7C4199924

You could also ask at a local mom 'n pop computer shop. They probably have a bunch they never expected to sell, might just give them to you for free as a goodwill gesture.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Yeah but... $1 pack at hardware store, and even that is if they don't have a bin with them ~15 cents each, vs $9 for what Chiropteran linked.

However you can get cheaper 6-32 screws on Amazon or elsewhere, just depends on how picky you are about the head type. For example around $4 the following though you can probably get something on eBay for $2 if you want to wait a month for S/H from China:

https://www.amazon.com/Hillman-Group-945-Stainless-Machine/dp/B00HYK7624

https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Find-Fastener-014973173975-Phillips/dp/B008RNLFII

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAA7C4199924

You could also ask at a local mom 'n pop computer shop. They probably have a bunch they never expected to sell, might just give them to you for free as a goodwill gesture.

"Local mom 'n pop computer shop." That's a growing long shot these days. All of my MnP-computer-shop owners and proprietors have disappeared. I used to get all sorts of "free stuff" from the shadow-business of recycling my friend ran from the back of his store. No more.

 

[mindless1]

^ All the more reason to seek out the few remaining and patronize them every now and then. Over the years I couldn't even tell you how many $5 to $10 computer cases I've bought from one near me... really glad that BTX didn't wipe out ATX.