Mounting a 12U rackmount cabinet on the wall

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Mounting a 12U rackmount cabinet on the wall - with the wrong stud width?

phrozenpenguin

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#252883 15-Jul-2019 13:41

I think a basic question, but a mix of DIY and tech and would be interested on the "best" way to do this.

We have a 12U wall mount rack cabinet which we are intending to mount at the top of a wall. The cabinet has pre-drilled holes for 450mm studs. We want to mount in a residential garage with 600mm studs. The rack weighs 30kg+ without anything in, and more when it is a complete, so obviously needs to be mounted properly. Thoughts on the way to accomplish this tidily?

I was thinking of mounting a panel (plywood?) to our 600mm studs, then mounting the rack to the panel, but not really sure.

cyril7

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#2276972 15-Jul-2019 13:50

Hi, your method of using a panel (ply or mdf) is what I normally use, but ensure its 20mm thick material.

Cyril

phrozenpenguin

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#2276976 15-Jul-2019 13:53

cyril7:

Hi, your method of using a panel (ply or mdf) is what I normally use, but ensure its 20mm thick material.

Cyril

Thanks Cyril. What bolts / mechanism do you use to mount to the studs and to the cabinet?

neb

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#2276983 15-Jul-2019 14:01

I would be nervous about putting that much load on plywood, even with 20mm ply you're risking it tearing out. If you can handle the expense, what about building a shelf underneath using these, and one above using lighter-duty brackets, and screwing/bolting it to that?

cyril7

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#2276986 15-Jul-2019 14:08

Hi, I prefer to use tech screws, but to secure the cabinet to the panel you will need ones that have thread right up to the head, see the 30mm roof screws below, and for the ones to secure the panel to the studs longer ones as shown below. I think you will find 20mm MDF is the best option.

https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/otter-roofing-cladding-timber-screws-12g-x-30mm-pack-of-50-galvanised/p/231684

https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/buildex-heavy-duty-timber-screws-14g-x-100mm-pack-of-25-zinc-alloy/p/170494

Cyril

phrozenpenguin

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#2276994 15-Jul-2019 14:28

Unfortunately none of the Mitre10 links work for me - they all redirect back to the homepage.

I don't have space to space above or below in order to build a shelf.

I think I have found the screws you mention though Cyril, thanks.

chevrolux

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#2277035 15-Jul-2019 14:35

Yep as Cyril says, a nice thick back board with tech screws (like roofing screws, but without the self cutting tip) is super standard.

We would also often just drill new holes in the cabinet back mount to suit the studs/dwangs to keep it a bit tidier. Common sense prevails, just spread the load across the back mount and the wall.

Edit: And just think where the load is when you swing the cabinet out.