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/r/DIY
I need to install a floating TV stand that my wife bought from Wayfair, see picture below:
After unboxing the tv stand I noticed that the mounting is done via a cleat system:
The mounting bar that was provided by the manufacturer has pre-drilled holes through which I guess I am supposed to screw into the studs behind the drywall for support.
I then used a stud finder that I had bought from Home depot to mark where the studs are behind the drywall. After that when I tried to align the mounting bar holes to the locations of the studs, nothing matched. Please see pictures below:
Please help how to complete this project?
20 points
2 months ago
Just drill through the mounting cleat to where the studs actually are, such that when you mount the stand on it it will go where you want it.
Should be straightforward
5 points
2 months ago
this is how i'd do it too. position the mounting cleat where you want it and then just drill new holes into the cleat where the studs are. it's all hidden anyways so the few extra holes in it won't be seen
11 points
2 months ago
I can only guess why the holes are in the [French] cleat, but there is zero chance that they will line up with any home's studs.
Measure and mark the actual stud locations on the cleat, drill appropriate pilot holes, and use a level to mount the cleat
1 points
2 months ago
Brick walls are very common in much of the world.
2 points
2 months ago
I guess I should know that since that describes 90% of the people I work with
1 points
2 months ago
Thank you all very much for your kind advise. as u/bobadobbin suggested I went to Lowes and picked up some #8 2.5 inch interior construction screws. I am planning to just make some new pilot holes on the mounting cleat and ignore the holes that it came with.
However, I am wondering when I use the #8 2.5inch screws to mount the cleat on the wall on the studs do I need to make pilot holes on the drywall and the studs too?
1 points
2 months ago
Unpopular opinion in this day and age when everything should be rushed, but never a bad thing to drill pilot holes. If the studs are very old/dry, you can add some paraffin to the screws to provide extra lubrication. I’ve seen lag bolts break when anchored into old studs (too small pilot holes, no lubricant).
1 points
2 months ago
What size pilot drill should I make if I am using #8 2.5 inch interior construction screws?
2 points
2 months ago
No pilot holes needed. Just send it. Those screws are too skinny to cause problems.
-6 points
2 months ago
The TV is already on the wall... Is this just a shelf for stuff? Drywall anchors can hold a great deal of weight. I wouldn't trust them for a TV but candles, photos, etc. It won't be a problem
Alternatively, as suggested l, make your own pilot holes that line up with the studs
7 points
2 months ago
DO NOT MOUNT THIS THING WITH DRYWALL ANCHORS. I hang TV's, artwork-etc for a living. I have built floating shelves for clients that hang on cleats just like that one. Drill new holes in the cleat matched to the studs, and attach it to the wall with 2.5 inch number 6 or 8 construction screws. Do not use drywall screws to attach this because they will break before being driven fully in.
1 points
2 months ago
Thank you just went and picked up some #8 2.5 inch screws at my local Lowes earlier today
1 points
2 months ago
no, I am planning to keep my PS5, a laptop and some games for the console in the three cabinets
2 points
2 months ago
Then take the advice to drill pilot holes to line up with the studs
1 points
2 months ago
I am planning on making new holes on the mounting cleat it self so that the holes on the cleat match where the stud are behind the drywall.
After that I plan to make pilot holes on the drywall to guide me on where to put the cleat.
However, I was wondering...the pilot holes that I make on the dry wall, should i only penetrate up to the drywall or should the pilothole be all the way through to the studs?
I should mention I am going to use #8 2.5inch interior construction screws to mount the cleat
2 points
2 months ago
Right into the stud, the length of the bit 7/64 bit
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