Need major help with wall mount!!!

The3rdMan · 03-13-2007, 08:28 PM

OK - so I just moved int a new apartment which has this great area for a flat panel to be mounted on. So bought a nice new 50 inch TV and a wall mount. Waited for both to be delivered. Huge problem though....when I used the studfinder to find the studs it started to act screwy. So used another one and thought I located where they were. Drilled in wall....and - big surprise - the wall doesnt have studs (!!!???) This is a big wall - 15 to 20 feet across. How is this possible? How can a wall that size not have studs? I drilled tiny holes all along the bottom of the wall and couldn't locate any. Im totally dumbfounded. But now I need some advice. Is there any way to mount this onto the drywall? I would floor mount it but the wall is above a stairwell with a 5.5" ledge so it isn't possible. Any suggestions?

Bigloww · 03-13-2007, 08:40 PM

Man, who paid off the local code enforcer on that place

. Unless someone with more carpentry skills than me ( and that's about everyone) I think it is a no go. 120 pounds with not even 1 stud is too much IMO. Heavy duty wall anchors are 1 thing, but I would not trust any anything but a stud or concrete to hold my plasma. Unless you can find a way to brace it on the other side of the wall., or another wall that has studs. Finding my plasma on the floor after work would be a bit of a bummer.

Lee Stewart · 03-13-2007, 08:53 PM

Try something different. Get a hold of a magnet and run it up and down the wall until you find drywall screws. You will need something more power than a refigerator magnet - can get at Home Depot.

No drywall screws . . . .no studs

Another answer is if a concrete wall is behind the drywall. Many time they use 2x1's called lathing strips to attach the drywall. Not studs and NOT suitable for mounting a 120 pound TV on a wall.

If you like the look of a "hung" PDP as opposed to just sitting on a stand both BB and CC have stands where the PDP attaches to a mount and "floats" above the stand that is what I have. I will include a links.

Link(s):

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Z-Lin...oductDetail.do

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1156203389505

The3rdMan · 03-13-2007, 08:55 PM

I was afraid that was the answer....and this is a nice place in manhattan! Unfreakinbelievable.

The3rdMan · 03-13-2007, 08:56 PM

Thanks Lee - great idea

scottbrown77 · 03-13-2007, 09:13 PM

Metal Studs. This is some type of support.

Lee Stewart · 03-13-2007, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottbrown77

Metal Studs. This is some type of support.

According to what I have gleaned, metal studs are not up to the challange of the weight. I spoke to a mount company and they said don't do it. Wall will probably bow out and anchors will probably pull out over time.

The gauge of the metal studs is too thin. Only purpose is to hold up drywall which is spread over a large area.

The3rdMan · 03-13-2007, 09:34 PM

and toggle bolts won't do the trick? I think I may have metal studs hidden somewhere back there......

Lee Stewart · 03-13-2007, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The3rdMan

and toggle bolts won't do the trick? I think I may have metal studs hidden somewhere back there......

I can only tell you what I was told. Go into Home depot and look at a metal stud or find a construction site (easy in NYC) and ask to see a metal stud.

With the gauge of the metal being so light, it may tear with that kind of weight concentrated in such a small area.

I always ask someone who says, "sure . . no problem" if he will 100% guarantee the owner of the TV that it will not fall off the wall and if it does he will reimburse the owner for full purchase in the event it does.

Funny. . . I never get a return post.

Why take a chance? Cause it looks nice? Can you return the wall mount for credit for a stand?

The3rdMan · 03-13-2007, 09:51 PM

I have been looking at a lot of forum threads describing using 4 toggle bolts in this situation pretty successfully......and I can't use a floor mount because of the where I want the TV (see above)

Lee Stewart · 03-13-2007, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The3rdMan

I have been looking at a lot of forum threads describing using 4 toggle bolts in this situation pretty successfully......and I can't use a floor mount because of the where I want the TV (see above)

Good luck! let us know how you make out.

