Unable to take off 27” iMac stand

No - Apple iMac internals have very delicate connectors and expecially the hinges have tight tolerances, screw torque requirements, strong springs that can get lost if you don’t perform the maintenance properly.

Those training videos are pretty hard to find since most people that pay to become a tech won’t leak them.

You can search on YouTube to learn all the failures when people try to DIY their stand and mounts. Even the vesa mounts are easier than they were in the past, but I would reach out to sales support for help if you’re struggling with it.

It should go easy and if not, you could break things if you force it. Here are techs around the globe - the cost to do a VESA should be very low since it’s quick and easy for someone that’s done a dozen or so.

• https://locate.apple.com

Bypass trying to take off the stand and perhaps use this device to use the cable pass-through port on the stand itself as a mounting point without removing the stand. I used one a few years ago and it worked well. The 27" may be a bit too heavy, but you should check with the manufacturer.

Apple also sells 27" iMacs without a stand, ready for VESA mounting.

I had a chat with Apple guy who told me the following

It was decision made by Apple with the release of the 2012 iMac model. The stand can be removed on the 2011 iMac models or earlier.

Yes the VESA mount would work for earlier 27” iMac models. Your model is mountable but would have needed to be purchased with the VESA mount attached to it.

Update: After talking with another Apple support person when buying iMac we can configure it be VESA mount.