Question M3 bolts for fans ?

[Objektor]

Hi, I have a couple of fans temporarily affixed with cable ties, but would like to screw them down more securely. Not happy with tearing out the holes with standard screws.

Are M3 the best sizing for aftermarket bolts ? I've also seen mention of M4 but they might be a bit tight .

 

[Ralston18]

What was the original reason why zip ties were needed?

What do you mean by "tearing out the holes"?

Stripping the threads?

Which holes?

More information needed.

Update your post with full system hardware specs and OS information.

Include PSU, Disk drives, fans, and case.

Also, if at all possible, take some photographs of fans, case, etc..

Post the photographs here via imgur (www.imgur.com).

Something seems well amiss....

 

[JohnBonhamsGhost]

would like to screw them down more securely. Not happy with tearing out the holes with standard screws...M3 the best sizing

the best option to avoid damaging screw holes would be to take one of the fans to a local hardware shop and have them tell you what exact sizing they require.

but there are even aftermarket rubber "screws" you can purchase that supposedly cut down on vibration and possible noise.
these would definitely not damage anything upon installation.

 

[Objektor]

What was the original reason why zip ties were needed?

What do you mean by "tearing out the holes"?

Stripping the threads?

Which holes?

More information needed.

Update your post with full system hardware specs and OS information.

Include PSU, Disk drives, fans, and case.

Also, if at all possible, take some photographs of fans, case, etc..

Post the photographs here via imgur (www.imgur.com).

Something seems well amiss....

Surely you aren't serious. I'm asking about screws, not computing performance.

 

[Misgar]

You should be OK with M4, I'd suggest countersunk screws to fit in the "dimples" on the computer case and consider black anodized screws if the surrounding metalwork is black. It's prettier than bright silver screw heads.

On the other end, I'd fit a Form-A flat washer and maybe a crinkle washer too for good measure, to reduce the chance of the nut eventually falling off inside the case due to vibration. Alternatively, use Nylocs instead of crinkle washers.

Take care when fitting metal washers and nuts, not to drop anything inside the case. It can be a pain if anything conductive gets lodged under the motherboard or drops inside the PSU and gets stuck there.

 

[geofelt]

Any form of screw attachment will be ok, but will expose you to noise from vibration if the fan is at all unbalanced.

Standard screws bite into the surround and are a reasonable way to attach fans.
They can usually be removed and re-attached multiple times.
I would not worry about this at all.
Zip ties are really not the way to go.

 

[Objektor]

the best option to avoid damaging screw holes would be to take one of the fans to a local hardware shop and have them tell you what exact sizing they require.

Yes in a perfect world that's a great suggestion. But the corporations long ago destroyed all of the mom & pop hardware stores, and there are only "big box" style mega hardwares now, owned by my countrys largest supermarket corporation. All screws, nuts, bolts etc are in sealed packaging, and it's rare to find any staff who knows the first thing about hardware/handyman/DIY

 

[Objektor]

Any form of screw attachment will be ok, but will expose you to noise from vibration if the fan is at all unbalanced.

Standard screws bite into the surround and are a reasonable way to attach fans.
They can usually be removed and re-attached multiple times.
I would not worry about this at all.
Zip ties are really not the way to go.

Thanks. As mentioned, the zip ties are temporary. I'm surprised that they have held up so well under high RPM stress testing without any rattling, vibration or dislodgement. Good to know the standard fan screws will allow a few installations before boring out the plastic fan holes. And I guess the worst scenario is that if they do get bored out, I can still revert to using M4 bolts, or even larger depending on how the holes are rimmed.

 

[JohnBonhamsGhost]

there are only "big box" style mega hardwares now, owned by my countrys largest supermarket corporation

well, that sucks.
even our huge Ace Hardware usually has a few available attendants that usually have a data sheet with size comparisons to compare this type of product for customers.

 

[Objektor]

You should be OK with M4, I'd suggest countersunk screws to fit in the "dimples" on the computer case and consider black anodized screws if the surrounding metalwork is black. It's prettier than bright silver screw heads.

On the other end, I'd fit a Form-A flat washer and maybe a crinkle washer too for good measure, to reduce the chance of the nut eventually falling off inside the case due to vibration. Alternatively, use Nylocs instead of crinkle washers.

Take care when fitting metal washers and nuts, not to drop anything inside the case. It can be a pain if anything conductive gets lodged under the motherboard or drops inside the PSU and gets stuck there.

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I was considering white silicon washers (if I can find any) and stainless bolts, since my fans are white, and there's a bit if a white theme to the build. If persistent use is likely to shake the nuts loose, I can always apply a touch of Loktite. I didn't think of them loosening under constant strain, so cheers for the comment.

I did, however, give much consideration to dropping something into a difficult spot. Biggest issue would be the nuts, and for that reason, I would affix them to the case outer, do they can't possibly fall into the computer. A dropped bolt would be easier to retrieve and less likely to lodge anywhere .