External 3.5in HDD enclosures screw size
M3 · 5 to 6 mm long
The screws used on External 3.5in HDD enclosures are M3 in lengths from 5 to 6 mm.
The record covers drive-to-chassis mounting screws.
This entry is marked reported and comes from ifixit.com.
M3 means a 3 mm nominal diameter with a 0.5 mm thread pitch. Imperial look-alike: #5-40 (3.18 mm) or #4-40 — neither interchanges with M3.
External 3.5in HDD enclosures screw specifications
One row per fitment record. Head, drive are shown only where the source states them; pitch is the ISO coarse pitch for the thread.
| Thread | Length | Pitch | Head | Drive | Where it goes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3 | 5–6 mm | 0.5 mm | not stated | not stated | Drive-to-chassis mounting screws | Reported |
Fitment records and sources
Drive-to-chassis mounting screws
pitch 0.5 mm · tap 2.5 mm · clearance 3.4 mm · PH1 / Torx T10
How to check the screw before you buy
- Board standoffs and enclosure bosses set the usable length: the screw should clamp the board without bottoming in the standoff.
- Diameter: across the threads an M3 screw measures about 3 mm with calipers (usually a hair under). If yours measures noticeably more or less, it is a different thread.
- Pitch: 0.5 mm from one thread crest to the next (20 crests per centimetre). A thread pitch gauge or the pitch-gauge tool settles it in seconds.
- Length: measure from under the head to the tip for pan, button, wafer and cap heads; countersunk (flat) heads are measured overall.
- The records span 5–6 mm, which means different positions take different lengths — match each hole to its own screw.
- Driver: the source does not name the drive. Standard M3 heads take PH1 for Phillips and T10 for Torx, and a 2.5 mm hex key for socket heads; a bit that fits loosely will cam out and strip the head.
- Tightening: no device-specific torque is published in these records. The site's general figure for M3 is about 80-130 N·cm into metal threads and 35-60 N·cm into plastic bosses; snug it up and stop.
Common mix-ups with M3
- The bioprinter M3 reference is a tube-connector thread spec, not a structural chassis screw; verify before assuming interchangeability with fastener screws.
- Post-2018 3.5in drives have shallower bottom holes; an over-long screw can puncture the drive housing.
Buy these screws at TechSpare Warehouse
In stock and shipped from South Carolina. Our black screws are Phillips wafer head (low profile); match the head style and length to the original before you order.
-
M3 x 5mm Phillips Wafer Head Screw for Electronics & Project Box Repair - Pack of 50 Black
$4.79 each · min. 2
-
M3 x 6mm Replacement Screws for XLR Audio Connectors Phillips Wafer Head 50-Pack
$4.99 -
M3 x 6mm Phillips Wafer Head Carbon Steel Machine Screws for XLR Audio Connectors | 50-Pack (Black)
$4.99
-
M3 x 6mm Phillips Wafer Head Screw for 3D Printer Frame Assembly - Single Replacement Black
$0.10 each · min. 50
-
M3 x 6mm Phillips Wafer Head Screw for Boutique Guitar Pedal Enclosure - Single Replacement Black
$0.10 each · min. 50
More in Electronics, Racks & Enclosures
19-inch rack cage nut (light equipment)19-inch rack cage nut (metric square-hole rails)19-inch rack cage nut (mid size)19-inch rack cage nut and panel screw19-inch rack network and AV gear19-inch rack-mount audio/AV equipment19-inch server racks19in / 10in server rack cage nut and screw kit19in equipment rack (Kendall Howard cage nuts)19in rack cage nuts (alternate metric)19in rack cage nuts (metric)1U rack-mount PDU (American Denki)
Browse all 357 in Electronics, Racks & Enclosures →The same screw also fits
Devices whose records share a thread with External 3.5in HDD enclosures, closest length match first.
- Instrument enclosure base/rear panel screws (Metcase Technomet-Control rack case) also M3 × 6 mm
- Eurorack synthesiser case (Intellijel 7U Performance Case Gen 2) also M3 × 6 mm
- Wurth Elektronik WA-SSTIE steel spacer stud also M3 × 5–6 mm
- MikroTik RouterBoard case also M3 × 6 mm
- Raymarine Axiom 2 Pro Chassis grounding lug fastener on chartplotter housing also M3 × 5 mm
- Creality Ender 3 (non-frame parts) also M3 × 6 mm
- Wurth Elektronik WA-SPAIE plastic spacer stud also M3 × 5–6 mm
- DAS / NAS enclosure chassis also M3 × 6 mm
Questions about External 3.5in HDD enclosures screws
- What size screw does External 3.5in HDD enclosures use?
- M3 × 5–6 mm for drive-to-chassis mounting screws.
- How long are the screws in External 3.5in HDD enclosures?
- The records range from 5 to 6 mm depending on the position, so match each screw to its own hole.
- What is the thread pitch of an M3 screw?
- 0.5 mm (coarse), which is the standard pitch for M3 machine screws; a 0.35 mm fine pitch exists but is uncommon. The tap drill is 2.5 mm and the normal clearance hole is 3.4 mm.
- What screwdriver do I need for External 3.5in HDD enclosures?
- The sources do not name the drive. For M3, Phillips heads normally take PH1 and Torx heads T10; socket heads take a 2.5 mm hex key.
- Can I use an imperial screw instead of M3?
- No. Imperial look-alike: #5-40 (3.18 mm) or #4-40 — neither interchanges with M3. Use a true M3 screw so it does not cross-thread or strip the hole.
- Where can I buy replacement screws for External 3.5in HDD enclosures?
- TechSpareWarehouse (our own store) lists M3 x 5mm and M3 x 6mm, which match lengths in the records above.