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On point #1, I typically look for a part number and use Google. If a
part number is present it often provide clues as to the brand, if
not a range of compatible models. If no part number, sometimes the
finish can provide clues - e.g. powder coated black rails or mounts
often went with other items that have a similar coating (Belkin
KVMs, some UPS units), while flat metal rails are common with other
brands (Dell servers, Cisco routers/switches). I've taken to
wrapping rails together in plastic wrap (the kind for wrapping
pallets or moving boxes) and using a marker to label each set. Makes
life easier down the road.<br>
<br>
On point #2, I've found that using the brand name rail can save me
hours of time. Either in easing the initial mounting or preventing
problems down the road if a server needs to be pulled for
maintenance or decommissioned. For anything that doesn't have a
rail, and I find the matching rails either prohibitively expensive
or unavailable for purchase, a rack mount shelf can be used. Find
one that works well with your racks to minimize the time required to
mount/unmount. Good racks can make all the difference here. If you
use a lot of Dell servers, Dell's newer racks provide plenty of
depth for their servers and the square holes are a perfect match for
their square rails, making it possible to rack servers in a couple
minutes. I've found Dell racks (or racks that work well with Dell
servers) also work well with Cisco, APC, and servers from other
vendors. I have not found the reverse to be true (e.g. racks made
for network equipment often do not work well for many servers). In
short, my time was more valuable than the money saved on struggling
with mounting issues caused by bad rails or bad racks. Good racks
and good rails save time.<br>
<br>
--Blake<br>
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<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 3/30/2020 7:14 AM, David Funderburk
wrote:<br>
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cite="mid:eac05f75f2714dd40b5b20f6d2d63e0d@globalvision.net">
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<p>1 - We now have some time on our hands to do some things in our
storage area which includes identifying a # of rack rails found
in a box. Does anyone have any tips or tricks for identifying
what equipment rails might match?</p>
<p>2 - Do you know of any universal rail kits for 1U, 2U and 3U
servers, routers, switches that work well? The brand names are
nice but expensive. Thought I'd explore some cheaper options
first. We use a lot of MikroTik, HP, Dell and some CISCO with a
few other things here and there.</p>
<p>TIA</p>
<div>-- <br>
<div class="pre" style="margin: 0; padding: 0; font-family:
monospace">David Funderburk<br>
GlobalVision<br>
864-569-0703<br>
<br>
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