Removing Humanscale Monitor Arms: A Step-By-Step Guide

A Humanscale Monitor Arm is an ergonomic device that allows you to adjust your monitor's height, depth, and angle for optimal viewing comfort. It helps to reduce strain on your neck, back, and shoulders by allowing adjustments to the screen's position relative to your eye level. The Humanscale Monitor Arm consists of two pieces: an adjustable arm and a fixed mount. The fixed mount is attached to the desk, while the adjustable arm holds the monitor. This paragraph will be followed by a step-by-step guide on how to remove the Humanscale Monitor Arm.

Familiarise yourself with the three types of monitor arms

Monitor arms are a great way to improve your working posture, relieve eye strain, and optimise your workspace. There are three main types of monitor arms:

• Single Monitor Mounts: These stands can suspend a single screen and typically have one height-adjustable arm. They allow for effortless positioning of the screen, providing comfort and convenience for the user. Single monitor mounts are VESA-compatible, making them suitable for most monitors, and offer full-range motion for flexibility.
• Dual Monitor Mounts: Featuring a double articulating arm, dual monitor mounts are designed to increase efficiency and save space. The screen's versatility enables ergonomic viewing, promoting a healthy and comfortable body posture. This type of mount also frees up valuable desk space, reducing clutter.
• Interactive-Motion Monitor Mounts: These mounts allow for a wide range of motion, including tilting and panning from portrait to landscape orientations. This ergonomic design helps to reduce the risk of backaches and fatigue by allowing users to find a comfortable viewing position.

In addition to these three main types, there are also standing monitor mounts, side clamp desk monitor mounts, via-the-desk single monitor stands, and wall mounts, each offering unique advantages in terms of flexibility, space-saving, and ergonomic benefits.

Loosen the knob attaching the fixed mount to the desk

To loosen the knob attaching the fixed mount to the desk, you will need an Allen key or a screwdriver, depending on the model of your Humanscale Monitor Arm. Once you have the correct tool, follow these steps:

Firstly, turn the knob counter-clockwise. This will loosen the mount so that you can slide it up or down to your desired position. It is important to ensure that the mount remains securely fastened to the desk during this process. This step is crucial as it adjusts the fixed mount, which is attached to the desk and holds your monitor in place.

Next, you can move on to adjusting the arm height. To do this, use the adjustment knob at the top of the arm to raise or lower it to your desired height. This is a separate step from adjusting the fixed mount, as the arm height controls the position of your monitor, while the fixed mount controls the position of the arm itself.

After adjusting the arm height, you may also want to tilt and pivot your monitor to achieve the optimal viewing angle. This is especially useful if you use multiple monitors, as you can easily adjust each one to your desired height and angle.

Finally, remember to lock the positions of both the fixed mount and the arm when you are happy with their placement. To do this, tighten the knob of the fixed mount by turning it clockwise. For the arm, use the tension adjustment knob to increase resistance and lock it in place.

By following these steps, you can easily adjust your Humanscale Monitor Arm to achieve optimal ergonomic comfort and ensure that your monitor is positioned correctly for your comfort and needs.

Adjust the arm height

To adjust the height of your Humanscale monitor arm, you will need to adjust the counterbalance tension. This will allow you to "float" the display where you need it and then move it by grabbing the monitor and pushing or pulling it.

The process for doing this is similar across the Humanscale range. You will need a hex wrench and a few minutes to tweak the counterbalance tension so that your monitor floats perfectly wherever you leave it.

For the M8 Monitor Arm, you will need to use a hex wrench to tighten or loosen a single hex screw. The tension screw is located under a plastic flap on the top of the "dynamic" portion of the arm. Turn the wrench clockwise to increase tension and counter-clockwise to decrease tension.

The M2 Monitor Arm operates on a similar concept but requires a little more work. First, use the included 4mm hex key to loosen the two side screws located inside the two "discs" on the dynamic arm. Then, use a 3mm hex key to loosen the two set screws on top of the arm, near the side screws. With all four screws loosened, tighten down the side screws until the arm moves freely and supports the monitor when released. Finally, firmly tighten the top set screws again to set the tension adjustment.

For the UPLIFT Single and Dual Monitor Arms, the counterbalance tension can be adjusted with the hex keys that come included in the hardware. Each segment of the arm has a screw on the front for adjusting the side-to-side motion, and the main segment has a large screw on top with a +/- sign next to it. First, attach your monitor to the arm and then tighten the large screw on the base. Turn the screw all the way to one side and then to the other. Your goal is to manipulate the screw until the monitor stays in place without slowly dropping or rising.

