Springy screws

[Stu999]

Why do air coolers come with springy screws for mounting to the brackets / standoffs? Why not just normal screws?

Daft question but I’m genuinely curious.

 

[Mcnumpty2323]

springy screws as you call them
are usually so you cant over tighten them
so basically when they bottom out theres a set amount of pressure

 

[Stu999]

springy screws as you call them
are usually so you cant over tighten them
so basically when they bottom out theres a set amount of pressure

What are they really called? Is it really likely that over-tightening would be a problem without them?

 

[Mcnumpty2323]

to be honest cant think of the correct name for them lol
but yes over tightening could be an issue
it also lets you know all the screws are down the same amount

 

[LuckyBenski]

Should point out that they generally come coupled with a screw that bottoms out so it can't be tightened as such. It's just "all the way in" and can't go in further.

 

[Mcnumpty2323]

Should point out that they generally come coupled with a screw that bottoms out so it can't be tightened as such. It's just "all the way in" and can't go in further.

Hey you're not unlucky anymore
Hope that's a good sign

 

[Minstadave]

Why do air coolers come with springy screws for mounting to the brackets / standoffs? Why not just normal screws?

Daft question but I’m genuinely curious.

You need even pressure on each mounting point, you wouldn't be able to achieve this with directly screwing the HSF down, plus you'd risk overtightening as mentioned. The springs give equal mounting pressure on all 4 corners.

 

[LuckyBenski]

Hey you're not unlucky anymore
Hope that's a good sign

Hadn't noticed, thanks

 

[Paul_RD]

As well as equal pressure, it limits the maximum tension that can be applied to the screw.
Otherwise, you could easily over-tighten them and snap/distort the motherboard