TV Mounting

Hello technicians! This guide contains everything you may want to know about how to perform a successful TV Mounting service as per HelloTech’s policy and limitations. Use the menu to quickly find the information you need or read through the whole guide below.

Scope of Work

Included in service

Unbox tv
Check functionality
Map out installation point
Install in wall power kit or cord concealment (additional fee)
Mount bracket onto wall
Hang TV on mount and level
Clean up debris from work area
Demo TV and Mount features
TV Mount included for additional fee

Not included in service

Moving of any furniture
Outdoor TV mounting
Repair of any TV
Patching of previously existing holes
Installation on any decorative stone or tile surfaces
TV must be on site prior to tech arrival
Corner mount, ceiling mount, and motorized mounts are not supported

Required Tools & Hardware

Step stool
Drill
Stud Finder – sonar, magnetic, ultrasound
Wood bits, concrete bits, step bit, paddle bits, auger bits, diamond bit (for brick)
Socket wrench
Socket bit (for lags)
Hammer
Philips and Flat head screw drivers
Allen wrench set
Hilti bolts (toggle bolts)
Level
Measuring tape
Painters Tape
Pencil
Shop Vac or broom and pan
Drop cloths or blankets
Drywall patch
Patch Spatula

Upon request

TV Mount of desired type (Full motion, Tilt, or Fixed)
Power Bridge: Purchase link
External cord masking: Purchase link

Quick Tips

Contact your customer before the job to ask for additional information they may have forgotten to share.
Verify the address and directions to the customer’s home the day prior to the appointment.
Help the customer run a WiFi speed test before arriving on-site to verify the viability of the install.
Ask if they or someone else will be home during the service.
Take photos of the installation site before, during, and after your job.
Verify the functionality of the TV before and after you mount it.
Measure twice. Drill / cut once.
Reach out to the Technician Support line if you need to modify the order or have any other questions or concerns.
Clean up after the job. Leave the worksite better than you found it!

Preparing for the job

When claiming TV mounting jobs, you can set yourself up for success by following these steps:

Read the job description
Reach out to the customer to ask questions pertaining to the installation that are not detailed in the job notes.
1. Note: This is not an opportunity to reschedule jobs to a later time. However, if the customer requests a sooner time for the appointment and you are able to accommodate, then you can call the tech support line to move the appointment date/time up.
Bring the proper hardware: When you are responsible for providing specific hardware for an install, you should be prepared to provide this upon the appointment date. We suggest carrying extra hardware in case it’s needed to avoid having to take multiple trips to the customer’s home. Common hardware requested by customers are:
1. Full motion TV wall mounts
2. Tilting TV wall mounts
3. Power bridges
4. Cable masking
Come prepared with the proper tools: Read the “What to Bring” section for a list of common tools relevant for TV Mounting services.

Inspection Checklist

Confirm wall surface compatibility: Make sure that the installation area is adequate for the installation by checking both sides of the wall to avoid drilling into plumbing and/or electrical lines. Decorative stone and tile surfaces are not in scope and as such, orders should be marked as incomplete with photos and detailed notes attached.
Inspect the TV for damages: Carefully take the tv out of the box and inspect it for dents, scratches, and/or broken ports. Be sure to plug the tv into the wall to confirm that the screen is not damaged. Only move forward with the next steps if there are NO damages found.
1. Note: If damages are found, immediately stop, document the damages, make the customer aware of the situation, and explain we cannot move forward with the service. Mark the order as incomplete and enter detailed notes and photos of the TV.
Secure the installation area: Unbox all of the necessary equipment like the TV, the mount, and any additional components and place the items in a secure area to avoid accidents or damages. If there are children or pets on site, kindly ask the customer to keep them out of the area while the work is being done to maintain a safe environment. Protect the floor with drop cloths or blankets.
Check the tv wall mount compatibility: Attach the mounting brackets to the back of the TV using the bolts provided with the mount. Be careful not to over tighten, and do not use a power drill as these may force and damage the back of the TV. Make sure the mounting bracket(s) is symmetrically installed on the back of the TV.

