Buzz
Mounting your TV on the wall can bring a cinematic experience right into your living space without the need for expensive entertainment setups. While the idea of attaching a TV to drywall might seem challenging, Mytour will guide you through the correct techniques today. After selecting a suitable wall mount for your TV, check if the drywall has studs inside. If it does, you can drill the mount directly into the studs. If not, you’ll need to use toggle bolts to ensure the TV stays securely in place. Once completed, you can enjoy your very own home theater.
Steps
Preparation
Choose a wall mount that supports your TV’s weight. There are various types of mounts available, so you’ll need to consider your TV’s size and weight. Check the TV’s weight in the manual or on the box and note it down to avoid forgetting. Then, search online or visit electronics stores to find a mount that fits your TV’s dimensions.
- To find a compatible mount, search online using keywords like “TV mount” along with your TV’s model number. Alternatively, you can opt for a universal mount that works with multiple TV models.
- A 360-degree swivel mount allows you to tilt and rotate the TV screen in any direction.
- A tilt mount doesn’t allow horizontal rotation but lets you adjust the TV up or down.
Secure the mounting bracket to the back of the TV using screws. A TV mount consists of two parts: the bracket that attaches to the TV and the wall plate. After unpacking, take out the bracket and align it with the holes near the four corners of the TV. Use the provided screws to attach the bracket to the back of the TV.
- Avoid over-tightening the screws, as this could strip the threads.
Determine the ideal mounting height for comfortable viewing. The best viewing angle is when the center of the screen is at eye level, typically 90-115 cm from the floor. Choose a spot in the room where multiple people can watch without straining their necks.
- Ask two people to hold the TV at different heights while you sit and observe to find the most comfortable viewing angle.
Warning: Avoid mounting the TV above a fireplace, as smoke and soot can damage the internal electronics. Additionally, this position is often too high for comfortable viewing.
Use a stud finder to check for wall studs. Point the stud finder at the wall and turn it on. Move it slowly across the wall until you hear a beep or see a light indicator. If studs are found, you can mount the TV directly onto them. If there are no studs, you’ll need to use toggle bolts to secure the mount.
- If you don’t have a stud finder, tap the wall and listen. A solid sound indicates the presence of a stud, while a hollow sound means there’s no stud.
- If no studs are present where you want to mount the TV, use toggle bolts.
Mounting the TV on Wall Studs
Mark the positions of the two wall studs where you plan to mount the TV. Use a stud finder to locate two adjacent studs in the desired mounting area. Once found, use a pencil to mark the height that ensures comfortable viewing, as previously determined, on both studs. Verify that the marks are level using a straightedge or spirit level.
- If the studs are not aligned where you want to mount the TV, you’ll need to use toggle bolts, similar to mounting on a studless wall.
- Some mounts can be attached to a single stud.
Position the wall plate of the TV mount to mark the holes. The wall plate has multiple holes at the top and bottom. Align the wall plate with the studs and mark the holes that correspond to the studs. Remove the wall plate and double-check the markings with a spirit level.
- Aim for two holes per stud to ensure the mount is secure.
Pre-drill the marked holes on the wall. Use a drill bit that is about 3 mm smaller in diameter than the screws provided with the mount. Hold the drill horizontally and drill into each marked spot.
- Avoid attaching the mount without pre-drilling, as this could damage the drywall or cause the wooden studs to split.
Tip: If the drywall has metal studs, use a drill bit designed for metal surfaces to prevent the bit from breaking or becoming damaged.
Attach the wall plate to the wall using a screwdriver. Align the wall plate with the pre-drilled holes and insert the provided screws by hand. Once the screws are hand-tightened, use a screwdriver to secure the wall plate firmly to the wall.
- You may need a socket wrench if the mount uses hex bolts instead of screws.
Attach the TV to the wall mount using the hooks on the TV bracket. The bracket on the back of the TV has hooks that allow it to hang onto the wall plate. Carefully lift the TV and align the hooks with the top supports on the wall plate. Once the TV is mounted, check if there are screws to secure it. If so, tighten them to ensure the TV is stable.
- Step back to check if the TV is level. If not, hold both sides of the TV and adjust its position. If the TV doesn’t move, slightly loosen the screws to make adjustments.
Using Toggle Bolts for Studless Walls
Position the wall plate and mark the drilling points. Place the wall plate at the desired eye-level height. Observe the holes at the top of the wall plate and mark three evenly spaced holes. Then, mark two additional holes for support screws at the bottom edge. Remove the wall plate and ensure the markings are level.
- Since there are no studs, you’ll need more screws to evenly distribute the TV’s weight.
Drill the marked holes into the drywall with a 6 mm drill bit. Secure the 6 mm drill bit into the drill. Align the drill horizontally with one of the marked holes and drill through all the marked points.
Insert 6 mm toggle bolts into each hole. Toggle bolts are named for their wing-like hinges that open behind the drywall. Compress the wings and push the toggle bolt into the drilled hole. Once inside, the wings will expand and grip the back of the drywall.
- You can purchase toggle bolts at hardware stores.
- Toggle bolts are usually not included with TV mount kits.
For reusable toggle bolts, push the head into the hole to expand the wings. This is the small plastic piece at the end of the toggle bolt. Push it into the hole until it sits flush with the wall. Once the toggle bolt is securely in place, snap off the plastic guide rod protruding from the wall.
- If snapping the plastic rods is difficult, use scissors or a saw to trim them neatly.
Position the wall plate over the toggle bolts and tighten the screws with a screwdriver. Align the wall plate so its holes match the toggle bolts. Insert the provided screws into the toggle bolts and turn them clockwise to secure. After hand-tightening, use a screwdriver to firmly attach the wall plate to the wall.
Warning: Avoid using a drill to tighten the screws, as overtightening can damage the drywall.
Hang the TV bracket onto the wall plate. The bracket on the back of the TV will have hooks or clips that align with the wall plate. Carefully lift both sides of the TV and guide the hooks onto the wall plate. Slowly release the TV to ensure it’s securely mounted, then tighten any screws or bolts to lock the bracket in place.
- Ask someone to assist with lifting the TV or to check the alignment from behind.
Tips
- Ask someone to assist with mounting the TV, as it’s challenging for one person to ensure the mount is level.
- You can hide cables using cable management channels or install an outlet behind the TV and neatly bundle the cords.
Warnings
- Avoid mounting the TV above a fireplace, as heat and smoke can damage electronic components, and the height may make viewing uncomfortable.
- Only mount the TV on studless walls using toggle bolts; otherwise, the mount may fail and damage the TV.
What You’ll Need
Preparation
- TV wall mount
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Stud finder
Mounting the TV on Wall Studs
- Stud finder
- Pencil
- Spirit level
- Drill
- Screwdriver
Using Toggle Bolts for Studless Walls
- Pencil
- Spirit level
- Drill
- Toggle bolts
- Screwdriver
