Solved loose video cable

[fay]

Hello again. I'm not sure if I'm putting this in the right category or not. My monitor cord is coming loose from my tower. The screws that the video cable screws into are missing. Can I buy those separate online or do I need a whole new tower or what, and what are they called?

Thank you

 

[TVeblen]

Interesting question.

They are just called DVI connector screws, or VGA connector screws to me. Although I believe they are called "Shoulder Screws" by some.

There are a few ways you can handle it:

• cannibalize an old VGA or DVI cable and take the screws. (they are actually bolts - no pointy end like a screw)
• Use off the shelf screws from a hardware store. You'd need to determine the bolt size and length which means buying 2 of various sizes to be sure you bring home at least one set of workable ones. I'm guessing they are metric bolts and I would start at about 4-40 size and 1/4 inch longer than the length of the plastic shoulder.
• Best solution: buy a new VGA or DVI cable with the screws on it. They are relatively cheap!

VGA:

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DVI:

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[badcrc]

I think the OP is referring to the threaded hex mounting screw that attaches to the I/O plate and looks like a mobo mounting standoff (but with different threads). I'd say a visit to your local computer repair shop is in order. Ask nicely and the guy will maybe have an old broken mobo lying around that can be cannibalized.

edit - if it's the hex bolt I'm referring to, might be an idea to check that whatever it screws into inside the case (nut etc) isn't floating around and potentially shorting something out.

 

[Mellon Head]

Normally those bolts screw right into a connector. There is no nut on the back end. This is to keep a nut from working its way loose and shorting something in the case.

Most of them are a standard 4-40 thread.

As has been mentioned, the easiest way to get them is to talk sweetly to the staff at a computer shop. You can order them online from Digi-Key, as well, but the shipping will be more than they are worth.

BTW, they are called "jack screws".

 

[fay]

Thank you tveblen. badcrc and Mellon Head. I finally got a couple off an LCD monitor that didn't work anymore. Sorry I waited so long to post but I haven't had a computer for a while.

 

[Mellon Head]

Glad you got it sorted fay.