What is the difference between 10-32, 12-24, and M6 rack screws? (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between 10-32, 12-24, and M6 rack screws? ›

The main difference between 10-32 and 12-24 threads is their dimensions. 10-32 screws have a diameter of 3/16″ (4.8mm) where as 12-24 screws have a diameter of 7/32″ (5.6mm). M6 threads are 6mm in diameter, only . 4 mm larger than 12-24 screws.

12-24 rack screws are more common than 10-32 in pre-threaded racks. They are slightly larger and courser than 10-32 hardware. The number “12” is a size designator with no numerical meaning.

10-32 reduces the strength of the bolt less than 10-24 as the thread is shallower. They also loosen less easily as the thread angle is shallower.

#10 - 24 vs. #10 - 32: These have the same diameter, but the TPI in the first measurement is lower than the second one, so there will be fewer threads per inch of thread length.

when we talk about the diameter #12 screws are bigger than the #10. The diameter for the #10 screws is 3/16″ and #12 screws will be a bit less than 7/32.

Inch thread sizes are specified by diameter and threads per inch. Diameter is also known as screw size. For those with a diameter smaller than 1/4", screw size is indicated by a number (e.g., #10 or No. 10). For example, a 10-24 screw has 0.190" thread diameter and has 24 threads per inch.

10-32 and M5 are almost identical. If you're not putting much weight on the rails, you can force one into the other. It will result in minor damage to both the bolt and nut, but it works. I've done this in a pinch, but wouldn't recommend it if you have the opportunity to get the right size.

What does M6 mean in screws? ›

The "M6" refers to the metric size of the screw. In the metric system, the size of a screw is denoted by its major diameter, which is the diameter of the threaded portion of the screw. M6 screws have a major diameter of 6 millimeters.

▪M6 is a military propellant (explosive) used in firing heavy artillery (very large. guns) ▪M6 is one of numerous propellant. formulations that the military uses.

M6 threads are 6mm in diameter, only . 4 mm larger than 12-24 screws. When it comes to racking equipment, 12-24 threads are used with most racks, 10-32 threads are used with Dell equipment, audio rack and M6 metric threads are used with HP equipment.

Rack mount screws for data racks are commonly available in two sizes, #12-24 and #10-32. ICC patch panels come with 12-24 rack screws. 12-24 threads are designed into most data racks. 10-32 threads are designed into Dell Equipment and most audio racks.

The term 10-32 comes from Unified and American Screw Threads for Bolts, Nuts, and Machine Screws standards published by ANSI B1. 1-1974. The number “10” is simply a size designator. The number “32” refers to the 32 threads per inch.

So a screw head with a diameter of 1/4" was a 6 gauge, 5/16" was an 8 gauge, 3/8" was a 10 gauge and so on.

Imperial measurement fasteners are classified by threads per inch, so a 1/4-20 bolt has 20 threads per inch (TPI), while a 10-24 screw has 24 threads per inch.

Screw Sizes

For screws measured in inches, diameters of 1/4 inch and smaller (for machine and sheet metal screws) or 5/16 inch and smaller (for wood screws) are expressed with a # and a whole number (ex., a screw with a major diameter of 3/16 inch is a #10 screw). Smaller numbers indicate smaller diameters.