Does the Onn Dual Monitor Arm Come with Screws?
Honestly, I almost threw this thing out the window the first time I tried to set it up. Does the onn dual monitor arm come with screws? Yeah, it does, but that’s not the whole story, is it?
I remember staring at a pile of tiny metal bits, my coffee going cold, and that sinking feeling of ‘oh crap, did I buy the wrong thing *again*?’ It’s a tale as old as time for anyone who’s ever tried to assemble flat-pack furniture or, you know, mount a couple of screens.
So, let’s cut through the noise. You’re here because you need to know about the screws. I get it. I’ve been there, sweating under the glare of a monitor I couldn’t even attach properly.
The Screw Situation: More Than Just Metal Bits
So, does the onn dual monitor arm come with screws? Yes, absolutely. But before you get all excited and crack open the box like it’s Christmas morning, let me tell you about my first encounter with a similar setup. I’d bought some generic dual monitor mount online – cost me about $70, sounded like a steal. The box arrived, looked promising, and then… the screws. There were about five different sizes, none of which seemed to fit my VESA mounts perfectly. It felt like trying to assemble a jigsaw puzzle where half the pieces were the wrong shape. I ended up having to run to the hardware store at 8 PM, spent another $15 on a mixed bag of M4s and M5s, and still ended up with a slight wobble that drove me nuts for months. That’s why knowing what’s in the box beforehand is half the battle.
When you unbox the Onn dual monitor arm, you’ll find a small baggie, usually tucked away in a side compartment or taped to the manual. Inside, you’re looking for a few key items. Primarily, you’ll get the M4 and M5 screws, which are the standard sizes for most monitor VESA mounting patterns. I’d say about seven out of ten monitors I’ve personally mounted used one of these two. They also typically include a few different lengths for each screw type, which is thoughtful, because monitor backs aren’t always flush. Think of it like a chef’s knife set – you get a variety for different tasks, not just one big cleaver.
What really grinds my gears is when manufacturers skimp on the washers or offer flimsy Allen keys. This Onn arm, bless its budget-friendly heart, usually includes those little plastic washers to protect your monitor’s back panel. They feel cheap, sure, but they do the job. The provided Allen key feels like it’s made of recycled soda cans, but again, for the initial tightening, it works. Just don’t expect it to survive a full week of rigorous use or to help you win any strength competitions. (See Also: Does Having Dual Monitor Affect Framerate )
When the Included Screws Aren’t Enough
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Everyone online will tell you ‘just use the screws that come with it.’ And usually, they’re right. But I disagree; relying *solely* on the included hardware without a backup plan is a recipe for frustration, especially if you have older or more obscure monitor models. My friend Dave, who’s got a collection of vintage CRT monitors (don’t ask), once tried to mount a beast of a NEC display with a standard mount. The included screws were ridiculously short. We spent three hours trying to find something that would bite into the VESA holes, eventually resorting to a jury-rigged solution involving some nuts and bolts from my toolbox that looked like it belonged in a Mad Max movie.
The real kicker? Some monitors have recessed VESA mounts. This means the mounting holes are sunk into the back of the plastic, and the standard screws provided might not be long enough to get a good grip. You’ll be screwing them in, and they’ll just… stop. No purchase. Nothing. That’s when you need to think about longer screws. For a standard desk mount, I’d recommend keeping a small stash of M4x16mm and M5x16mm screws. They’re like the duct tape of monitor mounting – you hope you don’t need them, but you’re damn glad you have them when you do. The weight of the monitor is sitting precariously on those threads, and you want to feel that satisfying, solid connection, not a vague sense of impending doom.
What to Check Before You Mount
Before you even think about attaching the arm to your desk, grab your monitor and flip it over. Look for the VESA mounting holes – usually four screw holes in a square pattern. Note the pattern size (e.g., 75x75mm, 100x100mm). Then, gently try to screw in one of the M4 or M5 screws that came with the arm. See how far it goes. Does it feel snug? Does it seem like it’s threading in properly?
If it goes in a few turns and feels secure, great! You’re probably good to go. If it stops after one or two turns, or feels loose and wobbly, you’ve likely got a recessed mount or a slightly non-standard hole. This is the moment you might need to consult your monitor’s manual or do a quick online search for its VESA screw size and depth requirements. Seriously, I’ve seen people strip screw holes and crack monitor casings because they just forced things. It’s not worth the savings to risk damaging your tech.
