Trystan Casey
Wall mounting a TV is a great way to save space and achieve a neat, organised look. Most TV mounts are designed for installation on wooden studs or concrete walls, but it is also possible to mount a TV on metal studs or directly onto drywall. Metal studs are found in most apartment buildings and office spaces for fire safety, and they are also resistant to damage from termites, insects, rot, and mould. To mount a TV on metal studs, you will need a magnetic or powered stud finder to locate the studs, which are usually 16 inches apart. Mark the spots with a pencil, then drill holes for the toggle bolts/anchors. Once the toggle bolts are installed, you can attach the bracket to the wall and hang your TV. If you are mounting a TV on drywall without studs, you can use expanding or conical anchors, toggle anchors, toggle bolts, adhesive strips, or hooks.
Characteristics and their Values for Wall Mounting with Stud Electric
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stud Material | Wood, Metal, Concrete |
| Stud Finder | Magnetic, Zircon-powered, C.H Hanson magnetic |
| Metal Stud Distance | 16 inches apart |
| Metal Stud Width | 1.25 inches |
| Tools | Level, Painter's Tape, Packing Tape, Drill, Screwdriver, Hand Tool, Cable Management Clips |
| Mounting Options | Anchors, Toggle Anchors, Toggle Bolts, Toggle Wings, Mounting Plates, Adhesive Strips, Hooks |
| Anchor Types | Expanding, Conical |
| Anchor Installation | Drill Hole, Insert Sleeve, Slide Anchor, Pull Tight with Tool |
| Toggle Bolt Installation | Drill Hole, Insert Toggle, Tighten with Drill, Finish with Hand Tool |
| Mounting Process | Mark Drilling Holes, Cover Mark with Tape, Drill, Install Toggle Bolts, Install Bracket, Secure TV |
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Locating studs
Use a stud finder
The easiest way to locate a stud is by using a stud finder. A stud finder is a handheld gadget that locates the stud for you. To use a stud finder, decide where you want to hang your item, then place the stud finder in the approximate spot the mounting hardware would sit. Hold the tool flat against the wall, slowly sliding it horizontally to the left or right. Depending on your model, it will flash, beep, or light up to alert you to a stud. Once you've located a stud, mark the spot with an X using a pencil so it's easy to erase. Do this several times to confirm the same spot and move your finder up and down to make sure you're definitely on a stud.
There are two types of stud finders: magnetic and electronic. Magnetic stud finders will sense nails and screws within the stud, while electronic stud finders will read the density of the wall to pinpoint the stud's location. Some stud finders can also detect the presence of live, unshielded electrical wires.
Knock test
If you don't have a stud finder, you can try the knock test. Start by tapping with your fingertip wherever you need to find a stud, and slowly move to the right or the left. If the tapping sound becomes more solid, you're approaching a stud. If it sounds hollow, you're moving away from a stud. Once you've found the stud, measure 16 inches to find the next stud, then tap again to verify.
Locate electrical outlets and switches
Technicians always mount electrical boxes to a stud on at least one side, so looking for an outlet or switch will give you a more precise idea of the stud's location. You can use the knock test in tandem with this method to determine which side of the outlet the stud is on.
Use a magnet
If you think your home might have steel studs, you can check by running a magnet along a wall. Nails and screws in wood studs will attract a magnet, but steel studs will have a stronger attraction along the entire height of the stud.
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Using toggle bolts
Toggle bolts, also known as toggle anchors, are used to mount a TV on metal studs. They offer extra support to hold heavy items that a wall may not be able to support on its own. Toggle bolts look like regular screws but have a butterfly toggle at the end.
To begin the process of using toggle bolts, you must first locate the metal studs behind the drywall. This can be done with a magnetic stud finder or a Zircon-powered stud finder. Metal studs are usually about 1.25" wide and are often spaced 16" apart. Once you've located the studs, mark the left and right edges with a pencil in several spots along the vertical plane.
The next step is to use a level to ensure that the marks are level. Cover the mark where you plan to drill with packing tape to keep the wall template stuck to the wall. Before drilling, ensure that the dust catcher attached to the template is extended to collect dust particles. Drill the holes and then fold and discard the template.
Now, you can install the toggle bolts. The Elephant anchor toggle should be installed vertically to align with the metal studs, ensuring that the wall bracket sits flat against the wall. Once all the toggle bolts are installed, you can attach the bracket to the wall. It is recommended to have assistance during this step as TVs can be heavy.
