Watching the game or your favorite television series on the right TV, mounted perfectly on the wall and with the perfect picture, is definitely a goal for most home owners. When you spend a lot of Rands on that ideal television, and you bring it home, the last thing you want is to have it break because you don't have it mounted properly and it falls within a few hours of being mounted on the wall. Instead, consider the following pieces of the puzzle to ensuring your television is safely mounted and will provide hours upon hours of entertainment.
Finding Studs: Use an Electronic Stud Finder
For as little as R10 or as much as R50, you can own an electronic stud finder that makes TV mounting and hanging artwork or shelving simple. However, most people already own a hammer. If spending more money doesn't make sense right now, then you can work to find the studs by tapping on the wall until you find a deadened thud, rather than a hollow-sounding echo.
It is vital to hang heavy items like a television from the studs because the materials used for the wall are not supporting the structure. They are not weight-bearing at all, and an accident will occur if you try to take a shortcut and skip finding a stud.
Make Sure Mount Is Level
Today's TV mounting equipment pieces typically have a built-in bubble to help you make sure everything is level. This makes the mount look better to the naked eye, and it also makes it easier to watch a show or sporting event without being frustrated that the picture is not level. This can be a drain on the eye, and it usually is a constant frustration.
If your mount does not include the bubble for leveling, a level is worth the investment. Laser levels are another option, although they are more expensive. However, that investment can be worthwhile because they are sure to come in handy in numerous ways.
Use Sufficient TV Mounting Brackets
In the event you can not attach to a stud for whatever reason, using the right brackets to attach to drywall is your best option to secure your television safely. Toggle bolts are the best option for this type of attachment and snap toggle bolts add an extra level of safety to make sure the mount stays attached to new drywall. Make sure to read the weight recommendation for each bolt and make sure to use enough that the television is properly supported. This makes it more likely to stay in place for the long-term.
All Hardware Should Be Tightened Appropriately
Use a power drill to install screws and lag bolts. You may even need an impact drill to make sure they are tight enough. A lubricant like dish soap can be lightly applied to the screw to make sure it gets tightened the right amount. Lag bolts that have hex heads are the best option because the impact drill or a ratcheting wrench can be used and you are sure to have them all properly tightened to keep your television safe.