Noob question - how to I remove rack nuts from a rack?

[MikeHunt79]

Hi, I'm hoping a few people who use servers have had the pleasure of building up a 19" rack?

What's the easiest way to remove rack nuts from a rack? I bought a rack recently, and I need to move a few nuts around in order to install my gear...

Also, is it best to put the heaviest things at the bottom? Is there some sort of 'racks for dummies' type page at all, covering the basics?

Thanks

 

[MikeHunt79]

Well, I tried a flathead screwdriver and they won't come all the way out. I'll try and obtain one of those tools... Do they have a name?

Nut removal tool?

 

[MikeHunt79]

Needle nose pliers

This is what I tried at first, but there isn't enough room between the nut and the side of the rack... Unless you mean use the pliers from the front?

If you can't remove them with a flatblade screwdriver then you are doing something wrong. I can remove them by hand.

I've tried again with a screwdriver, and managed it. I just used a more force this time, I was worried I was going to bend the rails but they seem to be pretty sturdy.

"cage nut tool" in google (just in case one of the ones I link sells OcUK type stuff).
http://img.directindustry.com/images_di/photo-g/cage-nut-218165.jpg
^^This is the type of nut I am talking about, it is possible you are using a different type, as the one I have linked it's pretty self explanatory where you would stick a flatheaded screwdriver, and then leverage, to make it pop out.


rp2000

That's the exact sort of nut I'm dealing with, M6 thread, I've ordered one of those tools, they're not exactly expensive, and it will be worth if it saves me time.

Yes, starting with the UPS. Otherwise it may be prone to toppling when you extend a server out of the rack. HP offer rack stabilizer kits that will help prevent this, assuming you have an HP rack.

Cheers, I've only got about 5 things to go in so far, but I've got a 3Kw 3U amplifier which weighs 34Kg. I've put it at the bottom, and now the rack feels more stable.

I don't have any computer gear for this rack, it's all audio stuff (amps, DSP's, EQ units, etc.) but it seems the same principles apply. I'm surprised there isn't a 'post your rack' thread on here!