• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Regular pliers to tighten standoffs?

B

BooYoung

Junior Member
I have been using a pair of needlenose pliers to tighten the motherboard standoffs in my case, and I noticed a few times that the teeth of the pliers would scrape off these miniscule particles of metal from the standoffs (or if they accidentally scratched the inside of the case). I tried to wipe up these little bits as I saw them, and I have never had any short circuit because of them, but do you think these would pose a risk to the computer?

I have seen these types of tiny metal particles inside cases before--I think they occur during metalwork of the case, or when the screw holes are drilled out, etc, but I never thought if they would pose a big risk to short circuits before. What do you guys think?
 
mnewsham said:
probably a non issue, i wouldn't worry about it.
Click to expand...

Thanks mnewsham. I was just thinking that it is almost impossible to avoid generating these types of metal particles while working on the PC. Just screwing in slot covers generates a few of them from where the screwdriver contacts the screwhead.
 
BooYoung said:
Thanks mnewsham. I was just thinking that it is almost impossible to avoid generating these types of metal particles while working on the PC. Just screwing in slot covers generates a few of them from where the screwdriver contacts the screwhead.
Click to expand...

Not to mention it would need to land in just the right spot in just the right way to do anything.
 
MagnusTheBrewer said:
I do wonder why you feel the need to use pliers. I've never tightened them with anything but my fingers.
Click to expand...

I had a few instances where I didn't tighten them with a screwdriver, and then when I tried to remove the screws later, the standoffs would come off with the screws. Trying to get pliers or fingers underneath the motherboard to hold the standoffs in place was a real pain.
 
You could do it instead with a set of small sockets, a standoff tool that just about every computer toolkit has, or wrap the pliers with something. I have had a cheap toolkit with a standoff tool for years, but I have also used unwrapped pliers when I didn't have the tool with me, and it is not a problem, just not as easy.
 
BooYoung said:
I had a few instances where I didn't tighten them with a screwdriver, and then when I tried to remove the screws later, the standoffs would come off with the screws. Trying to get pliers or fingers underneath the motherboard to hold the standoffs in place was a real pain.
Click to expand...

Since removing the screws implies removing MB, why would it matter if a stand off stayed attached to the MB instead of the case? I mean, once the MB is removed, you can easily unscrew the stand offs.
 
I use a nut driver.

nut_drivers.png


driving-me-nuts-781x1024.jpg
 
MagnusTheBrewer said:
I do wonder why you feel the need to use pliers. I've never tightened them with anything but my fingers.
Click to expand...

They don't need to be as tight as you describe. The p[roper tool is a nut driver socket. Finger tight is good enough - there is no torque applied by the mobo.
 
BooYoung said:
I had a few instances where I didn't tighten them with a screwdriver, and then when I tried to remove the screws later, the standoffs would come off with the screws. Trying to get pliers or fingers underneath the motherboard to hold the standoffs in place was a real pain.
Click to expand...

That doesn't piss me off nearly as much as when the threaded inserts for video cards come off with the VGA plug's screws.
(I almost always end up putting a drop of thread-locker on them to hold them to the card's case)
 
Get a 5mm socket and tighten them snugly. You can also use it to tighten the connector screws in the back that sometimes come loose.

Use a vacuum cleaner to clean out the area without the motherboard.
 
MagnusTheBrewer said:
Since removing the screws implies removing MB, why would it matter if a stand off stayed attached to the MB instead of the case? I mean, once the MB is removed, you can easily unscrew the stand offs.
Click to expand...

It isn't much of a problem except for the screws near the I/O shield. It causes the motherboard to lift, except the I/O shield holds it in place. Basically it can severely bend the PCB. It isn't much of a problem... until you've experienced it. :\
 
Thanks everyone. Regarding the metal filings/chips/flakes/bits, has anyone else seen these things in their case? Or am I the only one paranoid enough to actually notice these things? 🙂
 
Zap said:
It isn't much of a problem except for the screws near the I/O shield. It causes the motherboard to lift, except the I/O shield holds it in place. Basically it can severely bend the PCB. It isn't much of a problem... until you've experienced it. :\
Click to expand...

Yeah. My feeling is, once you are experienced enough, you will learn to tighten those standoffs to MORE than finger-tight. I had to learn the hard way too.

Not to mention, when you are prepping the case, don't forget to take a standoff and test whether or not you are supposed to use the fine-thread or coarse-thread screws with them. It makes all the difference in the world, if you ever hope to be able to remove the mobo. Ask me how I know. 🙁
 
I use small pliers to tighten the standoffs. They usually aren't threaded that great, and pliers make sure they're tight. I guess a special tool would be better, but I always have pliers in my pocket, so it's quick and easy.

As far as metal in the case goes, I'm sure most of them have stray bits, but I never especially noticed.
 
I use a Gerber multi-tool to tighten my standoffs. The majority of the time, my gerber is easier to find then a regular pair of pliers.


MagnusTheBrewer said:
I do wonder why you feel the need to use pliers. I've never tightened them with anything but my fingers.
Click to expand...

I dont want the standoffs coming out with the board.
 
Use Loctite on where the motherboard standoff (male) threads screw into the case. Not on the motherboard hold-down screws, just the standoffs.
31M8SS3VHRL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
 
Last edited:
vailr said:
Use Loctite on where the motherboard standoff (male) threads screw into the case. Not on the motherboard hold-down screws, just the standoffs.
31M8SS3VHRL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
Click to expand...

I've never needed that for the stand offs, but that's exactly what I use on the video card monitor attachment screws.
 
It really just depends what kind of CPU cooler you mount. Seems like some of them could bend of flex the motherboard. So if the motherboard is verticle, then maybe it does need to be kind of tight.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top