Using A Stud Finding To Mount Your TV

If you’ve never had to mount a wall mounted TV before, you’ve probably never had the chance to familiarize yourself with a stud finder. Initially, this handy tool may seem like a godsend. It can find support studs in the wall that are invisible to you, and it should save you time when drilling holes in the wall. In addition to saving time, it can also save you money, because drilling holes in the wrong spot causes damage which must be repaired in the future.

However, using a stud requires a bit of practice—or some insider knowledge—in order to avoid some common problems. Stud finders are a very helpful tool, perhaps the most important you’ll use during the TV mounting process, but using one incorrectly can undo whatever potential advantage they offer.

The first step to using your stud effective is to take your time. You’ll need to calibrate it the first time you use it. Read the manual that came with your stud finder to determine the precise method that particular model uses. Typically, it will require holding the stud finder to the wall while pressing the button which enables it. Watch the display to ensure that it is reading the density of the material which forms the wall. Once it’s reading correctly, slide the stud finder left and right along the length of the wall slowly.

When it does detect a stud, mark the stud with a piece of masking tape. You’ll want to confirm the location of each stud at least three times. To do this, test its location by starting over with the stud at a different point. When it detects a stud, note whether or not it lines up with the mark you previously placed on the wall. You’ll also want to note the width of the studs. It’s important to center your screws squarely on the stud, rather than too close to its edge; even a stud may not be strong or stable enough to withstand the weight of the TV if the screws are poorly placed.

If you’re having difficulty because of the texture of your wall or ceiling, don’t despair. Many fancy textured paints or common ceiling textures may at first seem to render a stud finder unusable. However, you can almost always solve this just by placing cardboard between the wall and the stud finder. Hold the cardboard in place, and slide the stud finder on top of it.

Once you’ve marked all of your studs and determined where you want to hang the TV mount, you’ll want to do a physical check to determine that there is actually a stud in the location you plan to use. This can be done by inserting a straightened wire coat hanger or a very thin screwdriver through the drywall in the spot where you plan to drill.

Now that you’ve confirmed the location of the stud, follow the instructions in your TV mounting guide, and feel secure in knowing your TV has been mounted safely and reliably. If you are based in Houston, you may find useful resources on the following website - TV Mounting Houston.

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