Finally, hang your TV using the manufacturer's recommended method and secure it in place. Tighten the nuts about 90% of the way so that you can make final adjustments and check if the TV is level before fully tightening them.
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Using anchors
If you're mounting a TV on a wall without studs, anchors are an effective and generally easy way to keep the TV wall mount in place. Anchors work by keeping screws from slipping out of their holes or otherwise damaging the drywall.
Toggle anchors, also known as toggle bolts or snap toggles, are the most commonly recommended type of anchor for mounting a TV without studs. Toggle anchors look like normal screws but have a butterfly toggle at the end. When placed into the wall, they anchor to the back of the drywall. This means that any outward force on the screw will be resisted by the entire sheet of drywall, rather than just the crumbly core.
To install toggle anchors, first, drill holes for the anchors. Use a level to ensure that the marks are level, then mark the lower set of drilling holes. Cover the mark with packing tape before drilling to keep the wall template stuck to the wall. Once you've drilled your holes, fold up and discard the template. Then, insert the sleeve and slide in the anchor piece. Pull it close to the wall with the disposable pull tool to lock the anchor in place. Finally, insert the screw.
Another type of anchor is the expanding anchor (also known as a conical anchor). These have wing-like grooves that lock into place behind the wall when a screw is screwed in. This can provide ample support for lightweight objects such as TVs.
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Using mounting plates
Mounting plates are an effective and generally easy way to keep TV wall mounts in place when your walls don't have studs. The idea behind using a mounting plate is to increase the number of anchor points and create a larger surface area to bear the weight of the mount and the TV.
Before purchasing a mounting plate, ensure that it is compatible with the material of your studs. Most TV mounts are designed to be installed in wooden studs or concrete walls, but you can also mount a TV into metal studs with some additional tools and equipment. Metal studs are usually found in apartment buildings and office spaces for fire safety. Steel studs are not flammable and help slow the spread of fires. They are also resistant to damage from termites, insects, rot, and mould.
When using a mounting plate, you can screw the base of your TV wall mount into the plate. If aesthetics are a concern, you can cut the mounting plate smaller than the size of your TV so that the monitor hides the plywood or metal. Alternatively, you can paint or stain the mounting plate to match your wall colour.
If you are unable to find studs in your wall, you can use a strong magnet to locate the metal fasteners that secure the studs in place. Metal fasteners are usually spaced vertically about 12" apart. Move the magnet slowly against the wall until you feel it stick, indicating the presence of a metal fastener and, therefore, a stud.
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No-drill methods
Drywall Anchors or Bolts:
Drywall anchors or bolts, such as toggle anchors or molly bolts, can be used to mount a TV without drilling into studs. Toggle anchors have a butterfly toggle at the end that attaches to the back of the drywall, providing strong support. Molly bolts are known for their ease of installation and strength, with a large molly bolt capable of holding up to 50 lbs.
Expanding Anchors or Conical Anchors:
Expanding anchors, also known as conical anchors, are another simple way to mount a TV without studs. These anchors have wing-like grooves that lock into place behind the wall when a screw is inserted, providing ample support.
No-Stud TV Wall Mounts:
There are specific no-stud TV wall mounts available that allow you to hang your TV like a picture frame without drilling or finding studs. These mounts are compatible with various TV brands and sizes, and they come with easy-to-follow installation instructions.
Mounting on Backer Board:
If you're unable to find studs in the desired location, you can mount a backer board across the entire wall and attach it to studs where they are available. Then, you can mount your TV or other items onto the backer board.
French Cleats:
French cleats are another no-drill option that provides secure anchoring into the wall studs with minimal damage. The cleats distribute the load between them, so the drywall carries no load. French cleats are also easy to remove, leaving only small screw holes that can be easily patched.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall. Metal studs can be located with a magnetic stud finder or a Zircon-powered stud finder. You can also look for wall features such as trim nails, electrical outlets, and light switches, which indicate the location of a stud.
If you are looking for a way to mount your TV without using studs, you can use anchors, adhesive strips, or hooks. Anchors are inserted into the wall and provide support by locking into place behind the wall. Adhesive strips or hooks can be attached to the back of the TV and the wall without causing damage or leaving residue.
Metal studs require toggle bolts, drill toggles, or snap toggles to secure the mount. Toggle bolts, also known as toggle anchors, are preferred for heavy items as they provide extra support.
