HDTV WALL MOUNT BRACKET INSTALLATION – TIPS & TRICKS
You finally bought your dream flat-panel digital television and you’ve got the perfect place to mount it on the wall. You’re just itching to plug it in and watch it! But, how do you get your TV from the box on the floor to hanging on the wall? It’s simple: be prepared and plan ahead.
Essentially, being prepared and taking your time on this project will help prevent making mistakes in mounting your television to the wall. Being in a hurry or having a wanton game plan can cause structural damage to your home, electrical fires, and your TV could end up falling straight down to the floor—possibly destroying it and anything in its path (e.g., your foot). Not the pretty picture you were hoping for!
TYPES OF MOUNTS
Your choice of wall mounts isn’t as vast as your choices of DTVs, but there are two main types—standard (fixed movement) and titled (articulated arm)—both of which have a wide range of specifications and features to choose from.
You might not think a bracket would have so many options but when it comes to holding your DTV onto the wall, they don’t disappoint. Here are some mounting bracket specifications and features to look for:
- Ensure the mount can handle the screen width of the TV you plan to hang onto it. If you have a 60-inch TV and your mount is designed for a maximum of 55 inches, only trouble will result.
- If leaning way back in a recliner is your idea of relaxing, look for a bracket that can tilt towards you. Most brackets are capable of tilting as much as +15 degrees and some can tilt the other direction (upwards) as much as -5 degrees. Tilting can also defend against glare from a window.
- Because you don’t always sit in the same chair when watching TV, look for a bracket which has a sliding lateral adjustment without removing the unit from the wall.
- Check for anti-theft and locking systems to ensure you remain the owner of your DTV.
- Measure the depth of your mounting profile is especially important if you plan on adding hardware in the future or frequently switch out hardware. Some mounts come with kickstand-style arms to allow for easy access to all your wiring connections. Having to remove your TV from the wall just to plug in your Blu-ray Disc player can be inconvenient when there are options available.
- A feature that might top your can’t-live-without list is a motorized mount which allows you to pan, tilt, and swivel your TV with a remote control. All you have to move is one finger.
- The load bearing capacity rating is the absolute weight limit your wall mounting bracket is capable of withstanding under normal conditions. If the owner’s manual or other paperwork associated with your wall mount states the limit is 125 pounds—that’s exactly what it means.
- Look for an adjustable cantilever mount which can give you a wider range of viewing areas and angles to choose from. You can turn the TV towards the breakfast table in the morning and then rotate it back to watch a movie at night in the living room.
VESA STANDARDS
Founded in February 1989, VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) is the source for supporting and setting industry-wide interface standards for the display and display interface consumer market. What does that mean to you? If you’ve ever wondered why the bracket you bought didn’t seem to line up with any of the mounting holes, then you know why VESA exists—to ensure product compatibility. You don’t want to go through the hassle of measuring, aligning, and drilling new holes to accommodate a one-size-fits-all wall mount. Look for the VESA compliance logo when purchasing a wall mount.
PREPARATION
Gather the following items and locate them in a central location where you won’t have to look for them in the middle of the project. After you’ve collected everything in one place, do a second inventory to ensure you’ve have the checklist covered.
Time – Ensure you’ve got some time on your hands to get the job done completely. This would include cleaning up the mess. Don’t attempt this project if you need to head to work in two hours, if grandma is coming over for dinner this afternoon, or you need to pick up the kids from soccer practice. Glances at your watch will only hasten your work and encourage shortcuts—give yourself plenty of time.
Buddy System – Recruit a friend to assist you every step of the way. If you’re not good with using basic hand tools, ensure you friend has some renovation projects on their resume. Even if you’re the one with the tool belt, an HDTV can tip the scales at 140 pounds or more—that leaves your half at 70 pounds when trying to balance and lift all that weight.
Tools – No special tools are needed and even the average household should have most if not all of them on hand. Ensure they are in working order and as stated earlier, round them up now and instead of searching the house later.