Choosing the height of the TV

The most common and recommended TV mounting height is around 6ft (meaning the top of the TV is 6 feet from the ground). Installations, where the top of the TV is 8 or more feet from the ground, are not recommended.
The height of the TV will ultimately be determined by the customer. So be sure to confirm the height with them.
After confirming with the customer what their preferred height will be, use tape to mark the TV’s height. This will help you and the customer gets a visual understanding of what the completed installation will look like.
When mounting on a wall, it’s always good to mount the TV at a reasonable proximity to power outlets for the television and its components.
Choose a height corresponding to the eye level of the viewers as well as center the television as much as possible to the viewer’s position.

Determining the bracket’s mounting location

Measure the distance from the top of the TV to the top hook or top resting notch of the brackets that are attached to the back of the TV (see image below). This will give you the distance measurement of where the bracket should be installed on the wall below the top of the TV’s tape mark.

Using a second piece of tape, mark the location where the mounting bracket will be installed on the wall below the tape mark indicating the top of the TV. You should have two tape markers on the wall: 1. the TV’s height and 2. the mounting bracket’s top location.

Wall surfaces and installation

HelloTech only provides support for drywall, brick, concrete, and sheetrock. If you encounter any other wall material such as uneven stone, or tile, you should not continue the job.

Mounting TVs on wooden studs is the best-case scenario. Studs provide secure reliable support for the TV mounting installation. No special masonry bits or toggle bolts are necessary, making the installation very straightforward.

When mounting a TV on wooden studs, always use your stud finder to locate two (or more) studs within the desired mounting area. Typically, studs will be 16 inches apart from one another, but older homes can have studs up to 24 inches apart.

Below you can see a bare structure of your common wooden stud wall without insulation and an outer layer which usually consists of drywall.

Wooden studs & drywall

Determine the mounting bracket’s height and use tape to mark it. (Revisit the “Determining the Bracket’s location” section if you have questions.)
Locate the wooden studs using your stud finder.
Once the studs have been located and the height confirmed with the customer, use a piece of tape to the studs on the wall.
Outline the studs by marking their edges using a pencil or painter’s tape. (This will help designate the area in which you are permitted to drill your pilot holes.)
Always check the wall for plumbing or electrical conduit before drilling. Find out if there’s a bathroom directly above or under the location where the TV will be mounted and by checking the other side of the wall.
Place the mount over the determined mounting location right below the TV’s height tape mark. While keeping the wall mount leveled, pencil in the screw holes.
Use the smallest drill bit to create a test pilot hole inside one of the penciled screw holes on the wall. Try to keep it as centered to the stud as possible.
1. Note: If the drill bit pushes right through the wall without resistance, chances are that you either missed the stud, or the stud finder found something else that was not a stud. Use your stud finder to recalibrate the location of the stud and try again. The drill bit should return with brown wood dust, rather than white drywall dust.
Use a larger bit size that is slightly smaller than the screw’s diameter to create the pilot hole for the wall mount’s screws.
Screw the mount onto the wall tight enough so that it stays still after it’s leveled. This will help you avoid having to hold the wall mount as you pencil in the rest of the screw holes.
1. Note: If your drill bit is long enough, you can move forward with drilling the remaining pilot holes while the bracket is attached to the wall by the first screw. Otherwise, after penciling in the holes, remove the bracket to carry out the pilot holes.
While keeping the wall mount leveled on the wall, pencil in the rest of the screw holes.
Attach the wall mount to the wall by screwing in the remaining screws using a socket wrench. Make sure it’s leveled.
Mount the TV to the wall mount using the back brackets from step 5. This concludes the mounting part of the service.
Use the locking mechanism to lock the TV to the wall mount. This usually entails screwing in the tv from the bottom with a hex key.
Connect the TV to the wifi.
While the WiFi setup is occurring, connect existing peripherals to TV via audio and video cables (set up of peripherals is not included in the service – only connecting audio/video cables to the TV. If the customer wants to set up their components, you will need to add the service via the tech app).

Metal Studs & Drywall

The biggest difference between a metal stud and a wooden stud installation, apart from the stud’s material, is that you cannot screw lag bolts directly into a metal stud. Therefore, you will need special hardware like toggle bolts and drill bits.

Keep in mind:

You should never mount a full motion mount using only toggle bolts on drywall. Full motion mounts have to always be mounted on the studs if the surface is drywall.
175 lbs is the approximate weight limit for mounting TVs and hardware on metal studs. This limit includes the TV bracket and other minor hardware.

