Swinging TV Mount

Don't do a thing without that swing

Sometimes called an articulated or swivel mount, swinging wall arms are the ultimate in television mounting solutions. In many models, the articulating arms allow you to pull the television away from the wall up to 30 inches. These mounts provide viewing from almost any location in the room without relocating the mount itself. The mounts usually have 180 degrees of horizontal adjustment and allow for varying degrees of vertical tilt. Swing mounts usually require adapter plates, so prior to ordering, you may want to refer to the owner's manual to ensure that your television is compatible with the mount you want.

7 things to remember

Installing your swinging wall mount can be tricky if it's your first time. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind.

  1. When purchasing a swinging mount, make sure it's rated at 4 times the weight of your TV. If your TV weighs 50 pounds, the mount should be capable of handling 200 pounds. When is comes to the safety of your family, more is always better.
  2. In new houses, studs are generally placed 16 inches apart. So if you find one, you can look for the next one 16 inches over. However, don't always count only on that measurement. Check for the stud with a stud finder. Often, power outlets are placed adjacent to a stud, so that's always a good place to begin looking.
  3. If you're running cables in the wall, buy quality cables to prevent interference from power wires and other wiring in the walls. Include a DVI/HDMI cable through the wall even if you are not presently using them. There's a good chance you'll want to upgrade later, so why not just put it in while you have the wall open?
  4. Wire a proper wall outlet for you power source, but avoid putting the power and cable outlets directly behind the TV. Low-voltage video/data cables can use outlet boxes that have an open back; however, power outlet boxes must be closed. Running an extension cord through the wall does not comply with building codes in most areas.
  5. When mounting, be careful not to drill or screw into any wiring. Certain models of stud finders also include a feature which will detect live AC wiring.
  6. Weight-test your mount installation before adding the TV.
  7. Make sure to have someone help you set the TV on the mount.

Remembering these seven guidelines will help make installing your swinging wall mount safe, secure, and simple.