How to Mount a Flat Screen TV
If you recently purchased a flat screen TV, one of the major concerns you have to take care of is mounting it on the wall. Flat screen TVs look better on the wall rather than lying on a shelf, also giving your place a neater look and saving space. Here’s how to mount a flat screen TV properly.
What You’ll Need:
Flat screen TV
Brackets
Screwdriver
Level
Metal wire or coat hanger
Measuring tape
Drill or socket set and wrench
Stud finder
Empty wall space
Procedure:
Before you start drilling, you need to find the best position where you’re going to put the TV. Find a wall that gives you the best viewing position, either in your living room or bedroom. Check the room dimensions, and the overall size of your flat screen. Sun glare and window positions should also be considered.
flatscreen tv
Go to the electronic retailer where you bought the TV and ask if they have the bracket that correctly fits your TV. Brackets can vary, so make sure you ask for assistance before you purchase any.
Many flat screen TVs have bases included in the package. If the base that comes with the flat screen is already attached, remove it. If it’s not, don’t put it on anymore.
Go to the back of the TV and find the four holes for mounting. This is where you’ll place the bracket you bought.
Get a soft flat item, such as a carpet or a small mattress and lay the TV face down, the glass against the soft surface.
Get the mounting bracket on the back of the TV, aligning it properly, so it’s in the middle of the back portion. Make sure it’s even at the bottom and top. If you don’t put it in the middle, the bracket will be on the bottom or top incorrectly, and will not hang on the wall properly.
Lay the bracket on the flat screen’s back, finding the right bolts that came with it. Fit them in the four holes in the back. You’ll need the right thread pattern and size so you won’t ruin the TV. You need a bit of trial and error for this.
Carefully put the bolts through the bracket and into the TV’s back. Using a screwdriver, tighten the bolts down so the bracket won’t move. See if the brackets come with washers, and use them if you prefer a tighter fit.
Find the studs in your wall. You can use a stud finder for this task, or you can simply measure at least 16 inches from the closest wall’s corner and find a stud. Keep measuring until you find two or three studs you’ll need for mounting the bracket.
Mark the center of the stud on the wall.
For these next steps, ask for assistance from another person. Put the larger part of the bracket on the wall that’s lined up with the studs you found.
Hold the bracket on the wall, then screw the largest bolts properly in the studs. Use a socket and wrench or a drill, if necessary.
Pick the TV up, with help from the other person, then hang it on the bracket carefully. Tighten the nuts attached to the bracket, in order to tighten the TV to the bracket.
Before letting go, make sure it’s sturdy and holds the weight of the TV fully.
Some Tips
Find a wall with a power mount nearby, so you won’t need to run and install a new one for your flat screen.
If you want to hide the wires, cut a hole behind the TV mount’s location, as well as at the bottom of the wall. Use a metal coat hanger to fish the wires through the holes.
Drill carefully through your walls. Sometimes, wiring and pipes can be hiding beneath them.
Make your flat screen TV more noticeable and enjoyable by mounting it on a wall. Just be careful not to drop your precious new TV while mounting it!