There are a lot of things to keep in mind when mounting your TV. You want to mount it properly so that it looks great, and is secure and safe. A poorly mounted TV can easily fall, causing damage or injury. Doing a little bit of research and planning before you start can help you avoid making mistakes that could cause problems down the road. There are also several different types of tv mounting available, so it’s important to understand the differences between them.
There are three basic styles of wall mounts: flat, tilt and swivel. These vary primarily in how much they can be adjusted, and that’s something to consider carefully, since the adjustability can impact your viewing comfort and the clarity of the picture.
The first step is to install the brackets on the back of the TV. You may have to remove plastic plugs that cover the screw holes. Next, prop the TV up against the wall where you plan to mount it. Use a level to make sure it is perfectly straight. Now, measure the distance from the bottom of the TV to the center of each row of mounting holes on the back plate. Mark the locations on the wall with a piece of tape. You will be drilling into the drywall, so it is important to use a stud finder and locate a stud before you begin. This is where you will drill your mounting screws.
Once the pilot holes are drilled, you can attach the plate to the wall. If you are drilling into drywall, it’s best to have a partner with you for this step. You can use a drill, screwdriver or ratchet to drive the mounting screws into the drywall and attach the brackets. You will want to screw the plates and brackets tightly, but be careful not to over tighten. This can damage the chassis of your TV or strip the screw heads.
Now that the plates and brackets are attached to the wall, it’s time to connect the TV. You will need to attach the wires to their respective ports, as well as plug in any devices you plan on using with your TV. This is a good time to organize and label the cables, so you can easily find what you need when you need it.
Before you mount your TV, read the box for the mounting system and consult your TV’s owner’s manual to find out the VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) size that your TV requires. This will be the screw pattern that matches the holes on the mount, and you’ll need to know this before you buy. You don’t want to purchase a mount and then discover that it won’t work with your TV!
Using the right tools is important to make this project go as smoothly as possible. A hammer and nails might work for a small nail hole, but you’ll need a power drill with a carbide-tipped masonry bit for the rest of the holes you will be drilling into the drywall. You will also need a Phillips head drill bit to drive the mounting screws. Don’t forget a level — no one likes to watch a crooked TV!