Forgot Washers on TV Mount? Here’s Why You Need to Fix It Now
You’ve done it. The TV is on the wall, it looks perfect, and you’re ready to relax. But then, a sinking feeling hits you as you spot a small, lonely bag of hardware on the floor—the washers. Forgetting to use washers on your TV mount is a surprisingly common mistake, but it can have serious consequences.
Before you dismiss it as a minor oversight, it’s crucial to understand the vital role these small components play. This guide will walk you through why those washers are essential, the potential dangers of omitting them, and the exact steps to correct your mistake without damaging your wall or your television.
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Why Forgetting Washers on a TV Mount is a Critical Mistake
Washers are not just optional extras included to bulk up the hardware bag. They serve several critical engineering functions that ensure your expensive television remains securely attached to the wall. Ignoring them compromises the safety and integrity of your entire setup.
The primary job of a washer is to distribute the load of the bolt or screw over a wider surface area. Without a washer, all the pressure is concentrated on the small area directly under the screw head. This can lead to stress fractures in your TV’s casing or cause the bolt to dig into and weaken the drywall over time.
The Hidden Dangers: What Can Actually Happen?
Leaving out washers introduces risks that might not be immediately obvious. Over time, seemingly minor issues can escalate into a catastrophic failure. Understanding these dangers will highlight why taking the time to fix the installation is non-negotiable.
One of the biggest concerns is loosening due to vibration. Everyday activities, from the bass of your sound system to simply walking around the room, create micro-vibrations. Washers, especially lock washers, are designed to counteract this effect, preventing the bolts from gradually backing out. Without them, your mount could slowly but surely become unstable.
Furthermore, the concentrated pressure can damage the mounting bracket itself or the back of your TV. The metal of the screw head grinding against the bracket or the TV’s plastic casing can cause wear and tear, eventually leading to a failure of the connection point.
Should You Panic? A Quick Risk Assessment Guide
While the situation is serious, the immediate level of risk depends on a few factors. Some situations require immediate action, while others may appear stable for a while. Use the table below to assess your specific circumstances and determine the urgency of the fix.
| Observation or Symptom | Risk Level | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| TV feels solid and is perfectly level; bolts are tight. | Low to Medium | Plan to correct the installation within the next week. Monitor for any changes daily. |
| There is a slight wobble or movement when the TV is gently pushed. | Medium | Do not use the TV. Correct the installation within 24-48 hours. |
| The TV has started to sag or tilt on its own. | High | Immediately and carefully remove the TV from the mount with assistance. |
| Visible stress marks, cracks, or indentations around the bolt heads. | High | Immediately and carefully remove the TV from the mount with assistance. |
| Audible creaking or popping sounds from the mount or wall. | Critical | Immediately and carefully remove the TV from the mount with assistance. |
The Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Your Mistake (The Right Way)
Correcting this mistake is straightforward, but it requires care and, most importantly, a second person to help. Attempting to do this alone risks dropping the TV or injuring yourself. Follow these steps precisely for a safe and secure resolution.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools & The Correct Hardware
Before you begin, gather everything you’ll need. This includes the original manual for your TV mount, a Phillips head screwdriver, a socket wrench set, and a level. Most importantly, locate the washers that came with the mount. If you’ve lost them, take one of the lag bolts to a hardware store to find a matching flat washer.
Ensure the washer’s inner diameter fits the bolt and the outer diameter is larger than the hole in the mounting bracket to ensure proper load distribution.
Step 2: Safety First – Unmount the TV
This is a two-person job. With your helper, carefully lift the television off the wall mount bracket and place it screen-up on a soft, flat surface like a blanket on the floor. Disconnect all cables beforehand to avoid snags. Never attempt to add the washers while the TV is still hanging on the mount.
Step 3: Loosen and Add the Washers One by One
With the TV safely removed, you can now address the bolts on the wall plate. Do not remove all the bolts at once, as this could cause the mount to shift. Instead, work on one bolt at a time.
Completely loosen and remove the top-left lag bolt. Place the correct washer onto the bolt and re-insert it into the wall plate. Hand-tighten it for now. Repeat this process for the remaining bolts, moving in a crisscross pattern (e.g., top-left, bottom-right, top-right, bottom-left).
Step 4: The Final Tightening and Leveling
Once all the washers are in place and the bolts are hand-tightened, place a level on top of the wall plate to ensure it is perfectly horizontal. Adjust as needed. Now, using your socket wrench, tighten each bolt until it is snug and firm against the washer and plate.
Do not overtighten, as this can strip the wood inside the stud or damage the wall. The goal is to have the mount completely secure with no wobble or movement. Once secure, you and your helper can safely re-hang the TV and reconnect the cables.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of washers with a TV mount?
Washers play a crucial role by distributing the load of the television and mount over a larger surface area. This helps to prevent pressure points that could damage your wall or the mounting bracket and ensures a more secure and stable installation.
I forgot to use the washers on my TV mount, is that dangerous?
Forgetting washers can be a problem because they help to spread the weight and keep the bolts secure. Over time, bolts could loosen, potentially making the TV unstable. While it might seem secure initially, it’s not the safest installation.
What should I do if I’ve already mounted my TV without washers?
The recommended course of action is to take the TV down, remove the bolts one by one, add the washers, and then re-secure the mount. This will ensure the weight is properly distributed and the connection is as secure as possible. While it is an extra step, it provides peace of mind.
Can not using washers damage my wall or TV?
Yes, without washers, the pressure from the bolts is concentrated on a very small area. This can create stress points that may damage the drywall or the mount’s brackets over time. Washers help protect these surfaces by spreading the clamping force more evenly.
Are washers always included and necessary with a TV mount?
Most TV mount kits include washers because they are important for a safe installation. However, some bolts may have a built-in washer shape under the head. It is always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions included with your specific TV mount.
Pro-Tips to Avoid Future Home Improvement Headaches
The best way to fix a mistake is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Before starting any home project, lay out all your parts and hardware and read the instruction manual from start to finish. This helps you visualize each step and ensures no small but crucial components are overlooked.
Paying attention to the small details is key, whether you’re mounting a TV or investigating other issues around the house. Sometimes an unusual problem, like a strange high-pitched noise coming from the ceiling, can be a symptom of a larger, hidden issue that requires careful diagnosis. Proper installation and regular maintenance are fundamental to a safe and comfortable home.