In addition to the above instructions, there are some general guidelines for positioning your monitor arm to prevent straining your upper back and neck. Ensure the middle of the monitor is aligned with the midline of your body, which is the line from your belly button to your nose. If you use two monitors equally, angle them in a V-shape around your body with the point where they touch at the midline. If you use one monitor primarily and one as a secondary, the primary monitor should be at the midline with the secondary monitor next to it, also angled in a V-shape.

As everyone's vision is different, the depth of the monitor is a loose guideline. Start by putting your monitor about an arm's length away when you are sitting back in your chair, and then adjust as needed. If you find the screen difficult to read, bring the monitor closer. If it's too close, push it away until it feels comfortable.

Unless you wear bifocals, trifocals or progressive lenses, you have a natural 15-degree downward viewing gaze, which means your line of sight falls about 15 degrees below eye height. Therefore, to keep your neck and head in a healthy, neutral posture, set the top line of text on your monitor at or just below eye height. If you wear the lenses mentioned, your line of sight may be lower than 15 degrees, in which case you should adjust the monitor accordingly.

The angle, or tilt, of your screen can also make it easier or harder to view. It is easiest to view your screen when it is angled so that your vision hits the screen perpendicularly. Since you naturally look down at your screen at about a -15-degree angle, by angling the screen from 0 to 15 degrees upward (toward your face), it should be optimal for viewing.

Adjust the tension of the arm

To adjust the tension of the arm of your Humanscale monitor, you will need a hex wrench and a few minutes to tweak the counterbalance tension so that your monitor floats perfectly wherever you leave it.

For the Humanscale M8 Monitor Arm, use a hex wrench to tighten or loosen a single hex screw. The tension screw is located under a plastic flap on the top of the "dynamic" portion of the arm. Turn the wrench anti-clockwise to increase tension for larger displays, or clockwise to decrease tension for lighter displays.

The Humanscale M2 Monitor Arm operates on a similar concept but requires a little more work to set up. First, use the included 4mm hex key to loosen the two side screws located inside the two "discs" on the dynamic arm. Then, use a 3mm hex key (also included) to loosen the two set screws on top of the arm, near the side screws. With all four screws loosened, tighten down the side screws until the arm moves freely and supports the monitor when released. Finally, firmly tighten the top set screws again to set the tension adjustment.

If you are adjusting the tension of the arm on an Innovative 7000/EVO II Series Monitor Arm, you will need to attach your monitor to the arm by mounting the VESA plate to the back of the display, then attaching the plate to the arm assembly. Once the monitor is installed, you may notice that the arm is drooping under the monitor's weight, or popping up because the tension is too high. To adjust the tension to a "neutral" position, press the forward end of the arm down with one hand so that the hex wrench can clear it, then adjust the screw with the other. Turn the hex wrench anti-clockwise to increase tension for larger displays, or clockwise to decrease tension for lighter displays.

Please note that while these tips will help you adjust the tension of your Humanscale monitor arm, not all monitor arm styles will adjust in the same way. Always refer to your monitor arm's instruction manual to ensure that you are adjusting everything correctly.

Lock the positions of the fixed mount and the arm

To lock the positions of the fixed mount and the arm of your Humanscale Monitor Arm, follow these steps:

• Ensure that you have made all the necessary adjustments to the monitor arm before proceeding. This includes adjusting the fixed mount, arm height, tilt, pivot, and tension of the arm to match your desired viewing angle and height.
• Once you are satisfied with the adjustments, it's time to lock the positions. For the fixed mount, locate the knob that attaches the mount to your desk. Tighten this knob by turning it clockwise. This will secure the fixed mount in place and prevent it from sliding or moving unintentionally.
• To lock the arm position, use the tension adjustment knob, which is located at the base of the arm where it connects to the mount. Turn this knob clockwise to increase the tension and create more resistance when moving the arm. Adjust it to a level where the arm holds your monitor firmly in place without sacrificing ease of movement.
• Test the stability of your monitor by gently trying to move it. If it stays in place, you have successfully locked the positions of both the fixed mount and the arm.

Remember to consult the user manual for specific instructions regarding your Humanscale Monitor Arm model, as there may be slight variations between different models.

Frequently asked questions