If you’re considering mounting your TV on the wall, an articulating TV wall mount is a great choice. These mounts allow for flexibility and a range of viewing angles that fixed wall mounts don’t offer. However, installing an articulating TV wall mount requires more than just attaching it to the wall. You need to reinforce it to ensure it safely supports your TV and offers long-term stability. In this article, we’ll tell you why it’s important to reinforce your articulating TV wall mount, the different types of wall mounts available, and the tools and materials you’ll need. We’ll also give you a step-by-step guide on how to reinforce your articulating TV wall mount, tips for properly installing it, mistakes to avoid, and how to check its strength and stability. Lastly, we’ll talk about maintenance and care.
Why Reinforcing Your Articulating TV Wall Mount Is Important
When your TV is mounted on an articulating wall mount, it will extend away from the wall and create a cantilever. Cantilevers create lateral forces and torque that can put undue pressure on the mount, the wall, and the TV. Without reinforcement, this can cause the mount to tilt or sag, damaging your TV or the wall. Reinforcing your articulating TV wall mount ensures that it can handle the weight of your TV and remain stable, preventing accidents and damage.
One of the most common ways to reinforce your articulating TV wall mount is by using a backplate. A backplate is a metal plate that attaches to the wall behind the mount, distributing the weight of the TV and reducing the stress on the mount and the wall. This can also help to prevent the mount from pulling away from the wall.
Another way to reinforce your articulating TV wall mount is by using a support bracket. A support bracket is a metal bracket that attaches to the mount and the wall, providing additional support and stability. This can be especially useful for larger TVs or for mounts that are installed on weaker walls.
The Different Types of Articulating TV Wall Mounts
There are different types of articulating TV wall mounts, such as a single arm, a double arm, or a full-motion mount. A single arm mount has one hinge that allows for vertical and horizontal movement. A double arm mount has two hinges, allowing for more movement and flexibility. Full-motion mounts have an additional pivot point that enables the TV to swivel or tilt. Depending on the size and weight of your TV, you’ll need to choose the proper mount type and size.
Another type of articulating TV wall mount is the ceiling mount. This type of mount is ideal for rooms with limited wall space or for creating a unique viewing experience. Ceiling mounts can be fixed or adjustable, allowing you to position the TV at the perfect angle for your viewing pleasure.
It’s important to consider the viewing angle when choosing an articulating TV wall mount. A mount that allows for tilting or swiveling can help reduce glare and improve the overall viewing experience. Additionally, some mounts come with cable management systems to keep cords and cables organized and out of sight.
Tools and Materials Needed for Reinforcing an Articulating TV Wall Mount
When reinforcing your articulating TV wall mount, you’ll need specific tools and materials. You will need a drill and drill bits, stud finder, level, measuring tape, a pencil, wood screws, washers, toggle bolts, and a wrench. Bear in mind that the tools and materials required may vary depending on the type of mount you have and the material of the wall you’re mounting it on.
Before you start reinforcing your articulating TV wall mount, it’s important to ensure that the mount is compatible with your TV’s size and weight. You can usually find this information in the mount’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website. Additionally, you may want to consider using a cable management system to keep your cords organized and out of sight.
When drilling into the wall, be sure to avoid any electrical wiring or plumbing that may be hidden behind the wall. If you’re unsure, you can use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall and avoid drilling into any potential hazards. It’s also a good idea to have a friend or family member assist you with the installation, as the mount and TV can be heavy and difficult to maneuver on your own.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reinforcing an Articulating TV Wall Mount
Now, let’s get to the actual process of reinforcing your articulating TV wall mount step by step.
- First, locate the studs in the wall that will support the mount. You can use a stud finder to help you locate the studs.
- Make sure the mount is level and properly aligned with the studs. Use a pencil to mark the locations of the screw holes on the wall.
- Pre-drill holes with a drill bit of the appropriate size. This step will prevent the wood from splitting when you install the screws.
- If you’re mounting on a wood stud, insert wood screws through the mount and secure them by driving them into the wood stud.
