Which Screw Goes Where?

Anonymous Coward writes "I saw this link over at HardOCP. Finally, a definitive (well, they hedge a bit at the end) guide that explains where to use each one of those little screws that come packed with new PC cases. All that and a 'test your knowledge' quiz in the bargain. Definitely bookmark-worthy."

Comments

Not true

[multipartmixed]

Old 5 1/4" HH Seagate hard disks could be damanged (case warp) by using 6-32 UNC screws of the wrong length.

Center IDE-era disks (early maxtors come to mind) could have the PCB damaged by using 6-32 UNC screws of the wrong length (i.e. case screws)

Seen both happen personally. Did neither. The first one ruined the seals on the disk. The second one let the smoke out.

Re:Will *definately* get Slashdotted.

[leviramsey]

Some years ago, SomethingAwful one-upped you. Slashdot linked to an article there, and ate up so much bandwidth that the admins redirected all accesses with slashdot referers to goatse.cx.

BTW, /.'d before there were a dozen comments.

Where to buy extras?

[Phroggy]

OK, so, where's a good place (online) to buy a set of extra screws? They tend to disappear like ball-point pens (especially case screws), but I know where to buy pens.

Ideally, I'd like a set that includes all the common screws; I'd also like to be able to buy a package of each type separately. It'd be really cool if each type was a different color or something, making it easier to tell them apart at a glance, but this is probably silly.

Recommendations?

Re:Where to buy extras?

[Dr. Evil]

Most hardware stores don't sell metric screws. They have crude galvinized imperial stove bolts and other awful things.

The absolute best place to find spare screws for computers?

Old computers...

Next time you see that XT sitting on the side of the road, pick it up, take out every screw and you'll have enough screws to last you a while.

Re:They go where they fit

[sydb]

There are two, sometimes three thread sizes with your standard clone PC case. Small fits floppy disks, CD/DVD drives and holds the motherboard down. Large fits hard disks, holds the blanking plates in place, and fits the power supply, usually also the case. Sometimes the case has a larger thread size.

I thought this was obvious - screw goes where it fits, as you say. I recently went to a reasonably well respected computer shop and was served by an assistant aged around 19. I'm 30 and I've been building PCs since I was 19. The guy tried to sell me small screws for a hard disk. I told him what I thought. He pulled out a hard disk and one of his little screws and screwed it in as if to say "see?". I said to him, keep turning. Needless to say the screw had zero purchase in the hole. He still would not accept his incorrectitude.

I really wanted to punch his spotty little face. But I didn't, as I know better.

Stupid, pointless rant? Yes. But I've not spoken to anyone about this incident (how do you bring it up in normal conversation?) and this is truly a release to get it off my chest.

You need a guide for this!?

[theLOUDroom]

As long as you have nerve endings in your fingers, you should not need a guide for what screw goes where.

Just try one that looks right. If it's too small go bigger. If it feels like it's cross threading, use the other thread style (fine/coarse). If it feels like it's getting hard to screw too soon try a shorter one.

There, that's the whole damn guide. We're not talking a about a device that needs grade 5 bolts in one place an normal bolts in another. It's all obvious. Just follow this simple rule:
If it feels wrong, it's wrong, don't force it.

It should be applied to ANY screwing you do ;)