I'm adding a few extra motherboard standoffs to my case, but I'm having trouble getting them fully tightened with pliers. Is there a better way to install them so they sit securely like the standoffs that came preinstalled?
3 Answers
A small 5 mm metric socket is the easiest tool for this. Also check that the standoff isn’t cross-threaded—remove it, line it up carefully, and try again without forcing it.
The standoffs should start threading in by hand fairly easily. Use pliers only for the final tightening, or use a small socket with a screwdriver adapter if your case didn’t include the proper installation tool.
You can thread a screw into the standoff and use a screwdriver to turn it into the case. Once it’s tight, hold the standoff with pliers while backing the screw out so the standoff doesn’t loosen. This only works if your pliers are small enough to fit around it.

I don’t have a socket, but I removed the standoff and tried again with the pliers. It went in properly this time, thanks!