Mounting an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) TV on the wall may seem a bit overwhelming at first; but it's not that difficult. With a few simple tools, a proper mounting kit and a helper, the job will be a breeze. With a little bit of patience and an hour or two, your LCD TV will look great. Follow these steps to learn mount an LCD TV on the wall.
Instructions
1. Find the best spot on the wall to mount the LCD screen. Think about how much room you may want on that wall, especially if you plan on mounting speakers, too. You could hang a poster or picture relative to the size of the television on the wall to see if you like the placement.
2. Pick a mounting kit. You can purchase mounting kits online (see Resources below) along with many other sites. Look to make sure the kit and TV are VESA compatible so that you have standard measurements and quick, easy attachment during the mounting process.
3. You may already have tools needed to mount the TV. You'll need a set of screwdrivers, a socket set, a saw capable of cutting into drywall, a drill and a measuring tape. Having a stud finder with a built-in level is also great to pinpoint the exact location of the stud. The stud finder will be useful if you'll be running wires through the wall.
4. Get the location for the TV picked out. Check near the bottom of the wall to see if the area you plan on using to run the wires is free of obstructions. Using the stud finder for this will make it easy.
5. Find the studs. You should use at least one stud when mounting the LCD screen to make sure that the mounting bolts are driven into something solid that will support the weight of the TV and the mounting bracket. Using two studs is ideal for mounting larger TV's, those with screens larger than 37 inches. Use a pencil to mark the drill holes for the anchors and stud location.
6. Secure the mounting rails to the back of the LCD screen. Double check them for proper fit. Make sure that they're hidden behind the body of the television for a finished look.
7. Cut the hole for the wires to come through by using a drywall saw. The easiest way is to pull them out at the electrical box. This avoids having to go into the basement, closet or otherwise. You can purchase a wall box at your local home improvement store to place in the exit hole of the wires.
8. Drill the holes for the bolt anchors in the locations that you measured and marked previously. Place the bolt anchors into the holes and tap them in with a hammer.
9. Secure the wall mount to the wall. You'll need a socket wrench to ensure that the mounting bolts get snugged down tightly to the anchors. Use a level to make sure you've done an even job.
10. Grab a friend or family member to help you lift the LCD screen onto the mount. Make sure it's locked down tightly and the screen is set to go.
Tags: make sure, stud finder, bolt anchors, down tightly, hole wires, mount wall
