How to Mount a Flat Screen TV on a Wall

Most people are now replacing their old CRT TV sets with modern and bigger flat screen TVs, which have superior picture quality and put lesser strain on human vision. Flat screen TVs have many other merits, including enhanced picture quality and a better, less bulky sound system. An excellent advantage of using these kinds of TV sets is that they can be mounted on walls. The flat screen TV sets that are mounted on walls are preferred by many people, due to their effectiveness in space management. A mounted flat screen TV does not occupy much space and at the same time, serves its purpose. It also feels very comfortable to view a motion picture from a mounted flat screen TV.

Steps to Mount a Flat Screen TV

There are two types of mounts that are available in the market, to hang a flat screen TV on a wall. The first is the swivel mount. This kind of mount will keep the TV flexible. That is, you will be able to adjust the angle of the TV according to your comfort and convenience. The second type of mount is the stationary mount that keeps the TV still, in a fixed direction. It is always advisable to use the swivel mount. It is crucial that you know how to use a drill machine or else you could end up damaging your wall unnecessarily. If you are not adept at handling the machine, get someone who can do the job for you.

Requirements
Firstly, you will need to gather quite a few tools and some equipment. Such TVs are designed in such a manner, that mounting it on walls, is quite simple. Most of the time, mounting brackets that go behind the TV set, come along with it. It is referred to as the mounting kit. Here are the things you will need for the job.

• Drilling Machine with Drill Bits
• Stud Finder
• Screwdriver
• Spirit Level
• Tape Measure
• Mounting kit and screws

Procedure

• Step 1: The first step is to find an appropriate place to mount the television. One should avoid mounting a flat screen television on a wall, that does not have studs as plain plaster cannot sustain the weight of the whole set. Choose a position which will reduce the amount of glare reflecting from the screen. Make sure that the position will provide optimum viewing experience. Make sure that you have a plug point near the TV and all the wires can be easily connected.
• Step 2: Use the stud finder to find the studs that are located behind the wall plaster and mark them with a pencil. Using measuring tape, decide the height at which, you plan to mount your TV set. There are two brackets, which are needed, to
• Step 3: The third step is pretty crucial, as it involves using the drill. Place the mount on the wall with the help of another person and mark the places where you need to put in the screws. Mark points where you must drill holes, in order to fix the mounting bracket. Using a spirit level, make sure that the bracket will be exactly parallel with the floor. Drill the holes carefully and ensure that you are drilling the wall and the studs that are right behind them. The number of holes depend on the size and weight of the TV and are mentioned in the mounting manual.
• Step 4: Insert wall plugs into the holes and then put in the screws with the help of the screw driver, to attach the mounting bracket to the wall. The wall plugs hold the screw in place inside the stud. Make sure that the bracket is tightly fixed and it can bear the TV weight.
• Step 5: Place your TV on a soft surface, with the screen facing down. Remove the base mount, if it has any. Refer manual and locate the TV mounting bracket. Locate holes on the TV posterior, that align with the TV mounting bracket or swivel mount. Using appropriate size bolts, attach the bracket, to the TV backside, using a screwdriver. With that your TV is ready for mounting.
• Step 6: Now lift the TV, with someone's help and insert the mounting bracket into the wall bracket plate, after correct alignment. Read the manual for details regarding how to lock the mounting bracket into the wall bracket plate. You will have to attach audio, video and other cables to the TV, before mounting it.

Though this process sounds simple, one has to cautiously follow some precautions while mounting the set, like properly locating a stud or choosing the appropriate screws. Hence, it is always advisable to follow the manual. Proceed only if you are confident of pulling it off. Otherwise, let a professional handle it for you.