- If you’re not mounting on a wood stud, use toggle bolts instead of wood screws. Insert the toggle bolt through the mount and tighten the bolt until it’s snug against the wall.
- Verify that your mount is level and properly aligned. Make any necessary adjustments before tightening all bolts and screws fully.
It’s important to note that the weight of your TV should also be taken into consideration when reinforcing your articulating TV wall mount. Make sure to check the weight limit of your mount and ensure that your TV falls within that limit. If your TV is too heavy for the mount, it can cause the mount to fail and potentially damage your TV or injure someone. Always prioritize safety when mounting your TV.
Tips for Properly Installing an Articulating TV Wall Mount
Properly mounting an articulating TV wall mount requires attention to detail and patience. Here are a few tips to ensure that you install your mount correctly and safely:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Use a level to ensure that your mount is straight and level.
- Double-check that your mount will fit your TV and is rated for the size and weight of your TV.
- Leave some clearance space between the back of the TV and the wall to prevent overheating.
- Never exceed the maximum weight capacity of your mount.
Another important tip to keep in mind is to make sure that you locate the wall studs before installing the mount. This will ensure that your mount is securely attached to the wall and can support the weight of your TV. You can use a stud finder to locate the studs, or you can tap the wall to listen for a solid sound, which indicates the presence of a stud. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a second person assist you with the installation, as some mounts can be heavy and difficult to maneuver on your own.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Reinforcing an Articulating TV Wall Mount
When reinforcing your articulating TV wall mount, you want to make sure everything is done correctly to prevent accidents and damage. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Not ensuring that your mount is properly aligned with the studs.
- Using incorrect hardware or fasteners.
- Failing to verify that your mount is straight and level.
- Not testing the strength and stability of your mount.
- Exceeding the weight capacity of your mount.
Another common mistake to avoid when reinforcing your articulating TV wall mount is not taking into account the type of wall you are mounting it on. Different types of walls require different types of hardware and reinforcement methods. For example, mounting on a drywall requires the use of anchors, while mounting on a concrete wall requires the use of concrete screws.
It is also important to consider the location of your mount. If you are mounting your TV in an area with high foot traffic or in a room with children, it is important to ensure that your mount is securely fastened and reinforced to prevent accidents and injuries.
Testing the Strength and Stability of Your Reinforced Articulating TV Wall Mount
Once you’ve installed and reinforced your articulating TV wall mount, you’ll want to test its strength and stability. To do so, you can:
- Carefully hang your TV onto the mount and adjust it to your desired viewing angle.
- Check that the mount is level and that the TV remains stable in various positions.
- Gently push and pull the TV to ensure it doesn’t move or wobble.
- Try different viewing angles and ensure that the TV remains stable and secure.
It’s important to note that testing the strength and stability of your reinforced articulating TV wall mount should be done periodically, especially if you have young children or pets in the house who may accidentally bump into the TV. Additionally, if you notice any signs of wear and tear on the mount or if the TV starts to wobble, it’s important to address the issue immediately to prevent any accidents or damage to your TV.
Maintenance and Care for Your Reinforced Articulating TV Wall Mount
Lastly, maintaining your reinforced articulating TV wall mount is necessary to ensure its longevity and safety over time. Here are some maintenance tips:
- Inspect the mount and screws periodically to check for any signs of wear or looseness.
- Keep the mount and TV clean and dust-free.
- Avoid mounting the TV near heat sources or in direct sunlight.
- Never use the mount as a handle to carry or move the TV.
- In summary, properly reinforcing your articulating TV wall mount is essential to ensure its safety and stability. Follow the steps and tips we’ve outlined in this article, and you’ll end up with a secure mount that will provide years of comfortable viewing.
Additionally, it is important to regularly check the weight capacity of your reinforced articulating TV wall mount to ensure that it can still support the weight of your TV. If you upgrade to a larger or heavier TV, you may need to replace your mount with a stronger one. It is also recommended to have a professional install your mount to ensure it is properly secured to the wall and can support the weight of your TV. By taking these extra precautions, you can ensure the safety and longevity of your reinforced articulating TV wall mount.