How to Install a Sears Over the Stove Microwave

Installing a Sears over the stove microwave is easier if there was previously an over the stove microwave installed, because most microwaves have the same measurements. If not, part of preparation for the installation is careful measuring. Installing an over the stove microwave is a two-person job, because the microwave must be held in place while the bolts are being screwed in.

Things You'll Need

• Drill (with drill bits and screwdriver bit)
• Tape measure or ruler
• Hole saw
• Tile cutter (optional)
• Hammer and chisel (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure the back of the microwave from the bracket attachment to the top. Apply the measurements to the wall. If there was previously a microwave installed (not a Sears brand), check to see if the measurements line up with the placement of the current bracket. If so, install the new bracket in the same position as the old bracket, using the drill with the screwdriver bit.

2. Measure for new holes if the new bracket sits higher or lower than the old bracket. Using the drill with the screwdriver bit, screw the bracket onto the wall.

3. Measure for the placement of the top bolts by measuring from the front of the microwave to the center of the bolt holes in the top of the microwave. Write the measurement down.

4. Measure the microwave from front to back. Measure the bottom of the overhead cabinet from front to back. Subtract the two measurements. The difference is how far the microwave extends out from under the overhead cabinets.

5. Measure from the front edge of the overhead cabinet to the center of the existing bolt holes (if any). If the measurements do not line up with the measurements for the bolts on the Sears microwave, drill new bolt holes. Find the new measurement by measuring from the edge of the cabinet back to where the new bolt holes need to be drilled. Start with the difference obtained in Step 4. For example, if the difference is 4 inches, place the tape measure at the 4-inch mark on the front edge of the cabinet. The new bolt holes are drilled at the measurement taken in Step 3 (difference in Step 4 plus the additional measurement to the bolt holes).

6. Cut a 3-inch circle in the bottom of the cabinet, using the hole saw.

7. Slide the back of the microwave onto the bracket. Push the microwave up and into the space, while feeding the cord up through the hole and into the cabinet. Have a friend hold the microwave. Using the drill with the screwdriver bit, drill the new bolts into the bolt holes (they line up with the bolt holes in the top of the microwave).

Tips & Warnings

• If a tile backsplash is in the way and needs to be cut, use the tile cutter to cut away what is needed for the bracket to fit. Do not cut more than what is needed, as there will then be a gap between the bracket and the tile.