TV Bracket Mounting

TV bracket mounting isn’t the toughest DIY job there is, and with the right tools, some patience, and perhaps a helping set of hands the job can be accomplished in a few hours.  Ahead of the TV bracket mounting task you’ll want to have an electrician run the cabling and wires for the unit.  If you are a true multi-dimensional handy guy or gal and want to tackle that part of it, too, start by purchasing cable that is rated for in-wall use.  Other than that, standard practices apply.  Ideally, you will end up with a cable feed box and a power supply box on either side of a single stud, in the exact location you plan the TV bracket mounting hardware.  When that is in place, installing your TV bracket mounting unit can begin.  Before fixing anything to the wall, double check that the bracket you selected is compatible with your plasma or LCD display.  Most brackets for flat screen displays are universal, but not all are.  As part of this, make sure the TV bracket mounting unit is rated to handle the weight of your flat screen TV.  If so, grab your tools and get started.

First, if your flat screen weighs more than 40lbs, it is recommended that all the TV bracket mounting screws end up in wood. If the bracket is 16 inches wide, or wider, and offers holes 16 inches apart, you’re good.  If not, you may have to remove drywall between two studs and nail in a mounting stud between them.  That will require more tools and more time, but is a much better idea than installing some of the TV bracket mounting screws into a stud and the others into weak plastic anchors, held by drywall alone.  That’s asking for an expensive “oops” when your LCD display bracket gives way and your unit hits the floor.

Secondly, center the TV bracket mounting unit over your mounting studs, which you’ve marked using a stud finder.  Employ a level to get it straight, and mark the holes for all the screws.  Drill small-diameter pilot holes to help prevent the studs from cracking when installing the screws.  Always use fasteners 3 or 3.5 inches long, to better insure they won’t pull out of the studs.  Use a screwdriver bit on the drill to drive home the screws.  Finally, attach the components of the TV bracket mounting kit to the back of the flat screen TV and then hang the display on the mounting bracket.  It’s a bit more complex than hanging a picture or mirror, but not much, and shouldn’t tax your skills too badly.  Pocket the money you saved on installation, or put it towards this weekend’s pay-per-view event or to pick up an extra channel your significant other enjoys.  That’s always a win-win decision!