**rbinck** · 03-13-2007, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The3rdMan

I have been looking at a lot of forum threads describing using 4 toggle bolts in this situation pretty successfully......and I can't use a floor mount because of the where I want the TV (see above)

I would not recommend four toggle bolts, but we have sucessfully used a peice of plywood blocking in situations like yours. We actually cut out a section of the sheetrock and replace it with the plywood. By attaching the plywood to multiple studs with screws on about 4" centers, enough can be put in the assembly to get a sturdy mounting surface. If you go this route be sure you grab at least 3 studs and predrill the plywood and be sure to not strip out the sheet metal drywall screws where attaching the plywood. You can countersink the plywood for the heads of the screws so they are flush or recessed slightly. Caulk or spackel over the screws and paint the plywood to match the wall. The plasma should be large enough to cover the plywood and still be able to get at least 3 studs. Good luck.

BobY · 03-14-2007, 11:22 AM

The3rdMan-

120lbs hanging from four toggle bolts on a VESA mount into nothing but drywall? Well, it's your TV and your wall. Make sure nobody ever brushes against it.

If there's a concrete wall behind it, you can use masonry anchors (I've hung fans from concrete ceilings with masonry anchors). You need to use a masonry drill bit, though--don't try anything else. If you don't trust masonry anchors, don't drive near a highway overpass.

More likely you have aluminum studs which are quicker and easier to frame with (and cheaper on non-load-bearing walls). They usually won't show up with magnetic or even density-based stud finders (but you should hit them at some point if you're putting holes in the wall--except possibly along the top and bottom where they can angle in to lock into the rails).

I'd be wary, though. While I doubt a 120lbs into metal studs would actually fall off the wall or pull the wall down, unless the load is distributed over a wide area, it might very well bow the studs and crack the drywall over time. I would *not* use a just a VESA mount, as it concentrates the force in too small an area. If the display can be mounted by the corners and the VESA mount, that might be OK.

Another idea is a hanging "lip" which would mount across it's length to multiple studs (and a bottom lip as well). With an "L" shaped bracket with a front lip, the force is distrbuted across the flat face of the wall and the screws are mostly just keeping it in place.

Rick-F · 03-14-2007, 11:35 AM

Wher will you run your cables? No studs will make it easy to put them in the wall . . . There are drywall hangers made that are rated up to 150# each. You could use 4 or 6 of them to hang the mount.
But remember, the load must remain static . . . I am using two such mounts right now to hang a large (84#) mirror over a dresser-- but that is not a 98# Plasma TV -- and if it were to fall, it would damage the mirror and dresser, but would not "kill" anyone . . .

BobY · 03-14-2007, 12:39 PM

You have to be careful with those drywall anchors, too as it has a lot to do with where the drywall screws are. I've seen 30 lb fire extinguishers pull out "100 lb capacity" drywall anchors after somebody brushed against it--the drywall gets damaged and the anchor works its way out.

Whatever you do, don't use an adjustable mount!

03-13-2007, 08:28 PM	#1
The3rdMan My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 7	Need major help with wall mount!!! OK - so I just moved int a new apartment which has this great area for a flat panel to be mounted on. So bought a nice new 50 inch TV and a wall mount. Waited for both to be delivered. Huge problem though....when I used the studfinder to find the studs it started to act screwy. So used another one and thought I located where they were. Drilled in wall....and - big surprise - the wall doesnt have studs (!!!???) This is a big wall - 15 to 20 feet across. How is this possible? How can a wall that size not have studs? I drilled tiny holes all along the bottom of the wall and couldn't locate any. Im totally dumbfounded. But now I need some advice. Is there any way to mount this onto the drywall? I would floor mount it but the wall is above a stairwell with a 5.5" ledge so it isn't possible. Any suggestions?