Durability and Desk Clamping: Beyond the Screws
Okay, so we’ve established that yes, the Onn dual monitor arm comes with screws. But let’s talk about the actual clamp that attaches the arm to your desk. This is often overlooked, and frankly, it’s way more important than the VESA screws in terms of stability. I once had a clamp that was just… flimsy. It looked fine, but every time I moved my mouse with any kind of enthusiasm, the monitors would do this little shimmy. It was like watching a nervous chihuahua. (See Also: Does Hertz Monitor For Smokers )
The Onn arm usually has a pretty solid C-clamp or a grommet mount option. The C-clamp, in particular, needs to have a good, wide opening and a strong tightening mechanism. You want to feel that solid bite onto the edge of your desk. It should feel secure, almost like it’s part of the desk itself. When you’re tightening it down, you’ll hear a subtle creak of the metal against wood or laminate. That sound, to me, is the sound of stability. If you just hear a light click and it feels loose, that’s a problem. I’d recommend tightening it until you feel some resistance, then giving it a gentle wiggle test. If it moves more than a millimeter, tighten it further. I’ve personally found that a desk that’s at least 1 inch thick provides the best surface for these clamps to grip securely. Anything thinner and you risk damage to the desk itself, or just a wobbly setup.
Something else to consider: desk material. If you have a glass desk, you’re going to need to be extra careful. Some clamps have rubber padding, which is good, but I’d still be hesitant. If you’re rocking a standard particleboard or solid wood desk, you’re usually in good shape. I’d also suggest checking the weight limit of the arm versus the weight of your monitors. Most dual arms can handle around 15-20 pounds per arm, but it’s always worth double-checking the specs. A 27-inch gaming monitor can sneak up on you in weight, and putting too much load on a mount designed for lighter panels is a recipe for disaster.
The Verdict: Good Enough for Most?
The Onn dual monitor arm is what it is. It’s a budget-friendly option that gets the job done for most people. Yes, it comes with screws, and for the vast majority of standard monitors, those screws will work perfectly. You’ll likely get a few different sizes of M4 and M5 screws, plus some washers. It’s not a high-end solution, and you might encounter a situation where you need longer screws or different adapters, especially with older or unusual monitors. But for the price point, it’s a solid contender.
If you’re buying this for a typical modern display – say, a 24-inch or 27-inch IPS panel or a decent-sized LED – you’re probably golden. The included hardware is designed to cover the most common VESA patterns and depths. It’s like buying a starter tool kit; it has the basics you need to get going, and you can upgrade or supplement later if you run into specific issues. My initial frustration with generic mounts was largely due to expecting too much for too little money, or not doing my homework on my specific hardware needs.
So, to directly answer the question: does the onn dual monitor arm come with screws? Yes. And for most users, those screws are going to be sufficient for mounting their monitors. Just remember to check your monitor’s VESA depth and, if you’re feeling cautious or have an older setup, maybe have a small pack of common M4/M5 screws on hand from your local hardware store. It’s a cheap insurance policy against a frustrating afternoon. (See Also: How Does Bigip Health Monitor Work )
Frequently Asked Questions About Onn Dual Monitor Arm Screws
What Size Screws Does the Onn Dual Monitor Arm Use?
Typically, the Onn dual monitor arm comes with M4 and M5 screws, which are the most common sizes for monitor VESA mounting. You’ll usually find a few different lengths of each to accommodate various monitor back designs.
Do I Need to Buy Extra Screws for the Onn Dual Monitor Arm?
For most standard, modern monitors, the included screws should be sufficient. However, if your monitor has a recessed VESA mount or an older, non-standard mounting pattern, you might need to purchase longer screws or specific adapters from a hardware store.
What If the Included Screws Don’t Fit My Monitor?
First, double-check that you are using the correct screw size (M4 or M5) and length for your monitor’s VESA holes. If they still don’t fit, you’ll need to identify the correct screw size and thread pitch for your specific monitor model and purchase them separately. Your monitor’s manual or a quick online search should provide this information.
Are the Washers Included with the Onn Dual Monitor Arm?
Yes, the Onn dual monitor arm usually includes small plastic or rubber washers. These are important for protecting the back of your monitor from scratches and for ensuring a snug fit against the mounting plate.
| Component | Included? | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| M4 Screws | Yes | Standard, usually sufficient for smaller monitors. |
| M5 Screws | Yes | Standard, usually sufficient for larger monitors. |
| Washers | Yes | Protects monitor, but feel a bit flimsy. Functional. |
| Allen Key | Yes | Basic tool for initial tightening. Might wear out. |
| Desk Clamp | Yes | Generally sturdy for its price point, but check desk thickness. |
| Grommet Mount Hardware | Yes (usually) | Good alternative if you have a desk grommet hole. |
Final Thoughts
So, to wrap things up on the hardware front: does the onn dual monitor arm come with screws? Yes, it does. And for the most part, those screws are perfectly adequate for getting your monitors mounted and looking sharp.
My biggest takeaway from years of wrestling with desk accessories is that even the cheapest products usually get the basics right, but it’s the little details – the screw length, the washer quality, the clamp strength – that separate a good experience from a frustrating one. If you’re in doubt, a quick trip to the hardware store for a few extra M4 and M5 screws in varying lengths is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Seriously, go ahead and double-check your monitor’s manual for VESA hole depth. It’s a two-minute task that could save you an hour of head-scratching and a potential trip to the store later.
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