Flat screen TVs are too heavy and too expensive to take chances with. If you can't catch the stud when you're hanging the bracket, there's only one wall anchor that's tough enough for the job.
By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine:May 2011
Drill a 1 1/4-in. hole in the wall and insert the sleeve and anchor.
Pull the anchor against the back of the drywall with the pull tool, then screw the TV mounting bracket to it.
Flat screen TVs are heavy, and the bracket that holds them must be securely mounted to the wall. Unfortunately studs are not always where we need them to be, and for this job traditional anchors and toggle bolts are just not up to the task. However, Moen (yeah, the faucet company) developed a great wall anchor system for attaching bathroom grab bars. Now it offers a 150-lb.-rated SecureMount version for mounting flat screen TVs. Moen recommends these for fixed or pivoting but not swing-out mounts. We’ve tried them and they’re fabulous. Just drill a 1-1/4-in. hole, insert the sleeve and slide in the anchor piece. Pull it close to the wall with the disposable pull tool. It locks the anchor in place so you won’t lose it in the wall while you insert the screw. Buy a set of two at www.moen.com/securemountanchors.
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here's a list.
