How To Mount a TV Yourself With a TV Wall Mount Kit

First things first, let’s get everything ready. If your TV is still nestled in its box, take it out and set aside any stands or legs attached to it; these won’t be needed for wall mounting. Grab your TV mount kit. (Quick tip: I found some pretty solid mounts on Amazon that are more budget-friendly than some store prices)

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk placement. Where you mount your TV will depend on where you’ll be watching from. In a living room, you might want the center of the TV at eye level when seated. In an exercise room or a standing setup, you’ll want it higher. Take a moment to visualize where the TV will go — this can save you a headache later!

Mounting the Bracket and TV

Now, onto the mounting. First, you’ll attach the bracket to your TV. This might seem tricky, but it’s really about matching the right screws to your TV’s back. You don’t want screws that are too long as they might damage the TV (a common mistake!). Use the shorter screws provided in the kit to secure the bracket without pushing too hard against the screen.

Next, let’s place the wall mount. Using a stud finder, locate the studs in your wall where the mount will attach. It’s crucial to mount directly into these studs for stability (nobody wants a TV crash mid-season binge!). Mark the stud centers with a pencil. Most mounts come with a level or template to help you align everything perfectly. If yours doesn’t, a standard level works great to ensure your TV won’t be tilting sideways.

Once you’ve marked where the mounts will go, drill pilot holes. These should be just big enough for the screws to fit snugly without jiggling around. Secure the mount to the wall with the screws or bolts provided in your kit — this part might require some elbow grease!

Attaching the TV

With the wall part secured, it’s time to hook your TV onto the mount. Lift the TV (get a friend to help with larger models), and hook the top of the TV bracket over the wall mount bar. Most mounts will click or secure in place. Then, depending on your mount type, you might need to secure the bottom of the TV to the mount with additional screws. This ensures your TV won’t just lift off the mount if nudged.

Give your setup a gentle test pull to ensure everything is snug and secure. You don’t want any movement beyond what the mount is designed to allow (like swiveling or tilting).