Want to buy a computer monitor arm or just want to know more about them? Read this blog post to learn about the method for mounting a monitor arm on a desk. Will it work for you and your desk? What are the key considerations for installation? You’ll get a clear idea of how it’s done and how simple it actually is.
Quality monitor mounts come with detailed instructions and all hardware included for a hassle-free installation. The process is easy and it can be done in about ten minutes by the average person. It could take longer if a partner, kids, or pets ‘help’ you, but it’s still nicer doing it that way (just be careful with small, sharp, or heavy parts).
There are two common methods for monitor arm desk mounting. You get a choice of simple C-clamp mounting and seamless grommet hole mounting. Both methods are effective, so choose according to your situation and preference.
C-clamp mounting is the simplest method. It’s a non-permanent method that doesn’t require any drilling or other work, and also allows the PC screen mount to be removed and used in a different place. Just assemble the clamp, slide it onto the desk edge, and securely tighten it. Some basic clamp designs require assembly with about a dozen bolts. HUANUO has pioneered the Swift-Lock system with a clamp designed to neatly lock together, requiring very few bolts. It has made PC monitor arm mounting fuss-free. Note that C-clamps may not be suitable for desks with curved edges or with edges obstructed by desk frames. C-clamp mounting and arm use won’t work well if the desk is right against the wall. You can consider the alternative grommet hole mounting method described below (to mount away from the desk edge and wall). Otherwise, get a simpler computer monitor stand for desk with a pole (which doesn’t really need space behind the desk) or use a monitor wall mount (if a wall mounted PC monitor works for your setup).
Grommet hole mounting is the other mounting method. It’s a more permanent method that requires drilling of a hole through the desk. The base bolt goes down through this hole, and a clamp plate is screwed on from the other side. It’s not as simple as the C-clamp, but anyone with a drill can mount this way and it gives a more seamless result. Just pick the position with a little care and drill the hole to a suitable diameter for the mount model. If you don’t have access to a drill or don’t feel comfortable with drilling into your desk, just go with the C-clamp.
Most computer screen mounts are designed to fit a wide range of desks. It’s still important to confirm that your desk thickness is within the recommended range for the mount. If the desk is too thin, mounting may not be secure. If the desk is too thick, it may not be possible to attach the mount. Also note any guidance about desk material requirements. Surfaces like solid wood and metal are stronger and more reliable than glass or engineered wood (such as particle board and MDF). This is particularly important if you’re mounting multiple large screens on a dual monitor mount or triple monitor mount. If you have a substantial load for a less suitable surface, you can use an additional Monitor Mount Reinforcement Plate. These accessories provide a solid mounting surface and spread the load to protect the desk and stabilize the monitor mount.
Once the base has been installed securely on the desk, the arm sections are pushed in and secured. To mount your monitors, most monitor mount arms have a VESA attachment plate that bolts onto the back of standard VESA monitors. The bolt hole spacing for monitors is usually 75 x 75mm or 100 x 100mm and this is a compatibility requirement for mounts too. For some mounts, the plate is attached to the end of the arm; then the monitor is hung on the plate and securely attached using bolts. For other mounts, the plate is attached to the monitor first; then the plate is slotted onto the end of the arm and fastened with a security bolt. You may need assistance lifting larger monitors onto the arms.
In summary, these are the general steps to install a monitor arm:
1. Attach mount base to desk
2. Assemble arms
3. Attach monitors
HUANUO continues to innovate monitor arm design to simplify mounting and improve performance. The Swift-Lock clamp system was already a major leap forward. Now, additional refinements to the mounting process are being introduced. One example is the switch from tightening the base clamp underneath the desk to a new system of tightening it from the top. With no need to bend or crouch down under the desk, it’s even easier to install. The VESA mounting plate is another place where the mounting process has been made easier. For streamlined monitor mounting and removal, the standard screw-in security bolt is being replaced by a simple locking lever.
After mount installation, you can organize your setup. Monitor arms are made for motion, so it’s important to route cables correctly through or along the arms (using the removable covers or cable clips). This avoids cables snagging and keeps your whole setup neat & tidy. Note that the extra height of monitor arms will require additional cable length, and routing cables could also increase the length of cable needed. Some monitor arms have USB ports in the base (convenient for data transfer or modest power needs).
One of the biggest impacts of computer screen arms on your setup will be the increase in desk space. Lifting the monitors off your desk frees up so much space! Use it for additional devices like a laptop or tablet and for personal items like pictures, ornaments, and plants. Or just keep it clear and enjoy the wonderful sense of space and freedom.
Most monitor arms use gas springs or mechanical springs for smooth & easy motion. Tension needs to be adjusted to keep your monitors where you want them (the heavier the monitors, the more spring tension needed to hold them up). Premium arms also have multiple joints and systems to enable tilt, swivel, and rotation. All these monitor arm adjustment matters are a topic for a future blog post. If you’re from the future and you’ve already read that post, I hope it was useful. Now you can go back to the future. I need time to write more blog posts.