Akasa Amber 120mm case fan installation

[redsky009]

Hi, I've just got a Coolermaster Centurion 532 case and an Akasa Amber 120mm case fan which comes with 4 mounting screws. There's a hole in the fan guard at each corner but none of these holes is threaded. The holes are also a bit smaller than the screws provided

should the holes be threaded (they were in my last case fan) or do you just screw into the plastic, digging out threads with the screw (for less vibration maybe)? Is this normal, any help would be greatly appreciated before I proceed!

[Clunk]

The fan screws are usually just self tapping screws, so yes, they will be larger than the holes so they can grip on tightly.

[redsky009]

cool, thanks - I thought that might be the case but didnt want to screw it up (ahem, I'll get my coat)

[leeglf]

yes you just screw them straight into the fans the screws will make the thread!

i have got the same case and fans!

damn beaten by clunk again doh!

[redsky009]

thanks guys, will give it a go

[Steve B]

its pretty tough to get them in, so make sure you use the right screwdriver-bit, else u'll end up stuck, like i did

[redsky009]

yep, my standard philips computer screwdriver is a tad large and started to shread the grooves so I stopped that, will wait till my housemate comes round with his toolkit

[redsky009]

damn - I have got 2 of the screws but the grooves of the other two have become a bit too shredded and the screwdriver wont fit - rats not sure what to do...

[redsky009]

Any ideas?

[Steve B]

drop me a pm with ur address and ill post you some screws tomorrow.

[redsky009]

Wow, thanks Steve, PM sent!

Any ideas on how to get the half-in screws out? I could yank them out but that would mess up the plastic on the fans....

[Rack]

Multigrips ftw!

I have the same problem, I think the holes are too small tbh. I don't ever have a problem with any other fans, just the Akasa Amber ones. I have a couple of times left 2/4 screws not screwed in tight because they just wouldn't go in any further.

[redsky009]

will see if I can find a multigrip around... I tried pliers on one of the heads but the metal is pretty soft and just bends really easily - why use cheap screws when you have to tap into hard plastic?? Darn you Akasa

[Pie_uk]

yep dont shear the head

[redsky009]

we hey! Thanks to your advice and a bit of Wiki How (http://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Stripped-Screw go wiki go!) I managed to get the screws out without too much damage. Got three out by getting a good screwdriver and using a hammer to get it stuck in there and then turning carefully, the other one I used a multigrip I borrowed from a friend and some duck tape to loosen and twist out

Now just gotta wait for the replacement screws (thanks Steve)

[amjedm]

If you still have problems with the screws, I'd recommend Blutack and cable ties.

Put some UHU White Tack (or Blu Tack) between the fan and the case. Cover all four holes, fairly big blog on each corner so the fan doesn't touch the case - this will dampen vibrations.

Then feed a cable tie through a couple of the holes and use some more White Tack on the other side to hold the cable tie. I used this instead of closing with another cable tie so the cable tie can be reused.

I find the White Tack to be softer than Blu Tack.


Back of case



Inside of case



White Tack - from 99p Stores or Poundland