Flat screen TVs are becoming more and more common and it's not difficult to see why. Not only do they free up a lot of space in your living room compared to the old, giant TVs but they also provide the best picture quality and look great in any room. Most people have their TV on a cabinet but the fact that LCD and plasma TVs are fairly light and slim makes them perfect for wall mounting. You can buy flat screen TV wall mounts from many different do-it-yourself (DIY) and home improvement stores, but is it possible to install a wall mount yourself?
If you have a phobia of DIY, then it is probably best to ask someone you know to help you mount your LCD TV because it isn't a trivial job. Flat screen TV wall mounts aren't that difficult to install but they do require a certain level of skill. However, anyone who has done a bit of DIY in the past should be able to manage it as long as they are careful.
The most important thing is to know exactly what is behind the part of the wall that you are going to drill into. You don't want to burst a pipe or cut through a wire! Make sure you read the entire safety manual that will come with the flat screen wall mount so that you are prepared for the job and know what you need to do.
There are certain tools that you will definitely need for wall mounting your TV. An obvious one is a power drill and the right drill bits for the job. You'll also need a level to make sure that the TV is going to be correctly hung, a measuring tape and a screwdriver. Depending on which wall bracket you buy, you might need other tools too, so read the manual and make sure you know exactly what you need before you start the installation.
Safety is important when you are doing any kind of DIY work and is the main reason you should leave it to a professional if you don't think you are up to the job. A flat screen TV that is wall mounted might look great but it is not worth risking your safety for. Some of the safety tips that you should think about include not running your TV power cable into your wall, turning off all the power to the areas you are going to be installing the wall mount into just in case you hit a wire and making sure that your ladder is safely secured should you need one.
