Mounting your flat TV to the wall is a great way to save space and make your living room or basement look cleaner. You’ve got to go about it the correct way, though. Doing it wrong means the TV falls off the wall and breaks—and you end up buying another one. Follow these rules on how to mount a TV on the wall, so you can avoid any common mistakes in the process.
Where Do You Want It?
Decide what room you want the TV in, then pick the wall that you want it on. It’s a good idea to put the TV as close to an electrical outlet as possible, so you don’t have cords and cables all over the place. After you find the wall, find a good height to hang it at. The most common mistake made is hanging the TV too high.
Find the Studs
You have your spot and a good height. Now, using a stud finder, locate the studs in the wall. You will be mounting the bracket directly to the studs, as they are strong enough to support the weight of the TV. Attaching the bracket to them will make sure the TV doesn’t fall. After you find them, mark the edges of the studs and put an “X” in between so you know exactly where the studs are.
Drill Pilot Holes
Hold the bracket on the wall, over the studs and mark the holes. After you’ve done that, remove the bracket and drill pilot holes. Make the holes a smaller diameter than the screws or bolts for the bracket. The pilot holes will ensure you are on the studs, and give the screws a clear path, so you don’t miss the stud or splinter it when attaching the bracket.
Attach the Bracket
After it’s marked, level, and the pilot holes are drilled, attach the bracket to the wall using the hardware included with the mounting kit. It should fit snug and tight, with no wiggle at all. You should be able to pull down on the bracket with a lot of force and have it not move.
Attach the Mounting Plate
Attach the mounting plate to the back of the TV. Most TVs have pre-drilled holes in the back for mounting plates. Find them and attach the plates to the back using the provided hardware.
Hang It
Now it’s time to hang it on the wall. Get help if the TV is heavy. Line up the plates and bracket and slowly lower the TV onto the bracket. Feel the bracket slowly take the TV’s weight. If you did everything right, the TV will be safe and secure up there. Get a drink and put the game on—you’re done.
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