Do Monitor Mounts Come With Screws To Hook Monitor?

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Forty bucks. That’s what I blew on a ‘universal’ monitor mount adapter plate about three years ago because I was too stubborn to just buy the right damn mount in the first place. The box was pretty, the website promised seamless integration. It arrived, and sure enough, it was just a bent piece of metal with some holes that didn’t quite line up with anything I owned. It taught me a valuable lesson: don’t assume.

So, do monitor mounts come with screws to hook monitors? It’s a question that pops up more often than you’d think, especially when you’re staring at that sleek new VESA mount and then at your monitor’s back, wondering how the two are supposed to become one.

It’s not as straightforward as a simple yes or no, and frankly, the whole situation can be a bit of a head-scratcher if you’re not prepared.

The Screw Situation: What’s Usually in the Box?

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. Most of the time, yes, your monitor mount kit will include a selection of screws. The companies know you’re not going to have a toolbox filled with every conceivable screw size, so they generally try to cover the bases. However, and this is where it gets annoying, ‘covering the bases’ can mean a lot of different things.

You’ll typically find a few different lengths and thicknesses of VESA mounting screws. Think M4, M5, and M6 sizes, usually with a couple of different lengths for each. It’s a decent first pass, and for a lot of monitors, one of those will do the trick. The bolts will often have a slightly tapered head designed to fit into the recessed holes on the back of your monitor. When you’re tightening them, they should feel snug, but you don’t want to crank down with all your might like you’re trying to forge a new mountain range. The plastic or metal on the back of your monitor isn’t exactly industrial-grade steel, and I’ve heard stories – I haven’t done it myself, of course – of people stripping threads or even cracking plastic.

When the Included Screws Just Don’t Cut It

Here’s where my personal frustration really kicked in. I bought a super-cheap ‘ultrawide’ monitor a couple of years back. Beautiful display, terrible build quality. The VESA holes on the back were deeper than average, and the screws that came with the mount just weren’t long enough to get a solid grip. They’d go in a few turns and then just… stop. The monitor felt wobbly, like it was held on by sheer optimism and a prayer. This is precisely why you can’t just assume. I ended up spending an extra twenty bucks at the local hardware store on some M6 screws that were 2mm longer, and suddenly, everything was solid as a rock. It’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, but with metal bolts and your expensive screen. (See Also: How To Put 144hz Monitor At 144hz )

This isn’t a rare occurrence. Monitors, especially thinner ones or those with curved backs, can have slightly different VESA mounting configurations. The depth of the threaded holes can vary significantly. If the included screws are too short, you won’t get enough threads engaged for a secure hold. If they’re too long, they can bottom out inside the monitor’s casing, potentially damaging internal components – a risk I’m definitely not willing to take again after my adapter plate fiasco.

So, what’s the solution when the mount’s hardware falls short? It’s usually a trip to your local hardware store or an online order for a VESA screw kit. These kits are fantastic because they contain a wide array of screw types, lengths, and even little plastic spacers or washers that can help accommodate different monitor designs. I keep one of these kits in my desk drawer now, right next to my collection of spare USB cables and oddly specific dongles. It’s saved me more than once.

Understanding Vesa and Your Monitor’s Needs

The whole VESA mounting standard is designed to make things universal, and for the most part, it does a decent job. However, the devil is, as always, in the details. Your monitor’s manual is your best friend here. It will specify the VESA hole pattern (like 100x100mm or 75x75mm) and, crucially, the depth of those screw holes. It’s not always easy to find, sometimes buried in the technical specifications section, but it’s worth hunting for. If you’re buying a mount, look at the specifications for the included screws. Most reputable brands will list the sizes and lengths they provide.

If you’re buying a monitor, check the manual for the screw depth. Think of it like buying a suit; you can get off-the-rack, which usually fits okay, or you can get tailored, which fits perfectly. VESA mounting screws are the same. Most monitors will take standard screws, but some require a bit more specific attention. Consumer Reports has done extensive testing on display mounting hardware and generally recommends checking your monitor’s specifications for exact screw requirements before purchasing a mount, especially if you’re going for a budget option.

A common mistake people make, and I’ve seen this a lot on forums, is assuming all screws of the same diameter are interchangeable. They aren’t. Thread pitch, length, and head type all matter. It’s like comparing a flathead screwdriver to a Phillips head; they’re both screwdrivers, but you can’t use one for the other without making a mess. This is why having a good VESA screw kit is so handy; it’s the multi-tool for monitor mounting. (See Also: How To Switch An Acer Monitor To Hdmi )

Scenario	Included Screws?	Verdict/Recommendation
Standard monitor, standard mount	Usually Yes	Likely to work out of the box. Double-check lengths if you’re unsure.
Thin monitor with shallow VESA holes	Maybe	Included screws might be too long. Consider a VESA screw kit.
Deep VESA holes (common on ultrawides)	Often No	You will almost certainly need longer screws. Get a VESA screw kit.
Curved back monitor	Sometimes	May require spacers or specific screw lengths. Check manual.

When to Buy Extra Screws (just in Case)

Honestly, I’ve learned to just buy a decent VESA screw kit when I buy a new monitor or mount. It’s about a $10-$20 investment, and it saves so much hassle. Think of it like buying a spare tire for your car. You hope you never need it, but when you do, you’re incredibly grateful you have it. The kit I have came with about forty different screw combinations, plus washers and spacers. It’s overkill for most people, but it means I’m never stuck waiting for a specific screw size to arrive. The satisfying ‘click’ of a properly seated screw is a sound better than any notification ping. (See Also: How To Monitor My Sleep With Apple Watch )

The variety in monitor design means that what works for one person’s setup might be a complete non-starter for yours. My friend Sarah has an older HP ultrawide, and the VESA mount screws that came with her brand-new gas-spring mount barely poked out of the monitor’s threaded inserts by two turns. She was about to send the mount back, convinced it was faulty, until I dug out my trusty screw kit and found a pair of M6 screws that were 5mm longer. Problem solved. It’s a cheap insurance policy against frustration, and in the world of tech gadgets, that’s saying something.

So, to reiterate, do monitor mounts come with screws to hook monitor? Yes, typically. But don’t bet your monitor’s safety on it being the *right* screws. A little preparation goes a long way.

Verdict

So, when you’re unboxing that shiny new monitor mount, do monitor mounts come with screws to hook monitor? Usually, yes, and they usually provide a decent variety. But that ‘decent variety’ is often a gamble.

Don’t be like me and my adapter plate phase. If your monitor’s VESA holes are deeper than average, or if it’s a super-thin display, chances are the provided screws might be too short or, less commonly, too long. A trip to the hardware store or a quick online order for a VESA screw kit is often the smartest move.

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Honestly, just keep a VESA screw kit handy. It’s a cheap peace-of-mind purchase that saves you from that sinking feeling when the screws just don’t reach, or worse, don’t feel secure. It’s one less thing to worry about when setting up your workspace.