Cage Nuts
Cage nuts are captive nuts held inside a spring-steel cage designed to clip into square-hole rack rails. They are widely used in server racks, network cabinets, AV enclosures, and industrial frames where adjustable fastening points are required. Once inserted, the cage clamps around the metal panel and provides a threaded anchor point for mounting equipment.
RS Australia offers a wide range of cage nut fasteners for IT, AV, and industrial use, including M6 options for server racks, as well as variations with matching screws, bolts, and stainless-steel finishes.
Key Uses Cage Nuts & Rack Nuts for Server Racks
Cage nuts provide reliable fastening points in racks, cabinets, and enclosures used across IT, AV, electrical, and industrial settings.
- Fit securely into square-hole rails without tapping or welding
- Allow quick repositioning of equipment during layout changes
- Replaceable threads extend rack frame life — only the nut wears, not the rail
- Support standard server rack mount screws
- Stainless steel cage nuts offer enhanced corrosion resistance for outdoor, industrial, or high-humidity environments
Types of Cage Nut Fasteners
Cage nuts are available in different thread sizes and materials to suit a wide range of rack, cabinet, and enclosure installations.
M6 Cage Nuts & Server Cage Nuts
- Standard size for most racks and enclosures; suitable for servers, power units, and network hardware.
- Available with matching screws or bolts; alternative thread sizes (M4, M5, M8, M10) offered for specific equipment requirements.
M5 Cage Nuts
- Suitable for lighter equipment, AV devices, and compact enclosures.
- Ideal where smaller fasteners or reduced panel thickness are required.
M8 Cage Nuts
- Designed for heavier equipment and high-load industrial applications.
- Suitable for machinery panels, automation systems, and structural frames.
How to Choose the Right Cage Nuts for Your Needs
Consider the following factors to ensure the cage nut fits correctly and performs reliably:
- Rack rail and hole size: Check square-hole dimensions and panel thickness so the cage clips securely. Use filters for cut-out size and compatible rail thickness.
- Thread size: Select M6 cage nuts for most general rack and cabinet installations. Use M4, M5, M8, or M10 where equipment or load capacity requires a specific thread standard.
- Material and finish: Choose steel, zinc-plated, or stainless steel cage nuts depending on corrosion exposure, environmental conditions, and strength requirements.
- Panel thickness: Match the cage nut’s spring cage to the rail’s metal thickness to ensure correct retention and stability.
Common Industry Applications of Cage Nuts
Cage nuts are used across multiple industries where adjustable, replaceable fastening points are required:
- IT & Networking: Mounting hardware such as switches, storage devices, and general IT components within rack enclosures.
- Telecommunications: Securing cabling hardware, patch panels, and telecom modules requiring frequent repositioning.
- Audio-Visual: Mounting AV equipment, broadcast hardware, and accessories within rack frames and enclosures.
- Industrial & Manufacturing: Attaching panels, control units, automation components, and monitoring devices to industrial frames.
- Electrical Enclosures: Fixing DIN-rail assemblies, mounting plates, and electrical devices into cabinets with square-hole rails.
Your Trusted Cage Nuts Supplier in Australia
As a trusted supplier of fastening solutions, RS Australia offers a comprehensive selection of cage nuts, including M6 cage nuts, server cage nuts, rack nuts, and stainless steel cage nuts. Our range is suitable for rack assemblies, cabinets, enclosures, and industrial frames. All products are sourced from reputable brands such as RS PRO, Rittal, and Schneider Electric, ensuring consistent quality and performance.
Beyond cage nut fasteners, RS also stocks a wide selection of complementary components used in rack and enclosure installations. These include washers, retaining rings, and other enclosure accessories to support both maintenance and new equipment builds.
For more information on delivery timelines and charges, please refer to our Delivery Information page.
