Screw needed for this monitor arm that is less likely strip

Go to your local hardware store, tell them you need bolts at least Grade 6.  Take along the ones you have to show them what you need.  But, given that the stand is aluminum, I'm afraid that even that will be a short-lived fix unless you drill out the holes and bang in some threaded steel inserts.

Surely I can get that from Amazon. Is there higher than 6?  What's the highest?

Links would be greatly appreciated.

In SAE thread grade 6 is common, grade 8 can be had, but that is getting to be so hard that not even a file will make a mark on it ... so the bolt must be the exact length you want.  Metric system classifies hardness differently.  For every purpose I've ever run into grade 6 has been sufficient.

https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/steel-bolts-sae-grades-d_1426.html

Okay. Grade 6 it is.

Now I just need a buy link for the specific screws themselves.

Harder bolts will probably strip the thread of the other part. How much does your monitor weigh?

23 oz

Is the monitor arm aluminum or ?

Surely I can get that from Amazon.

When is the last time you went to the hardware store just once and got it right the first time? It usually takes me at least twice for everything!

:)

Yes it is alluminum and I would prefer to locate the best screw online first if possible.

Follow these steps to repair the stripped hole you have. You'll have a new hole with good threads only 1/16th larger. The new bolt you are considering to buy may cross thread and cause additional issues.

https://www.ehow.com/how_8147038_fix-stripped-aluminum-bolt-hole.html

Okay. I read the instructions about a die kit. I've never done that and I would like to try it at some point.

I think I mistated the problem. I don't think the screw itself is stripped. Rather, it is only the head of the screw that is stripped and I think I can still get it out.

I thought the hole itself was stripped and the aluminum screw was not going in the hole as it should and therefore was not securing the monitor arm tightly. My error.

I was able to get the other screw out that is exactly the same as the one it's counterpart that I can probably get out. I need to find a replacement for it that has a different type of head that can be tightened by hand and/or with a pair of plyers.

I was able to find the right size #10-32 thumb screws that had to be hacked sawed to reach the 1/2" length. I was told they were steel, but the thumb portion of it still ended up bending before I got it really tight.  A better screw is still needed, but now at least I know that I need a steel thumbscrew that is perhaps a grade 6 or above, just over a 1/2" #10-32.

A link to them would be very helpful.

This is a universal hardware mounting kit.  

https://www.amazon.com/Echogear-Universal-Mounting-Hardware-Pack/dp/B01LWP3001/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?keywords=suptek+Aluminum+Tablet+Desk+Mount+screw+kit&qid=1567118422&s=wireless&sr=1-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzRkFCU1pEUlFRTTRPJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTk3MDkxMVZPQ1RZQTNNT1Q4OSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTc2NDc5MjkyQU9NUVdIOUNJNyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2J0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

If you're using a thumb screw, are you still concerned with the hardness level? Would something like this work?

It does not appear to be very hard, but if you just need to be able to tighten and loosen the screw it should be fine. Since its already .5 inch you shouldn't need to modify it in anyway.

I'd try to use N8iveIT's suggestion and visit a local hardware store to compare prices. Also, maybe you can bring in the contraption you are using the screw for and they might let you test it out to see if it will work for you. Should be pretty quick since you know the exact specifications you need now, #10-32 thumbscrew which is .5 inch long.

The hardness level is important. Ideally, it should be a true thumb-screw with wings, hard enough that it won't bend, #10 in diameter with a 32 thread size (#10-32), and .5 inches long.

We have a nut & bolt shop about 10 minutes from our own shop. That's where we'd take the problematic one.

The style of bolt in the image looks similar to the ones we use for mounting monitors and large scale TVs on arms and wall mounts. They are ultra-hard and we've not had one strip anywhere.

Using a measuring plate to get the correct thread depth (coarse or fine) and the number of threads per inch or centimetre is important.

Once that's done, the correct bolt or bolts could be had.

As an alternative, I suggest Ergotron for mounting systems. We've not had one problem with their products.

EDIT: The image shows the existing bolt to be countersunk into the joint. A wingnut or thumbscrew sitting on top of the joint housing would be unlikely to work.

Fastenal tends to be a good place for these kinds of issues.

If you are very set on finding a 10-32 thumbscrew online that is very hard, I was able to find these the top two results should fit your needs, and they rate highly on the hardness scale. They are very expensive as well.

Thanks for the suggestion Martin. The images appear to be different for the same screw on some of them. Which item number were you referring to from that link and how can you confirm the hardness level?