Recommended toggle bolt fasteners:

Cobra Driller toggle : Video || Installation Guide
3/16 Strap Flip Toggle : Video || Installation guide
3/16 x4 in Spring Toggle: Video || Installation Guide

Video walkthrough: Mounting on metal studs video

Directions:

Locate the metal studs using your stud finder.
Use a pencil or tape to outline the edges of the metal stud to narrow down the center of the stud.
Always check the wall for plumbing or electrical conduit before drilling. Find out if there’s a bathroom directly above or under the location where the tv will be mounted and by checking the other side of the wall.
Once the studs have been located and marked on the wall, confirm the preferred height of the TV with the customer and use a piece of tape to mark it on the wall.
Determine the mounting bracket’s height. (Revisit the “Determining the Bracket’s location” section if you have questions.)
Place the mount on the wall while making sure the screw holes are aligned to the center of the stud as much as possible.
Level the mount and pencil in the wall mount’s screw holes.
After penciling in the screw holes, remove the mount and prepare to drill.
Using the proper drill bit, drill directly into the middle of the studs guided by the stud outline you added earlier.
1. Note: If the drill bit pushes right through the wall without resistance, chances are that you either missed the stud, or the stud finder found something else that was not a stud. Use your stud finder to recalibrate the location of the stud and try again. The drill bit should return with brown wood dust, rather than white drywall dust.
You will need to drill a hole wide enough for the toggles to fit through. Usually, a ½ inch hole will make way for most toggles but be sure to double-check which drill bit is best suited for the toggle’s diameter.
1. IMPORTANT: If you are using a spring toggle, you will need to place the mount on the wall and insert the toggle through the mount and onto the wall. Otherwise, you will end up with the toggle attached to the wall but with no way of attaching the wall mount.
Once you’ve drilled into the metal studs and have enough space for the toggles, insert the toggles into the wall. (This does not apply to spring toggles, which should be installed prior to the mount, not along with the mount.)
Place the mount over the inserted toggles and screw in the wall mount using the toggle screws.
Finally, make sure the mount is leveled before tightening the screws all the way.
Check that the mount is not loose, then mount the TV onto the wall mount.
Use the locking mechanism to lock the TV to the wall mount. This usually entails screwing in the TV from the bottom with a hex key.
Connect the tv to the wifi.
While the WiFi setup is occurring, connect existing peripherals to TV via audio and video cables (set up of peripherals is not included in the service – only connecting audio/video cables to the TV. If the customer wants to set up their components, you will need to add the service via the tech app).

Brick / Concrete

Note: HelloTech does not mount TVs on stone or tile surfaces. If encountered when attempting to fulfill a service, communicate to the customer that these surfaces are outside of this service’s scope of work and ask them to contact HelloTech Support if they have any questions.

Tools needed:

Masonry drill bit link

Recommended screws / anchors:

Concrete screws with compatible Masonry bits
Strike Anchor
Hammer Drill (recommended but not necessary)

Directions:

Determine the mounting bracket’s height. (Revisit the “Determining the Bracket’s location” section if you have questions.)
Place the wall mount on the wall and while keeping it leveled, pencil in the screw holes.
Drill the pilot holes for the anchors inside the penciled hole markings.
Insert the concrete anchors in the pilot holes
Using concrete anchors or concrete screws, attach the bracket to the wall.
Confirm that the bracket is leveled.
Attach the TV to the wall mount.
Use the locking mechanism to lock the TV to the wall mount. This usually entails screwing in the TV from the bottom with a hex key.
Connect the tv to the wifi
While the WiFi setup is occurring, connect existing peripherals to TV via audio and video cables (set up of peripherals is not included in the service – only connecting audio/video cables to the TV. If the customer wants to set up their components, you will need to add the service via the tech app).

Drywall with no studs (50 lbs max)

IMPORTANT: Full-motion wall mounts should not be mounted on drywall with no studs. This information only applies to non-articulating wall mounts or TVs with toggles (NOT anchors). The following steps are for the scenario where a technician can mount TVs on drywall only. This type of installation ONLY supports tilting or fixed wall mounts for TVs weighing less than 50lbs.

