Two metal washers accidentally dropped 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, but I'm unsure whether the washers could cause a short circuit or other damage. Is it safe to keep using the monitor, or should I open it and remove them? The back panel does not appear to have any visible screws, so I'd also like to know how it could be opened safely if removal is necessary.
3 Answers
A magnet might help if the washers are steel, but use it only from the outside and don’t press hard against the screen. First unplug the monitor and try turning it so the VESA openings point downward. If the washers remain inside, having a repair shop remove the back cover is safer than prying it open yourself.
They will probably settle against the plastic housing and may never cause a problem, but loose metal inside electronics is still a risk if it reaches the power board or contacts. If you can’t get them out by gently repositioning the unplugged monitor, I wouldn’t open the case unless you have experience with monitor repairs. A hidden clip-on back cover may be difficult to remove without damaging it, and the power circuitry can retain dangerous voltage even when unplugged.
The safest approach is to unplug the monitor completely, hold it so the openings face downward, and gently tilt or shake it to see whether the washers fall back out. Avoid shaking it aggressively, since you don’t want to damage the panel or internal parts.
If there are no visible screws, does that mean the back cover is not intended to be removed? I looked around carefully but couldn’t find any screw holes.