Most Common Problems For Monitor Arms & Their Fixes

Last updated on October 11th, 2023 at 11:07 pm

A monitor arm can be a great investment for anyone looking to improve their workspace ergonomics.

However, like any other product, monitor arms have their own set of limitations and issues that can arise.

In this article, we will cover the 7 most common problems for monitor arms that you should be aware of before making a purchase.

We will also provide solutions to these problems so that you can plan out your ergonomic desk setup and get the best monitor arm for your needs.

Let’s get started.

• Must Check-out: Best Monitor Arm for Ultrawide Monitors

7 Most Common Problems For Monitor Arms

Problem 1: My Monitor is Not VESA Compatible

One of the most common problems with monitor arms is that they only support VESA-compliant monitors.

Monitors that are not VESA compliant don’t have mounting holes on the back, which makes it impossible to mount them directly with the mount.

Solution: VESA Adapter Kit

If your monitor is not VESA compliant, you can use an adapter kit such as a VESA mount plate or VESA mount bracket to mount your non-VESA monitor.

The VESA mount plate holds the monitor via its adjustable pads while the VESA mount bracket attaches in place of the monitor’s stock stand and connects with the mount.

You can also use dedicated brackets provided by the manufacturer for mounting non-VESA-compliant monitors.

Vesa Kit We Recommend

Problem 2: My Monitor Arm Keeps Tilting Down (Weight Imbalances)

Another common issue with monitor arms is that the monitor arm keeps sagging down.

This problem occurs when the monitor is too heavy for the monitor arm. Every monitor arm has a weight limit, and exceeding this limit by mounting a too-heavy monitor can cause the monitor to slowly drop.

Solution: Reduce the Weight Capacity

To avoid this problem, you can choose a monitor arm that has the ideal weight capacity for your monitor screen or opt for a heavy-duty monitor mount.

Every monitor arm comes with a weight capacity rating mentioned on the box. So, when you’re looking for a monitor arm, make sure you look at the weight capacity of the mount so you get a monitor mount that is capable of supporting your monitor’s weight.

You can also use sleek monitors that are more lightweight than they were in the early years.

Problem 3: What is Better Grommet Mount or Clamp Mount?

When it comes to installing the monitor mount, one of the biggest challenges is how to mount a monitor arm to your desk.

Monitor arms provide two mounting options for desk installation: C-clamp mounting and Grommet mounting.

Solution: Well that depends…

If you have a desk without a grommet hole, you’ll have to invest in a monitor arm with a clamp mount for flexible fastening, or vice versa.

Or if you want to mount your monitor on both conditions when you have a desk with or without a grommet, investing in a high-end mount would be an option.

Expensive monitor arms come with both mounting options to provide you with flexible fastening to your preferred desk and positions.

Problem 4: The Desk is Too Thick for the Monitor Mount

Sometimes, the desk is too thick for the monitor mount, which makes it difficult to mount the monitor arm.

Solution: How to Mount a Monitor on Thick Desk?

To mount a monitor on a thick desk, you can use an extension arm or an adapter plate.

An extension arm increases the length of the monitor arm, allowing it to reach the monitor on the thick desk.

An adapter plate attaches to the monitor arm and provides a larger surface area for the clamp to attach to, allowing it to fit on a thicker desk.

Problem 5: The Desk is Too Thin for Monitor Mount

On the other hand, sometimes the desk is too thin for the monitor mount, which makes it difficult to mount the monitor arm.

Solution: How to Mount a Monitor on a Thin Desk?

To mount a monitor on a thin desk, you can use a clamp mount that has a smaller clamp or a grommet mount that fits a smaller hole.

You can also use an adapter plate or a spacer to increase the surface area of the clamp, allowing it to fit on a thinner desk.

We recommend using a support leg right underneath your desk where the monitor arm is mounted to support the weight of the monitor arm and prevent desk sagging as well.

Problem 6: Mounting a Monitor on a Glass Desk

Mounting a monitor on a glass desk can be a challenge because the glass surface is fragile and can crack easily. This asks the question, are monitor arms safe?

Solution: How to Mount a Monitor on a Glass Desk?

To mount a monitor on a glass desk, you can use a special clamp or adhesive pad that is designed for glass surfaces.

These clamps or adhesive pads distribute the weight of the monitor evenly, reducing the risk of cracking the glass desk.

Problem 7: Limited Monitor Arm Adjustability

Sometimes, monitor arms have limited adjustability, which can make it difficult to position the monitor in the desired position.

Solution: What Monitor Arms Have the Best Adjustability?

When looking for a monitor arm, pay close attention to the adjustability features. Look for monitor arms that have a wide range of motion, including tilt, swivel, and rotation.

Also, look for monitor arms that have adjustable tension, allowing you to adjust the arm’s resistance to movement. Monitor arms with gas springs are also a good option, as they provide smooth and easy adjustment with minimal effort.

These are the 7 most common problems for monitor arms and their solutions. By understanding these issues, you can optimize the performance of your monitor arm and enjoy a more comfortable and ergonomic workstation

Final Thoughts

Monitor arms can provide numerous benefits to improve the ergonomics of your workspace. However, there are some common problems that you should be aware of before choosing a monitor arm. These include compatibility issues with your monitor, stability issues with certain mount types, and desk thickness limitations.

We hope that this article has been helpful in answering some of the common questions and confusion surrounding monitor arms. It is important to always make the right decision when choosing a monitor arm to ensure maximum productivity and comfort.

If you found this article helpful! If you have any queries or feedback, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are always happy to hear from our readers.

For further information on choosing the right monitor arm and mounting a monitor, check out our related articles. Our goal at Monitor Arm Guides is to provide detailed guides and reviews to help users find the best setup for their needs.

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