How to Safely Hang Any Mount

The right mounts can help you hang your speakers, projectors, television or other audio video equipment so that you create the experience you want in your home. For example, you can create a surround sound system that sounds just like a professional theater if you choose the right mounts, the right equipment, and the right location for it.

Safely hanging your mounts is essential to protecting your equipment and your property. Here are a few tips for how to ensure that you safely hang your mounts each and every time:

Mount on a Stud

You might be able to hang a mount on drywall, but as soon as you add any weight to it, the mount will tear right out of the wall (taking your drywall with it). You need to always hang mounts on a stud to ensure that they are secure and can hold the weight you put on them. Use a stud finder to locate the beams, whether they are in the wall or the ceiling. If you can’t find a stud where you have to hang the mount, use a drywall anchor or other specialty tool to keep the mount in place.

Select the Right Mount

Not all mounts are created for all equipment. The mount you need for a television will be a lot different than the mount you need for a speaker. Make sure you choose a mount that is not only the right size but is also built to hold the right weight. Otherwise, the mount is likely to bend or break, causing your equipment to fall even if the mount stays on the wall.

Use the Right Hardware

Even with the right mount, cheap or improper hardware can still cause the mount to break free. Use nuts, bolts, washers and other hardware that are designed to hold the right weight and that are the right size. Most mounts will include the appropriate hardware, but you may need to buy replacements or additional support, depending on where you want to hang it.