Replacement rails for racks

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earth tones
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Replacement rails for racks

Post by earth tones » Tue Nov 17, 2020 11:23 am

Most of the threaded holes on my current rack rails are stripped out...can anybody recommend a particular brand of replacement rack rails that have seemingly more durable threads than others?

Also, do any of you use any kind of rear support for your equipment that is hanging in your racks with front panel screws only...to prevent the rear, unsupported weight of the racked gear from stressing the front panel rack screws?

Thanks!

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A.David.MacKinnon
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Re: Replacement rails for racks

Post by A.David.MacKinnon » Tue Nov 17, 2020 12:01 pm

On the cheap you could drill the holes larger and then use these -

Image

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Scodiddly
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Re: Replacement rails for racks

Post by Scodiddly » Tue Nov 17, 2020 12:32 pm

Middle Atlantic seems to be the main company for that stuff.

You need to measure pretty careful to make sure you get the same dimensions, though. Measure from where the rails mount to where the threaded holes are, and find something that's the same. Don't ask me how I know that.

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winky dinglehoffer
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Re: Replacement rails for racks

Post by winky dinglehoffer » Tue Nov 17, 2020 1:59 pm

Make sure you're using the right screws. A screw can be the right size & have the wrong # of threads per inch. I've never been picky about what rack rails I use (whatever is cheap at markertek or full compass or wherever), & generally speaking the only time I've really screwed up a thread is when I used the wrong screw.

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Nick Sevilla
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Re: Replacement rails for racks

Post by Nick Sevilla » Tue Nov 17, 2020 4:56 pm

https://www.middleatlantic.com/products ... krail.aspx

Pretty much they are the go to for this sort of stuff. Made my custom console and side racks with these.

Do not worry about supporting gear from the back of the units, they are designed (we hope LOL) to hold up just
from the front. If a unit does need support from the back, usually the manufacturer's manual will explicitly
tell you so.
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digitaldrummer
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Re: Replacement rails for racks

Post by digitaldrummer » Tue Nov 17, 2020 5:31 pm

most of the racks I've encountered use standard 10-32 thread. I prefer to get allen (hex) head 10-32 bolts from Lowe's or Home Depot. I feel like there is less chance of a screwdriver slipping off and gouging the gear. haven't had a problem yet. oh, and nylon washers too. and it looks cooler.
rack.jpg
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The Scum
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Re: Replacement rails for racks

Post by The Scum » Wed Nov 18, 2020 10:40 pm

There are several standards for rack rail threads.

In music racking in North America, 10-32 is the common one. M5 and M6 are both common elsewhere, and heavy-duty industrial applications use something beefier...not sure if it's M6 or maybe #8?

Another source of rails (and other flight case hardware) is Penn Elcom (https://www.penn-elcom.com/default.asp?PN=R0828&LG=EN0). They also sell direct on Ebay.

Regardless of the rail, it can help to hit the holes with a tap before using them, to clear out the paint/powder coat.
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roscoenyc
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Re: Replacement rails for racks

Post by roscoenyc » Fri Nov 20, 2020 8:40 am

Markertek always has that kind of stuff

https://audio-video-supply.markertek.co ... sitepref=1

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digitaldrummer
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Re: Replacement rails for racks

Post by digitaldrummer » Fri Nov 20, 2020 11:49 am

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Re: Replacement rails for racks

Post by cgarges » Sun Nov 29, 2020 3:19 am

I have a bunch of spare 20-space rack rails. If those will work for you, I'll send them to you for just a few bucks over shipping. PM me or hit me up through Facebook if I can help you with that.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

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