Need help/suggestions for rack mounting an amplifier

[Jerry Sobel]

I recently received a new amplifier and I am struggling getting into my standard 19” rack. The unit is set up to be rack mounted. I have tried to get it into my rack but it is an extremely tight fit- like 1mm and I have scratched another component in the process. The amplifier is exactly 450mm and the distance between my rack rails is the standard 451 to 452mm. I was told that it should fit but I cannot figure out a way to get it in and I do not want to damage the finish on any other items in my rack. I read that if I partially loosen the screws for my other rack components I might gain some additional room to slide the amp into the rack and mount it. Has anyone ever heard of that? This is the first time I have had this issue with putting something in my rack. The tolerance on this unit is again very very tight.
My set up is only a rack I have no other place to put this amp.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[xanalog]

As a 'hail Mary', can you just (carefully, and cleanly) file-off the inside edge of the rack's Left/Right side rails?
Removing ~2.5mm on each rail (2U? height?) would not degrade them structurally and should give you enough clearance.

 

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

Amplifiers can be a challenge to get into a rack since they are often big and heavy. To make it easier, try first removing the components above perhaps below it.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[sergeauckland]

I always leave one third of a rack unit between items to avoid just this problem, with the added benefit of allowing some airflow between equipments. Expecting to insert a 2 or 3U amplifier in an exact gap is just asking for trouble, especially when manufacturers have screws protruding, ready to scratch whatevers already in the rack.

S

 

[Devnull]

Loosen up all the components and then loosen up the rack rails. A little tap with a plastic or rubber faced hammer to nudge them apart.

 

[Jerry Sobel]

I always leave one third of a rack unit between items to avoid just this problem, with the added benefit of allowing some airflow between equipments. Expecting to insert a 2 or 3U amplifier in an exact gap is just asking for trouble, especially when manufacturers have screws protruding, ready to scratch whatevers already in the rack.

S

The amp is 3U and I made a very large space- almost half of my rack. I tried to put it in on a angle and I was able to clear most of the rails but when I went to turn it up (I think) I scratches the amp that was far below it

 

[Jerry Sobel]

Loosen up all the components and then loosen up the rack rails. A little tap with a plastic or rubber faced hammer to nudge them apart.

Do I just tap the rails anywhere to nudge them apart? Does this usually do the trick?

 

[Jerry Sobel]

As a 'hail Mary', can you just (carefully, and cleanly) file-off the inside edge of the rack's Left/Right side rails?
Removing ~2.5mm on each rail (2U? height?) would not degrade them structurally and should give you enough clearance.

No that would be scary especially if it did not work

 

[Devnull]

Do I just tap the rails anywhere to nudge them apart? Does this usually do the trick?

Just tap the top and bottom of the rail to nudge it open a little bit after things are loosened up. Then put everything in place and tighten up all the fasteners. It works, done it more times than I care to remember.

 

[Jerry Sobel]

Just tap the top and bottom of the rail to nudge it open a little bit after things are loosened up. Then put everything in place and tighten up all the fasteners. It works, done it more times than I care to remember.

I will give it a try.

 

[Jerry Sobel]

Just tap the top and bottom of the rail to nudge it open a little bit after things are loosened up. Then put everything in place and tighten up all the fasteners. It works, done it more times than I care to remember.

I cannot thank you enough for your help. I could not get the company to provide a solution so I am glad I posted the question.