Recommended Hardware:

Cobra Driller toggle: Video
3/16 Strap Flip Toggle: Video
3/16 x4 in Spring Toggle: Video

Directions:

Determine the mounting bracket’s height and use a tape to mark it on the wall. (Revisit the “Determining the Bracket’s location” section if you have questions.)
Always check the wall for plumbing or electrical conduit before drilling. Find out if there’s a bathroom directly above or under the location where the tv will be mounted and by checking the other side of the wall.
Place the mount over the determined mounting location right below the TV’s height tape mark. While keeping the wall mount leveled, pencil in the screw holes.
Create pilot holes on the drywall using the penciled screw holes. (Be gentle – these pilot holes are meant to check that the wall is hollow and you won’t be drilling into plumbing or electrical lines.)
Using the pilot holes, attach the wall mount to the wall using the best suited toggle for the installation.
1. Note: If you are installing a tilting mount directly on drywall, you should only use a spring toggle or flip toggle, NOT anchors. If damage occurs due to a failure to use the correct toggles, the tech will be fully liable and can lose the opportunity for future TV mounting jobs.
Inspect the installation and confirm that it’s secure.
Mount the TV onto the wall mount using the back brackets from step 5. This concludes the mounting part of the service.
Use the locking mechanism to lock the TV to the wall mount. This usually entails screwing in the TV from the bottom with a hex key.
Connect the tv to the wifi.
While the WiFi setup is occurring, connect existing peripherals to TV via audio and video cables (set up of peripherals is not included in the service – only connecting audio/video cables to the TV. If the customer wants to set up their components, you will need to add the service via the tech app).

Add-Ons

TV Dismount

Assess the area and determine a location to lay the TV once it is removed from the wall.
Inspect the TV. Turn it on and make sure everything works before beginning the work.
Determine whether you can unmount the TV alone or will require a second pair of hands.
Unscrew the lock mechanism. You can usually find this on the bottom of the TV attaching the brackets to the wall mount. (Not all mounts have locking mechanisms and not all mounts have lock mechanisms in the same place.)
After unscrewing the locking mechanism, pull the TV forward from the bottom and push up to remove the TV from the wall mount.
Make sure to keep your fingers away from the screen to avoid any damages.
Place the TV in a secure location with the screen facing towards the wall to avoid accidental scratches.

Cable Management

External cord masking

For external cord masking, technicians are responsible for providing the external cord masking kit along with the installation. The payout includes both parts and labor.

Installation video: Cable Masking

Find the center of the TV and mark this point on the wall using tape.
Place the wiremold under the center marker and level it.
If the wiremold will be attached using screws instead of adhesive, pencil in the screwholds once leveled.
If needed, cut any excess wiremold when installing under the TV.
1. When mounting using screws: Level the molding, then use the provided anchors and screws to mount the cable molding to the wall.
2. When mounting using adhesive: Level the molding and mount it on the wall concealing the top of the molding behind the TV so that the cables entering the molding are not visible.
Organize the cables and neatly place them over the mounted cable molding base.
Confirm that all cables that need to be concealed are those you have organized on the mold so that you don’t have to re-organize the cables.
Finalize the concealment by snapping the cover over the cables and locking them in between the molding.

In-wall cord concealment

HelloTech offers two in-wall cable concealment options:

Important:
– This service should only be offered for drywall & sheetrock (hollow wall surface material).
– Always check for any vertical obstructions behind the wall. The wall should be hollow from the top entry point of the power bridge to the bottom exit point. Otherwise, you will end up creating a hole and not being able to run the cables down the wall due to obstructions like fire blocks, plumbing, insulation, etc.

In-wall cord concealment with parts included: you are responsible for providing parts (power bridge) along with the installation.
Cord concealment alone: the customer will be providing the power bridge.

Note: If there’s an existing TV that needs to be dismounted, you will need to add the dismounting service fee via the tech app.

