How to Mount a Wall-Hung Plasma TV

With a few basic hand tools, you can obtain professional results.

You've just bought the plasma television of your dreams and you can’t wait to watch the big game. The TV is still in the box, though, and you have no idea how to hang it on the wall. With just a few common hand tools, you can do this! Familiarize yourself with the basic procedure and you will fool your friends into thinking that you paid a tidy sum for a professional to do the job.

Things You'll Need

• Wall mounting kit
• Basic hand tools (screwdrivers, sockets, ratchet)
• Level
• Stud finder

Instructions

1. Confirm that the mounting brackets included in the kit will span the distance of the screw holes on the back of your television before you start this procedure.

2. Decide on an approximate mounting location and use the stud finder to locate at least two studs. If this is not possible, adjust your mount until you can span two studs. This is a must if you want to keep your plasma TV hanging on the wall and not in broken pieces on the floor. Use small tabs of masking or painter’s tape to mark the location of the studs.

3. Place the bracket against the wall and use ensure an even horizontal alignment with the level. Don’t rush through this step – you don’t want to spend the next few years looking at a crooked TV hanging on the wall. Mark the screw holes using a pencil.

4. Take the lag screws out of the mounting kit and screw them through the bracket and into the studs using a socket and ratchet.

5. Locate the mounting brackets that attach to the back of the TV. Your kit should include two of these brackets. Select appropriate screws from the kit that fit the holes in the back of the TV. Make sure the screws engage the threads on the TV without penetrating into it. Finding the proper screw may take a bit of trial and error.

6. Slide the brackets on the back of the television over the bracket that you mounted on the wall. Some brackets have safety mechanisms, and if these are present, engage them. Connect the cables to your new TV and enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• Some mounting kits include tools, levels and/or stud finders.

• This procedure covers wood stud installation only. Consult the product instructions for mounting onto other surfaces.

• Larger televisions may require two people to hang. To avoid dropping the TV or injuring yourself, do not attempt to mount a heavy or bulky TV on the wall without a helper.

References

• Popular Mechanics: How to Mount an HDTV on Your Wall in 4 Easy Steps
• Crutchfield: A Guide to Wall-Mounting Your Flat-panel TV

Resources

• Consumer Electronics Association: Want to Hang Your Flat Panel TV on the Wall? Five Tips for the Best Installation