Two small metal washers accidentally fell through the VESA mounting holes of my KEY TO COMBAT H24T7 monitor while I was installing an Amazon Basics monitor arm. I have decided to stop using the arm and return to the monitor's original stand. Is it safe to keep using the monitor with the washers inside, or should I open the case and remove them? I cannot find any obvious screws around the back, so I am also wondering whether the rear cover is meant to be removed and how to handle this safely.
4 Answers
There is a good chance the washers are trapped against internal plastic and will not short anything, but that is not guaranteed. If there are no visible screws, the back panel may be held together with clips or may not be intended for user removal. I would avoid prying it open unless you have a repair guide for this exact model, since it is easy to damage the clips, display panel, or internal cables.
They may simply be resting somewhere against the plastic inside and might never cause a problem, but loose metal near electronics is still a risk. If you can do so safely, gently tilt or shake the unplugged monitor to see whether the washers come back out. Avoid shaking it aggressively.
I would not keep using it without at least trying to remove them. Unplug the monitor completely, lay it carefully on a soft surface, and try retrieving the washers through the mounting openings with a suitable magnet. Do not use a magnet near anything sensitive if you are unsure, and never probe inside while the monitor is connected to power.
A strong magnet attached to a thin flexible tool may help guide the washers back through one of the VESA holes. Work with the monitor fully unplugged and keep it supported so the panel does not bend. If they will not come out easily, a repair shop is safer than dismantling the monitor without knowing how the case is assembled.
Thanks for the advice. I looked carefully but cannot find any screws or obvious openings on the rear cover. Could it be designed not to be user-removable?