Mount full height drives in XT PC CLONE CASE, which screws to i need for the underside? \ VOGONS

Mount full height drives in XT PC CLONE CASE, which screws to i need for the underside?

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First post, by Robin4

Posted on 2023-07-09, 23:20

Robin4 Offline

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A lot years later and i am still building XT systems. The good news they are almost done. But having a hassle to find the right screws to mount the drives to the bottom of the drive cage. ( the rest i already know)
Normally with IBM XT 5160 you have to screw the drives underneath the drive cage.(and through the bottom. It seems to be not a very easy job when you dont have the right tools and screws.

What i can see is that i need some soft threaded screws.. I was thinking to use some hex screws so it would possible to use a nut driver or a small wrench or such.

What are the recommended screws to use?

~ At least it can do black and white~

Reply 1 of 9, by maxtherabbit

Posted on 2023-07-09, 23:24

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It's the same as the screw that goes in the side of the drive.

Reply 2 of 9, by Robin4

Posted on 2023-07-09, 23:28

Robin4 Offline

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Really those smaller crappy round screws?

358852?$product-detail$

~ At least it can do black and white~

Reply 3 of 9, by Horun

Posted on 2023-07-09, 23:42

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Yes same as on the side, a course thread similar/same as case screws. Not the fine thread ones. Same as the 1/2 height MFM/RLL and nearly all older HD's. Makes me think they were a standard from mid 80's thru 2000's and beyond

Hate posting a reply and then have to edit it because it made no sense 😁 First computer was an IBM 3270 workstation with CGA monitor. Stuff: https://archive.org/details/@horun

Reply 4 of 9, by maxtherabbit

Posted on 2023-07-09, 23:43

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I mean if you're using 3rd party drives I'm sure it could vary, but yes on the original full height floppy it is threaded the exact same on the side as on the bottom

For a third party drive I would recommend removing it from the case and hand threading the screw into the bottom of the drive first to be certain

Reply 5 of 9, by Horun

Posted on 2023-07-09, 23:57

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Good point, the only thing I ever found is the length can be an issue with some drives if too long. My only original IBM ginormous drive, 1/2 height Seagate ST225, ST351 and Quantum 280 all share same threading though better for shorter screws on the Seagates.

Hate posting a reply and then have to edit it because it made no sense 😁 First computer was an IBM 3270 workstation with CGA monitor. Stuff: https://archive.org/details/@horun

Reply 6 of 9, by Robin4

Posted on 2023-07-10, 00:31

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I thought to use HEX HEAD M3 instead.. Only those are hard to find.. I have some of these, but not very much left.

~ At least it can do black and white~

Reply 7 of 9, by Robin4

Posted on 2023-07-10, 00:36

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maxtherabbit wrote on 2023-07-09, 23:43:

I mean if you're using 3rd party drives I'm sure it could vary, but yes on the original full height floppy it is threaded the exact same on the side as on the bottom

For a third party drive I would recommend removing it from the case and hand threading the screw into the bottom of the drive first to be certain

Hi thanks,

The latest thing you said, i already did.. But sometimes its not funny when drive is in, but screw wont go any further.

Why i choose the HEX on the bottom is because, then you can use a spanner to tighten it a lot easier. (Or a small angled socket)

Only know how do the middle one.. Magnetic socket? Or screwdriver?

~ At least it can do black and white~

Reply 8 of 9, by Robin4

Posted on 2023-07-10, 00:47

Robin4 Offline

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Horun wrote on 2023-07-09, 23:42:

Yes same as on the side, a course thread similar/same as case screws. Not the fine thread ones. Same as the 1/2 height MFM/RLL and nearly all older HD's. Makes me think they were a standard from mid 80's thru 2000's and beyond

If have always use the hex ones.., because when turnover the round ones, you cant get them out anymore.

The hex have second option for removal.

~ At least it can do black and white~

Reply 9 of 9, by kaputnik

Posted on 2023-07-10, 08:47

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Otherwise there are angled screwdrivers for cross recessed screws available. They're not expensive or anything. Usually the screws used in computers got PH2 recesses. Seen PZ2 ones on some occasions, but you can use a PH2 driver with those too if you're a little bit careful and don't overtighten them.

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