this post was submitted on 28 Jul 2025
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So I've got this 1 liter PC I would like to mount under my desk. I got the compatible vesa kit from lenovo, and would rather use the standard bolts that are provided.

How do I fix them to my particle board desk? Simple holes will not hold the tight thread of the bolts, and I didn't find 'hollow' screws that would hold these, I'm not even sure they exist.

What would be the solution here? Just skip the bolts and put some regular screws? I fear the result won't be very clean...

Thanks

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[–] sarkxy@lemmy.world 8 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Regular screws are your easiest option. If you wanted to complicate matters and be fancy, use rivet nuts, but you'd have to figure out what size your screws are, and they'd probably not be long enough. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rivet_nut

[–] Successful_Try543@feddit.org 12 points 1 month ago (2 children)

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c0/Rampamuffe_%28klein%29.jpg?20111201172812

Threaded inserts or insert nuts exist for screws greater equal M3. The original ones might be too thin.

[–] BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago

"Threaded inserts" is the keyword combination I couldn't find, thanks

[–] tankplanker@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago

If you going to use these, you really want to be using a drill press to make the holes otherwise its very hard to make them perfectly perpendicular and the right depth every time by hand without some sort of guide. I have a simple Drillmate Pro I use for portable jobs like this

[–] disguy_ovahea@lemmy.world 7 points 1 month ago

I’d recommend these in particle board.

[–] tychosmoose@lemmy.world 5 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I would skip the screws and mount it with 3m Dual Lock. Unlike regular Velcro the two sides are the same smooth, non-snagging texture. It is very strong, but also removable without leaving any damage.

[–] SheeEttin@lemmy.zip 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I'm not a fan of that stuff. It holds so strongly versus its adhesive that you'll probably pull the whole strip off your desk if you try to separate it.

[–] tychosmoose@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago

I haven't had any trouble with it on laminate or finished MDF surfaces. I have some mini PCs, docks and network gear mounted under desks with it.

The main thing is to not use too much. A 1l pc would only need 4 small pieces. Pry from the edge to separate the sides at an angle - tilted removal is easier than trying to pull straight apart.

[–] slazer2au@lemmy.world 4 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Yea, regular screws is what I would do.

[–] spankmonkey@lemmy.world 5 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Same, plus a recommendation to pre drill with a drill bit slightly narrower than the screws so that it doesn't makes the material bubble out but also gets a good grip

[–] onslaught545@lemmy.zip 3 points 1 month ago

This isn't a great idea for particle board. Threaded inserts would be a safer option.

[–] Telorand@reddthat.com 4 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Look for "threaded inserts," probably something with a coarse thread. These will give you a mounting point for machine screws.

If you're worried about using just the four provided bolts (I would be), use multiple inserts or regular screws to attach a board at multiple points, then use the inserts on the board.

[–] BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago

That's exactly what I was looking for, thanks

[–] phonics@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I've mounted my audio interface under my desk with screws right into the bottom of the IKEA table. To those screws I've attached a Velcro cable tie to each side and it holds it pretty tight. Never had a problem with it. Been doing it across multiple tables for 10+ years.

[–] BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Not sure what you are doing, picture?

[–] phonics@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

4 Velcro straps that meet in the middle

[–] BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Thanks, it would do the job but I already have the vesa mount

[–] phonics@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

But what it comes down to is just using screws.

[–] BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)
[–] SheeEttin@lemmy.zip 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

It's going to be under your desk. I wouldn't worry about clean too much.

[–] BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago

I know I know... I told this to myself but just knowing it would annoy me

[–] BeatTakeshi@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago

Update: job done with threaded inserts: