A sturdy monitor mount is critical for any arcade cabinet, bearing the significant weight of a heavy CRT or modern LCD screen. Over time, the original wood or metal framework can weaken, leading to wobbling, misalignment, or even catastrophic failure. To combat this, several reinforcement methods are commonly employed by enthusiasts and restoration experts to ensure long-term stability and safety.

The most prevalent type of reinforcement is the use of custom-fabricated steel L-brackets. These are typically bolted directly to the cabinet's wooden frame and to the monitor chassis itself. Steel offers immense tensile strength, effectively preventing the mount from sagging under the monitor's weight. For larger cabinets or heavier CRT tubes, welded steel frames that form a complete cage around the monitor are the gold standard, offering unparalleled support.

Another extremely common solution is the addition of corner gussets or plates. These triangular pieces of steel or high-grade plywood are screwed into the joints where the vertical and horizontal members of the mount meet. This simple addition drastically increases the structural integrity of the 90-degree angle, resisting the twisting and racking forces that can loosen joints over time.

Cross-bracing is a highly effective technique for wider mounts. A metal bar or a piece of stout wood is installed diagonally across the back of the mount frame, creating a rigid triangle. This design element is fundamental in engineering for preventing parallelogram deformation, ensuring the mount remains square and stable.

For wooden frames, a fundamental reinforcement is the strategic use of wood blocking. Solid blocks of hardwood are glued and screwed into vulnerable corners and along stress points within the frame. This increases the gluing surface area and provides more solid material for screws to bite into, combating the pull-out force exerted by the heavy monitor.

Finally, the upgrade to larger, more robust fasteners is a reinforcement step that should not be overlooked. Replacing old, rusty, or undersized screws with modern, thicker wood screws or even bolting through the frame with washers and nuts can make a dramatic difference. This ensures the connection between the reinforcement hardware and the cabinet itself is as strong as the hardware. By combining these methods—steel brackets, corner gussets, cross-bracing, wood blocking, and superior fasteners—you can create an arcade monitor mount that is absolutely rock-solid and built to last for decades.