19 inch Server rack clickable cable hook

After a lot of frustration with off the shelf cable organisers and other methods, mostly fixed with screws in cage nuts, I decided to make something that can just click in place.

Then I realised that I might want to take it off again, so I implemented a removal tool as well.

This can be the basis for more utilities that can be useful to attach to a rack rails, but don't need the force of a metal fixing screw.

[update] I removed the dependency on the roundedcube.scad library I used, I don't need such a complex module in this case.

[update] added customizer flag to print the velcro loop or not, also I added an stl file with 270 degree loop and no velcro loop, this could be ideal to hold a paper cup (with coffee? Or nuts/bolts/fibre covers, whatever)

Note that the shape of the rack stiles may vary with different brands of racks. The ones we mostly have are minkels racks. Other types of racks could be accommodated as well, but that requires a lot of tweaking in the scad file. The basic idea of this model still applies, the clickable thing, makes it easy to apply, doesn't require any more handling than finding a good place with the holes placed for the clicks and your done. The model prints quite easily (with supports) and costs not a lot of filament (I'd say you'd spend about €0,50 on filament for a single one).

[Update] The v2 scad file is now more easily configurable/customisable and has some presets for different rack brands or custom settings. Please note that I haven't had time to test the new version with the different racks, so measure 2 or 3 times and check before printing.

Another update, v2 now adds a bit of text to the part to indicate which preset (or custom) was used.

The included STL files are just some examples of what is possible, the scad file can be configured in a lot of different ways, so I'm sure something can come out of it that will fit into your particular rack rails or wall. (just download the scad file and run it in a copy of openscad, it's free!)

Printing tips:

• make sure the click-flaps are oriented vertically (you should see the “V” shape from above the print plate

• use organic supports “everywhere” in prusaslicer (or whatever program you use)

• infill of 15% is fine, other defaults are probably ok too.

• Brim isn't necessary if you have supports all over the place

• I suppose if you have different types of racks, you can colour code the models for different racks

• I usually print stuff in PLA, this is also best for fire-safety apparently, compared to ABS for instance . Plastics are carbon based compounds so they will burn at some very high temperature, I have no idea if this poses an additional risk in case of fires in the datacenter, I most certainly haven't tested it.

Personally I use the “just velcro” thing the most, it's small and easy to keep the cables to the side with a bit of velcro tape.

[update v3] I fixed some things with mirroring, the letters should be mirrored twice…

[update v4] Added option to add a small recess in the unlock tool to get around a bump on the edge of the rail

Configurable features:

• difference rack types (ones I work with) and a custom option

• cable loop (for keeping the curtains of cables out of the way on the side)

• velcro loop (for attaching pieces of velcro to hold cables out of the way)

• unlock tool (with optional recess for thickened edges of rails)

• anything else you can think of if you know openscad…