03-13-2007, 08:53 PM	#3
Lee Stewart Behold - the future! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Albuquerque, NM Age: 58 Posts: 25,193	Try something different. Get a hold of a magnet and run it up and down the wall until you find drywall screws. You will need something more power than a refigerator magnet - can get at Home Depot. No drywall screws . . . .no studs Another answer is if a concrete wall is behind the drywall. Many time they use 2x1's called lathing strips to attach the drywall. Not studs and NOT suitable for mounting a 120 pound TV on a wall. If you like the look of a "hung" PDP as opposed to just sitting on a stand both BB and CC have stands where the PDP attaches to a mount and "floats" above the stand that is what I have. I will include a links. Link(s): http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Z-Lin...oductDetail.do http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1156203389505 Last edited by Lee Stewart; 03-13-2007 at 09:03 PM.

03-13-2007, 08:40 PM	#2
Bigloww Shitter was full. Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: In a van, down by the river. Posts: 5,135	Man, who paid off the local code enforcer on that place . Unless someone with more carpentry skills than me ( and that's about everyone) I think it is a no go. 120 pounds with not even 1 stud is too much IMO. Heavy duty wall anchors are 1 thing, but I would not trust any anything but a stud or concrete to hold my plasma. Unless you can find a way to brace it on the other side of the wall., or another wall that has studs. Finding my plasma on the floor after work would be a bit of a bummer.

03-13-2007, 08:55 PM	#4
The3rdMan My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 7	I was afraid that was the answer....and this is a nice place in manhattan! Unfreakinbelievable.

03-13-2007, 08:56 PM	#5
The3rdMan My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 7	Thanks Lee - great idea

03-13-2007, 09:13 PM	#6
scottbrown77 Samsung LN-S3251D Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Downingtown, PA 19335 Posts: 188	Metal Studs. This is some type of support.

03-13-2007, 09:34 PM	#8
The3rdMan My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 7	and toggle bolts won't do the trick? I think I may have metal studs hidden somewhere back there......

03-13-2007, 09:51 PM	#10
The3rdMan My plasma is High Def. Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 7	I have been looking at a lot of forum threads describing using 4 toggle bolts in this situation pretty successfully......and I can't use a floor mount because of the where I want the TV (see above)

03-14-2007, 11:22 AM	#13
BobY What's all this, then?... Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,197	The3rdMan- 120lbs hanging from four toggle bolts on a VESA mount into nothing but drywall? Well, it's your TV and your wall. Make sure nobody ever brushes against it. If there's a concrete wall behind it, you can use masonry anchors (I've hung fans from concrete ceilings with masonry anchors). You need to use a masonry drill bit, though--don't try anything else. If you don't trust masonry anchors, don't drive near a highway overpass. More likely you have aluminum studs which are quicker and easier to frame with (and cheaper on non-load-bearing walls). They usually won't show up with magnetic or even density-based stud finders (but you should hit them at some point if you're putting holes in the wall--except possibly along the top and bottom where they can angle in to lock into the rails). I'd be wary, though. While I doubt a 120lbs into metal studs would actually fall off the wall or pull the wall down, unless the load is distributed over a wide area, it might very well bow the studs and crack the drywall over time. I would not use a just a VESA mount, as it concentrates the force in too small an area. If the display can be mounted by the corners and the VESA mount, that might be OK. Another idea is a hanging "lip" which would mount across it's length to multiple studs (and a bottom lip as well). With an "L" shaped bracket with a front lip, the force is distrbuted across the flat face of the wall and the screws are mostly just keeping it in place.

03-14-2007, 11:35 AM	#14
Rick-F 58" & 50" PDP / 2 32" LCD Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 1,560	Wher will you run your cables? No studs will make it easy to put them in the wall . . . There are drywall hangers made that are rated up to 150# each. You could use 4 or 6 of them to hang the mount. But remember, the load must remain static . . . I am using two such mounts right now to hang a large (84#) mirror over a dresser-- but that is not a 98# Plasma TV -- and if it were to fall, it would damage the mirror and dresser, but would not "kill" anyone . . .

03-14-2007, 12:39 PM	#15
BobY What's all this, then?... Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,197	You have to be careful with those drywall anchors, too as it has a lot to do with where the drywall screws are. I've seen 30 lb fire extinguishers pull out "100 lb capacity" drywall anchors after somebody brushed against it--the drywall gets damaged and the anchor works its way out. Whatever you do, don't use an adjustable mount!