Question on Standard ATX/Thumb Screw Size.

[DaFanMan]

Hello All,

I got my new Wavemaster case by coolermaster and I'm in the process of modifying it. I have been looking around for some different types of screws to use in place of the thumbscrews and for use in securing the stock fan in the rear as well as the new fan's I'll be adding.

Anyway I'm unclear as to the standard size of the thumbscrews included with the coolermaster case, is it 6-32 or 8-32? or something else? Those two numbers stuck in my head but I was unsure if either was correct and if so which one.

I found the screws I want to use but only in 8-32 not 6-32...if the standard size is indeed 6-32 what would my options be? To use the 8-32 screws would I be looking at needing to purchase a Tap & Die set to change the hole size to 8-32?

Any help is much appriciated
-Matt

 

[Mday]

the standard screws used in cases are metric. of course some manufacturers use custom sized screws for various things.

 

[DaFanMan]

Any idea what size? Basicly I'm looking for what size the thumb screws sold on just about every modding type site out there are.

-Matt

 

[Zepper]

Standard case screws are NOT metric. Most use 6-32 screws. About the only metric (ISO) size screws commonly used in cases are the ones used to mount floppy and optical drives. And some of the threaded brass mobo standoffs use that same size, but the mobo standoffs are still mostly 6-32. I have not seen no. 8 screws (once were used on case covers back in the day) used for a long time.
.bh.

 

[Mark R]

[Edited - oops. Got them the wrong way round. Thought I could tell one from the other just by looking. Thanks zepper!]

Drive mounting screws are M3
The remainder of the case screws are usually UNC 6-32

 

[Zepper]

. The screws to hold covers, add-on cards/slot covers, PSUs, etc. are all no. 6-32. I've got an Enlight, an Athenatech and a Chyang Fun here and none of them use anything but 6-32. I've built systems with every major brand of case for 20+ years and (except for the old days when some used no.8 for case covers and a few other rare exceptions) all used no.6.
. Now if the fancy aluminum case makers chose to go with a non-standard size thumbscrew as Mark R seems to think, well, that's their mistake (and your headache). Just hold a thumb screw and compare it side-by-side with one of the screws that hold the PSU in place and you should be able to tell the difference, if there is one. If you can't eyeball it, just try one of the thumbscrews in a PSU or hard disk mounting hole (don't force it). If it fits properly, then it's no.6. You could take one of your thumbscrews to a better hardware store or a Home Depot or Lowes and try it in various nuts 'til you find the best fit. Some even have thread guides, so you won't have to try a bunch of nuts. Let us know what you find out.
. Most of the commonly available thumbscrews from the modding sites are no.6 but other sizes can be gotten from various electronic parts/hardware sites - just perhaps not as fancy.
. I've seen some thumbscrews specifically for Lian Li only which do appear to be M3. Here's a site that carries some and fan mounting screws too: Linkage And SVC.com carries a selection of hardware as well.
..bh.