How to Choose the Right Size and Thread Type of Cage Nut

When setting up server racks, cabinets, or other equipment enclosures, selecting the right cage nut size and thread type is essential for ensuring secure fastening. The wrong choice can cause compatibility issues with screws, lead to unstable installations, or even damage your equipment.

As a professional fastener supplier, XINCHI is pleased to introduce the most common cage nut sizes, highlight the differences between metric and imperial thread types, and provide practical tips for matching them with screws.

Common Cage Nut Sizes in Server Racks

The most widely used cage nut sizes include both metric and imperial standards:

• M5 Cage Nut (Metric) – Compact size, often used in light-duty applications where equipment weight is moderate.
• M6 Cage Nut (Metric) – The industry standard for most 19-inch racks. M6 cage nuts offer the best balance between strength and ease of installation.
• 10-32 Cage Nut (Imperial) – A fine-thread screw type, traditionally popular in older North American server racks.
• 12-24 Cage Nut (Imperial) – A coarse-thread alternative to 10-32, offering greater strength and better suited for heavier equipment.

A cage nut size chart before purchasing helps you identify the correct dimension for your rack system.

Metric vs. Imperial Cage Nut Thread Types

One of the most important distinctions when choosing cage nuts is between metric and imperial thread types:

• Metric Thread Cage Nuts (M5, M6, M8) – Commonly used worldwide, especially in Europe and Asia.
• Imperial Thread Cage Nuts (10-32, 12-24) – More common in North America, especially in legacy server racks.

Mixing metric screws with imperial cage nuts—or vice versa—can strip threads or prevent proper tightening. Always confirm the thread type before installation.

Matching Cage Nuts with Screws

To ensure reliable fastening, cage nuts must be matched with the correct screw type:

• Pair M6 cage nuts with M6 rack screws.
• Pair 10-32 cage nuts with 10-32 screws, ensuring fine-thread alignment.
• Pair 12-24 cage nuts with 12-24 screws for heavy-duty applications.

If you’re unsure of the existing thread type, use a thread gauge or test with a known screw before ordering a bulk set of cage nuts.

Choosing the Right Cage Nut for Your Rack

When deciding which cage nut is right for your project, consider:

• Rack Standard – Most modern 19-inch racks favor M6 cage nuts.
• Weight Capacity – For heavy servers or UPS units, choose M6 or 12-24 cage nuts.
• Regional Preference – In Europe and Asia, metric is standard; in North America, older racks may still use imperial.
• Future Compatibility – If building a new setup, M6 is the safest and most universal choice.

Why Choose Xinchi Fasteners as Your Cage Nut Supplier

Beyond selecting the correct size and thread type, partnering with a reliable supplier ensures consistent quality and on-time delivery. Xinchi Fasteners offers several advantages:

• Extensive Industry Experience – With over a decade in fastener manufacturing, Xinchi supplies bolts, nuts, screws, T-nuts, cage nuts, and more.
• Complete Product Range & Customization – Whether you need metric M6 cage nuts or imperial 10-32/12-24 types, Xinchi provides standard and custom solutions.
• Strict Quality Control – Products undergo testing for material strength, corrosion resistance, and precision threading, backed by certifications and honors.
• Global Trade Expertise – Serving markets in North America, Europe, and Asia, Xinchi has been a designated supplier for major international brands.
• Efficient Production & Fast Delivery – With modern cold-heading machines and automated lines, daily output exceeds 10 million fasteners, ensuring short lead times and reliable shipments.
• Material & Finish Options – From carbon steel to stainless steel, with zinc, nickel, or hot-dip galvanized coatings, Xinchi meets diverse application needs.
• Furniture & Rack Specialization – Particularly strong in furniture fasteners and cage nuts, providing robust solutions for racks, cabinets, and enclosures.

By choosing Xinchi, you gain not only the right cage nut size and thread type, but also long-term supply stability and excellent after-sales support.

Choosing the correct cage nut size and thread type is crucial for securing rack installations. For most modern setups, M6 cage nuts are the universal choice, but 10-32 and 12-24 remain relevant for North American racks. To ensure quality and supply reliability, working with a trusted manufacturer like Xinchi Fasteners guarantees that every cage nut meets the highest standards of quality.

XINCHI is a trustworthy fastener company, especially in furniture nuts. We have a factory,  founded in 2007. We are the designated fastener supplier to“STAPLE”. As a trusted fastener supplier, XINCHI offers a wide range of high-quality fasteners, including nuts, screws, bolts, rivets, and washers. If you would like to learn more about fasteners or are interested in wholesale fasteners, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our experienced and expert service team will reply as soon as possible.