Removing Vga Cables From Monitors: A Step-By-Step Guide

Removing a VGA cable from a monitor can be a tricky task. The process may vary depending on the type of monitor and cable you have. In some cases, the cable is simply plugged into the monitor and can be removed by gently pulling it straight out. However, in other cases, the cable may be secured with small thumb screws or bolts that need to be unscrewed before the cable can be removed. If the thumb screws are difficult to turn, you may need to use a screwdriver or pliers to loosen them. It is important to be careful when removing a VGA cable to avoid damaging the port or the cable itself.

Unscrew the VGA cable from the back of the monitor

Unscrewing the VGA cable from the back of the monitor is a simple process, but it requires care and attention to avoid damaging the cable or the monitor. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, locate the VGA cable at the back of the monitor. The VGA cable is typically blue and has two thumb screws on either side of the connector that attaches it to the monitor. If you are unsure, check that the cable is labelled as VGA.

Before attempting to unscrew the cable, ensure that the monitor is turned off and disconnected from the power source. This is an important safety precaution.

Now, you can begin to unscrew the VGA cable. Using your thumbs, twist the two screws on the connector in a counter-clockwise direction to loosen them. If the screws are tight and difficult to turn, you may need to use a screwdriver. VGA connectors usually have a slot for a regular screwdriver if the screws are too tight to turn by hand. If the screws are very tight, you could use a pair of fine-nosed pliers to grip the nut while you unscrew.

Once the screws are loosened, gently pull the cable straight out to detach it from the monitor. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this could damage the cable or the monitor.

If you are donating or reusing the cable, ensure that you also unscrew the other end of the VGA cable from the device it is connected to (usually a PC tower). Now you are good to go!

If the lead is stuck, unscrew the thumbscrews on the connector

If the VGA cable is stuck, you will need to unscrew the thumbscrews on the connector. The thumbscrews are usually moulded into the plug, so they can't fall out. If the bolts have been over-tightened, the retaining nuts may turn with the bolt, leaving the plug stuck. In this case, you can use an appropriately-sized spanner (wrench) or a pair of fine-nosed pliers to grip the nut while you undo the bolts.

If the thumbscrews are hard to turn, there may be a slot in the back of them to use with a screwdriver. You can also try needle-nose pliers to slowly unscrew them. If the thumbscrews are very tight, you may need to use a screwdriver as a lever.

If the thumbscrews are not the issue, the problem may be with the plastic thing or the blue tops of the screws. Try removing the plastic thing and slowly unscrewing with something like a screwdriver. You can also try removing the blue tops of the screws, which may help release the tension and allow you to unscrew the nuts and remove the plug.

If you are still unable to remove the cable, you may need to cut the cable. However, be aware that this may damage the monitor or video card.

If the thumbscrews are hard to turn, use a screwdriver

If the thumbscrews are hard to turn, you may need to use a screwdriver to assist in the removal of the VGA cable from your monitor. The thumbscrews are located on either side of the connector. Before you attempt to use a screwdriver, ensure that you have applied enough force to the cable to rule out the possibility that the lead is simply stuck.

If the lead is not stuck, and the thumbscrews are still not turning, you will need to locate a screwdriver. The thumbscrews have a slot at the back that is designed to fit a standard screwdriver. Once you have located a screwdriver, insert it into the slot at the back of the thumbscrew. You may need to apply a small amount of force to ensure that the screwdriver is securely in the slot. Once the screwdriver is securely in the slot, you can attempt to turn the thumbscrew again. It is important to go slowly and carefully during this step, as applying too much force may result in damage to the connector.

If the thumbscrews still do not turn, you may need to apply a small amount of lubricant to the connector. This will help reduce friction and make it easier to turn the thumbscrews. Alternatively, you can try using a pair of needle-nose pliers to turn the thumbscrews. If the thumbscrews are still not turning, you may need to seek professional assistance or consider purchasing a new cable.

If the bolts are tightened too much, use pliers to grip the nut while undoing the bolts

If the bolts are stuck due to being over-tightened, you will need to use a tool to grip the nut while you undo the bolts. An appropriate-sized spanner (wrench) or a pair of fine-nosed pliers can be used to grip the nut and prevent it from turning with the bolt. If you are using pliers, grip the nut with the pliers and then use a screwdriver to turn the bolts. If you are using a spanner, you may need to use a hollow metal bar to extend the length of the spanner and give you more torque. Hold the spanner at the very end of the extender bar and pull sharply to try to loosen the bolt.

If the bolts are not only over-tightened but also rusted, you will need to use a different method to remove them. First, try to remove as much rust as possible with a wire brush. Then, douse both ends of the bolt with a rust-penetrating liquid thread loosener and let it soak for about 30 minutes. Strike the head of the bolt with a hammer 6-12 times, then try to unscrew it with a long-handled socket wrench. If this doesn't work, you may need to cut the bolt.

If the VGA cable has two ports, unscrew both

If your VGA cable has two ports, it is likely that both will need to be unscrewed before you can disconnect the cable from your monitor. This is a common feature of VGA cables, which often have two screws on the VGA plug that need to be unscrewed before the cable can be removed.

To do this, locate the two screws on the VGA plug. You may need to use a screwdriver to unscrew them, as they can sometimes be tightened too much. If the screws are too tight, you may need to use a spanner (wrench) or a pair of fine-nosed pliers to grip the nut while you undo the screws. If the nut is loose, you can tighten it properly once the plug is removed.

If the VGA cable is stuck and won't come out even after unscrewing, try using a tool to press both clips and then pull the VGA cable cover out. You can also try using needle-nose pliers or screwdrivers to take it out. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this can damage the cable or the monitor.

If your VGA cable only has one screw, you may need to hold the large black screw tight with a screwdriver or pliers while using another pair of pliers or a nut driver to remove the top part.

Frequently asked questions