CNS-02M5 – M5 Standard Cage Nut Set – Silver – 16mm Thread (Bag of 50)

An M5 cage nut set is a fastening method commonly used in 19-inch racks and cabinets with square mounting holes, particularly where M5 threads are specified. Each set provides:

• Cage nut – a square nut held within a spring steel “cage” that clips into the rail.
• Bolt (M5 × 16 mm) – machine screw that threads into the nut to secure equipment.
• Washer – spreads the load and prevents damage to painted or plated equipment surfaces.

Function & Use

Rack rails are typically thin steel and cannot be directly tapped for threads. The cage holds a replaceable M5 nut behind the mounting hole, allowing equipment to be securely fixed with a standard machine screw.

• Designed for the common 9.5 mm × 9.5 mm square punch-outs in rack rails.
• Usually installed using a cage nut tool or flat-blade screwdriver to compress the cage tabs.
• Quick to remove and replace if threads are damaged—no rail replacement needed.

Typical Applications

• Networking: Mounting patch panels, cable organisers, PDUs, and switches.
• Servers & storage: Securing rack-mount servers, NAS enclosures, and UPS systems.
• Audio-visual: Installing rack-mounted amplifiers, mixers, and processing units.
• Industrial & telecoms: Fixing control hardware in wall-mounted or free-standing cabinets.

Best-Practice Notes

• Use the supplied washer under the bolt head to protect surfaces and distribute load.
• Do not overtighten—this can distort the cage or strip the nut threads.
• Install cage nuts with the tabs vertical for easier removal in confined spaces.
• Keep a stock of spare cage nuts; they are inexpensive and useful during equipment changes.
• When working in populated racks, use insulated tools to avoid accidental shorts.

Package Contents

• 50 × M5 cage nuts (spring steel cages with M5 nuts)
• 50 × M5 × 16 mm machine screws
• 50 × Flat washers

Compatibility: Standard 19-inch racks and cabinets with square mounting holes requiring M5 fasteners.