Screw Sizing

The #6 is just "a size", see this chart, 0.138"

the 32 is threads per inch

I suspect all #6 countersunk screws will have basically the same size head? The few I looked at details of were 0.262"

Andy B has already explained the 6-32 (a standard UNC thread). You need to ask Gemini (Google AI) or ChatGPT) "find 6-32 screws with large head" or look on Amazon ... there are gazillions with a range of heads, many referencing HDDs

First of all, does your server have any spare screws inside? HP computers often do, on a little rail or plate inside the door or front cover.

If not, everybody sells them, with the usual problem of carriage costs. It's a size 6 (#6 in American) UNC screw of 32 threads per inch. Is the drive definitely of US manufacture, as Asian hard drives use 3mm ISO screws? It's the same thread size as US computers use generally, but most screws are not countersunk.

If it's definitely #6-32 UNC then this looks just about right:

Great minds "You last purchased this item on 3 Apr 2026" :-)

The heads are too small, they slip through the carriers.

It may have to be small washers...

That's odd, the countersink angle is 90 degrees as usual, so you won't generally find larger heads.

This one's not countersunk but might do the job:

Search for UNC 6-32 with 'button' or 'flange' heads. Although if you already have the above, maybe you can add some M4 washers you might already have.

eg

Theo

I need to keep the screw heads below the level of the surrounding plastic as the carrier is designed to slide on the plastic.

If I look for small washers do I need "washers for #6 screws" or is there a more accurate description?

#6 is 0.138in or 3.51mm diameter. I've never seen 0.138in washers but M3.5 are available in the UK. However I'd just use an M4 as they're more common and more useful to have around. You want standard washers (sometimes 'form A') not 'wide' or 'penny' washers which have a wider brim.

Theo

A washer (if you can find one) will raise the head and make it act as a flange head. Do what I suggested earlier and you will find the screws that you're looking for.

Mots of these screw actually HAVE a flanged head anyway,

In general there were two sorts of screws used to build computers: The M3.5 and M3 pan head stuff and the weird flanged head #6-32 stuff. I've a boatload of both in a drawer somewhere.

May I suggest a fiver shipped for a full set?

Has the O/P got at least one example of an original HP screw for the drive sleds? Photo vs the ones with too small head?

It seems you want 100 degree undercut countersunk head, which have

They might do phillips head, but i can only see hex socket head, most proliants were/are torx.

You have a touching faith in AI :-)

I tried find 6-32 screws with 7mm countersunk head but it just returns a heap of vaguely related stuff.

Google for "hard drive screws"

If not, I have a Microserver Gen 8 so I could measure or photograph the screws. John

Thanks Andy :-)

These 2 x Gen8 Microservers re turning into the biggest disappointment I have ever had. I discovered this morning that a 6 TB drive is too much for it so after spending 12 hours loading it up on another PC the Gen8 carved it into 2 x partitions, neither of which is readable.

Posting my re-think in the computer group.

I have I promise :-)

I need 7 mm countersunk heads, normal size slip through the holes.

Did you look at this one? The drawing says 6.5-7mm diameter, and it is intended for this application.

A washer, if you need to go that way, will be specified in inside and outside diameters and thickness. 'Standard' 3mm I.D. washers are around

M3.5 washers are much rarer, and I doubt that M4 will come less than about 0.7mm thick, maybe 1mm. If you only have a few to do, filing M3 washers out a bit might be the answer. It's tedious work, but I've done much worse to M3 washers to make them fit. It is even possible to file the screw heads a bit lower, they shouldn't need much torque.

Many thanks for all your work :-)

They look like a possibility. At the moment the PC is in may bad books having corrupted my 6 TB drive that I spent 12 hours yesterday loading. My N54L recognises the drive so I think I may write the Gen8 off as a major disappointment.