How to mount a TV on the wall

• Drill with wood and masonry bits
• Stud and cable detector
• Spirit level
• Socket set or spanner
• Pencil and tape measure

Before you start, lay everything out on a soft surface (the flattened box works) and check it against the parts list in your manual.

• Wall plate
• TV arms or rails
• VESA bolts, spacers and washers
• Wall bolts or anchors
• Safety locks or screws

1. 1

   Step 1: Check the TV's VESA pattern and weight against the bracket's rating, and pick the height so the middle of the screen sits near eye level when seated.

2. 2

   Step 2: Scan the wall for studs, pipes and cables. On a stud wall, find two studs; on masonry, check the brick or block is sound.

3. 3

   Step 3: Hold the wall plate at your mark, level it, and mark the holes over the studs or on solid masonry.

4. 4

   Step 4: Drill pilot holes into the studs, or drill and plug the masonry, using the fixings the bracket maker specifies for that wall.

5. 5

   Step 5: Bolt the wall plate on and check it is still level once tight.

6. 6

   Step 6: Lay the TV face down on a soft surface and bolt the arms to its VESA holes with the right length bolts and spacers, so no bolt bottoms out inside the set.

7. 7

   Step 7: With a helper, lift the TV and hook the arms over the wall plate, then fit the safety locks or screws.

8. 8

   Step 8: Connect the cables, route them tidily down the wall, and tilt or level the screen with the bracket's adjusters.

• Fixing into plasterboard alone without studs or anchors rated for the load.
• Using VESA bolts that are too long and push into the TV's electronics.
• Mounting too high, which strains the neck.