Installation procedure: Video link

Determine where the power bridge should be installed. Find where the TV will be mounted (if it’s not already mounted) and outline the TV on the wall using tape. (This is extremely important to avoid installing the power bridge in an area where it will be visible. The power bridge should rest behind the TV and out of sight.)
Inside the TV’s tape outline, choose the location closest to the nearest power outlet where the power bridge will be installed
Run your stud finder horizontally to find the two studs where the power bridge will lay in between and mark them using tape.
Run your stud finder vertically to check for fire blocks or any obstructions. If any obstructions are found, try a different area within the TV’s taped outline. If you continue to find obstructions, you will not be able to continue the process.
Once you confirm that there are no obstructions, outline with a pencil the power bridge entry and exit point using the cardboard template included in the box.
Using your drywall saw, begin cutting the wall following the power bridge’s pencil outlines.
Once you have an entry and exit point on the wall, attach the top/entry point power bridge part to the wall and fish the cable through the bottom/exit point.
Connect the power bridge to its other half using its connector.
Plug in the power bridge to the nearest power outlet and test it. If all works, unplug it and move to the next step.
Attach the bottom/exit point of the power bridge to the wall.
Plug in the power bridge to the nearest power outlet and connect devices to it.

Soundbar mounting

The customer is responsible for providing the mounting hardware necessary for the installation. While there are many different types of soundbar wall mounts, below are the two most common.

Wall mounted soundbar mounts

These wall-mounted soundbar mounts are ideally paired with tilting or fixed TV wall mounts
The soundbar mount itself is a fixed install and does not articulate.
If a TV needs to be dismounted to complete the work, add the TV dismount/remount service via the tech app.

These mounts consist of 1 or 2 parts that are mounted to the wall where the soundbar sits.

Installation:

Each mount will vary in its installation instructions. Always read the instructions first before installing.

Measure the soundbar’s height.
Using the soundbar’s height, measure from the bottom of the TV and mark the difference on the wall using tape.
Attach the brackets on the soundbar.
Place the soundbar on the wall as close to the bottom of the TV as possible (this is to prevent cables being visible upon completion).
While keeping the soundbar leveled, pencil in the screw holes.
Create pilot holes for anchors or screws depending on stud availability at the installation location.
Remove the brackets from the soundbar and attach brackets to the wall.
Connect power cable and audio/video cables to soundbar from TV.
Attach the soundbar to the wall brackets.
Adjust the TV’s settings to external speakers and select soundbar.
Test the sound and volume controls.

TV mounted soundbar mounts

Ideal for full-motion articulating wall mounts (but also compatible with tilting and fixed wall mounts)
Articulates with an articulating wall mount

Unlike soundbar wall mounts, soundbar TV mounts require a pre-existing mounted TV with a common TV wall mount which the soundbar mount requires for the installation.

Installation:

Each mount will vary in its installation instructions. Always read the instructions first before installing.

Confirm that the soundbar TV mount is compatible with the TV’s wall mount.
If the TV is already mounted, add a TV dismount / remount service to the order via the tech app.
If TV is already installed:
1. Dismount the TV.
2. Remove the existing TV wall mount.
3. Place the soundbar bracket between the TV and the TV wall mount bracket.
4. Screw the TV’s wall mount to the back of the TV, securing the soundbar’s mount between both.
Mount / remount the TV to the wall.
Connect power cable and audio/video cables to the soundbar from the TV.
Attach the soundbar to the soundbar’s mount.
Adjust the TV’s settings to external speakers and choose soundbar.
Test the sound and volume controls.

Basic Wall Shelves Installation

This installation is exactly what the name states: basic wall shelves installation. This service only covers shelves that are to be mounted below the TV (typically 2-3 shelves for DVD players, consoles, cable boxes, smart streaming devices, etc.).

Here are some examples of shelves that we CAN install:

Here are some examples of shelves that we DO NOT install:

Post-install checklist

Verify that the TV was not damaged during the installation by turning it on and navigating the menu or channels. Confirm its functionality with the customer.
Clean up as best you can.
Note: Use a shop vac or broom / dustpan to sweep up any sawdust that may have fallen on the ground. Be sure to clean up any boxes, plastic, and fingerprints on the television that may have appeared as part of the installation process.

Connect any external peripherals to the back of the TV. (Configuration of peripherals is not included in this service.)
Ask the customer to sign off on the order after reviewing the installation.
If the customer seems unhappy with the quality of their products or simply would like to upgrade their home technology set-up, recommend relevant products as appropriate.
- If the customer purchases any physical product from the HelloTech shop while you’re on-site or through your direct booking page, you will receive a commission of 7.5%. If they sign up for a membership, you will earn $50 and the customer will receive a 10% discount on every physical product purchased plus a $69 flat fee on any other HelloTech service.

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