Friday, May 22, 2009

Install Wallmounted Tv

Almost all wall-mounted TVs are flat screens, which often resemble paintings as much as sophisticated pieces of technology. Like artwork, they look quite good suspended halfway up a wall, and mounting them saves shelf space for other purposes. Wall mounts themselves typically consist of two pieces--one secured to the wall, one screwed into the TV--which lock together to keep the TV secure. If installed properly, there should be no danger of slipping or falling.


Instructions


1. Gauge the wall space where you wish to mount the TV. It needs to be large enough to fit the set itself, positioned so that you can watch it comfortably without craning your neck. Allow for a certain amount of play in your chosen location so that you can place it in the strongest spot on the wall.


2. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall, marking the locations with a pencil. The studs will provide a strong anchor for your TV mount--far stronger than regular plaster or drywall.








3. Hold the back half of the wall mount up against the wall, lining the screw holes up with the studs.


4. Secure the wall mount to the wall with bolts or lag screws, then tighten them with a socket wrench. Double-check the screws to make sure they are as tight as you can make them.


5. Place the TV, screen-side down, on top of a comforter or similar padding. You need comfortable access to the back of the TV without scratching or damaging the screen.








6. Disconnect the stand-up mount at the bottom of your TV if it has one.


7. Find the mounting sockets on the back of the TV, then align them with the front half of the TV mount. Secure the front half of the mount to the TV with a screwdriver.


8. Lift the TV over to the back half of the wall mount and fit it into place. Flat-screen TVs are heavy, so get a friend to help you with this step.


9. Snap the locking mechanism closed on the TV mount and give it a few gentle pulls. There should be no play or wiggle at all.


10. Leave the TV be for 1 to 2 hours, then give it another look. Sometimes wall mounts will sag a bit over time, even if they seem secure when you first install them.

Tags: wall mount, back half, back half wall, front half, front half mount, half mount, half wall