- Tape Measure
- Drywall Saw
- Utility Knife
- Level (less than 3 feet long)
- Electric Drill (with bits)
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- Electrical Tape
- Stud Finder
- Pencil or Marking Pen
- Ratchet (with socket to fit lag bolts)
- Ladders
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Don’t forget to all read all instructions and owner’s manuals beforehand. Doing so will ensure you fully understand what you’ve gotten yourself into and ensure you’re not missing any tools or equipment.
INSTALLTION STEPS
Because routing cables and cords through walls requires advanced skills, especially when running cables through brick walls and other masonry, the following steps will only entail installing a standard (fixed movement) wall mounting bracket with the cables and cords exposed.
Step 1 = Inventory
Ensure you take a moment and compare all the parts and pieces in the box to the parts list for the wall mounting bracket. If anything is missing, ensure they are replaced before continuing. This will give you the chance to familiarize yourself with the fasteners and the structure of the bracket itself. Also, take one last look at your tools to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything.
Step 2 = Finding the Studs
Using your stud finder, locate the two vertical studs which will be used to secure the bracket to the wall. In most homes, studs are 16 inches (center to center) apart. Using your level as a straightedge, mark a vertical line to show the dead center of each stud.
Step 3 = Marking the Drill Holes
Using the template provided with the wall mounting bracket, carefully mark the exact spot where the four holes will be drilled. Don’t eyeball it! Use your level alongside the horizontal edge of the template to ensure it is not tilted. Align the vertical edge of the template along the dead center line you marked in Step 2. Now mark you drill holes with an X or a + so you have a sort of crosshairs marking for drilling.

Step 4 = Drill the Pilot Holes
Now it is time to drill all four pilot holes. If you haven’t already, insert the 9/32” drill bit into the chuck of the electric drill. The required depth of the holes is 3½” deep (including the thickness of the drywall). How do you know when you’ve drilled 3½” deep? When you install the bit into the drill’s chuck, use your tape measure and slide the bit in until only 3½“ of the bit is showing. When you’re actually drilling the hole, you’ll know the hole is complete when the chuck meets up with the drywall.

Step 5 = Mount the Wall Plate
Using the ratchet and socket, mount the wall plate to the wall using the four lag bolts and four washers. Install all four lag bolts about 90 percent of the way each. Do your final adjustments and then tighten all four bolts. Do not use the drill with a socket attachment to tighten the lag bolts. This will avoid over tightening the lag bolts which can crush the surface of the drywall.
Step 6 = Install the Vertical Rails
Now it’s time to install the vertical rails onto the back of your television. Ensure you use the correct spacers, screws, and washers. The spacers (if needed) provide space for recessed mounting holes or to access A/V inputs.

Step 7 = Plug in the Cables
Plug all your cables into the back of your TV so you won’t have to snake your hand back there afterwards. With this type of wall mount (standard), you have to remove the television from the wall to plug in or swap out the A/V cables. You might even do a test run of your TV and peripherals before you set the TV on the wall just to ensure everything is OK (and then leave the A/V cables plugged in).
Step 8 = Hang the TV on the Wall Mount
You’re almost done! Place the TV onto the wall mount. Ensure the vertical rails on the back of the TV are resting properly onto both the top and bottom horizontal bars of the wall mount. Physically release the TV only when you are sure it is properly secured to the wall mount. Check and tighten all four locking bar screws one last time now that there is weight and pressure on them.
Step 9 = Clean Up
Just like mom you used to tell you, clean up your mess after you’re done! This includes putting your tools and other equipment away. Now you can take a step back and say, “I did it!”
FINAL THOUGHTS
One of the awesome features of a flat-panel TV is hanging them on the wall. These steps are the easiest and simplest way to accomplish this. If you want to hide you’re A/V cables and power cord behind the wall for a clean look, either hire a professional or ensure you’re really up to the job. This would be especially important if you’re trying to set up a home theater operation along with your new TV. Don’t be afraid to raise your hand and ask for help.
hhgregg sells VESA compliant ceiling and wall mounts from OmniMount.
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