How to cut off optical drive cage?

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Sharks445

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Mar 10, 2014
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OK so I want to insert a GPU that's 12 inches long but I can't install it because the optical drive cage is in the way. I will never use an optical drive so I don't need the cage and want to remove it. There are no screws, the metal is soldered into the case. What I CAN do is remove the metal that's sticking out and causing the interference. Thing is I don't have any special tools but if they are cheap I can buy something.
here is the image.
29ueqf.jpg


Can I use metal snips and cut out the metal cage? do I need a Dremel or other electrical tools? I just need to cut out one extra inch and that's it.
 
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Yes. Aircraft Shears or "Tin Snips" would work, but it will require some effort. So, I would not try to cut out the entire cage, I would just cut out enough to mount the card and give it all of the required room. (don't want it shorting out to that cage)
If you can come up with some Hand Nibblers they would work very well. Just make sure to remove all of your components before performing any of the modification and clean any debris out of the case afterwards. I suggest using an air compressor and blow gun, but a can of compressed air would work fine too.

Good Luck!
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PsyKhiqZero

PsyKhiqZero

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Jun 1, 2008
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The metal is not soldered on. The dimple you see in the circled area is called a rivet. You can usually drill them out by driving a bit anout the size of the "crater" area through it. You may need to remove more then one to get the cage out.
 
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Sharks445

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Yea, you are correct. There are too many of these rivets and it's confusing which ones to remove and keep. It would be quicker and easier to just cut the metal off. Can I use pliers?
 
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unksol

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Sep 12, 2011
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huh? pliers don't cut. you'd be better off to pull the cage or idk... buy the right case in the first place. if you just want to half ass it anything that will cut metal will work. you SHOULD remove the motherboard and all hardware first though
 
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civers1

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May 8, 2013
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Yes. Aircraft Shears or "Tin Snips" would work, but it will require some effort. So, I would not try to cut out the entire cage, I would just cut out enough to mount the card and give it all of the required room. (don't want it shorting out to that cage)
If you can come up with some Hand Nibblers they would work very well. Just make sure to remove all of your components before performing any of the modification and clean any debris out of the case afterwards. I suggest using an air compressor and blow gun, but a can of compressed air would work fine too.

Good Luck!
 
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PsyKhiqZero

PsyKhiqZero

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If you'd rather cut then I would go with a dremel. As another poster mentioned it would be better to just cut out the portion that's in the way. Remember when using a rotary tool, it's best to "score" the line, gradually making it deeper till it cuts through. If you try to take the disk straight through then you'll only risk shattering the disk. Plus it makes it way harder to cut.
 
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