In this article
The mount is only as strong as the four to six fasteners holding it to the wall. The right fastener depends entirely on what is behind the drywall — and the one that came in the box is often wrong.
The quick answer
| Wall | Fastener | Size | Pilot hole |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drywall over wood studs | Lag bolt | 5/16 × 3 in (3/8 for large TVs) | 3/16 in (1/4 for 3/8) |
| Plaster and lath over wood | Lag bolt | 5/16 × 3-1/2 to 4 in | 3/16 in |
| Drywall over metal studs | Snap-toggle | 1/4 in | 1/2 in through the steel |
| Poured concrete | Wedge or sleeve anchor | 3/8 × 3 in | 3/8 in |
| Concrete block (CBS) | Sleeve anchor or Tapcon | 3/8 in sleeve / 3/16 in Tapcon | per anchor |
| Solid brick | Tapcon or sleeve anchor | 3/16 × 2-3/4 in | 5/32 in |
| Drywall only (no stud) | Toggle bolt | 1/4 in | per toggle — small TVs only |
Lag bolts: for wood, and only wood
A lag bolt cuts its own threads into the stud. It needs at least 2 inches of wood, a pilot hole about 60% of its diameter and a washer. Center it in the stud — a bolt that catches only the edge splits the wood. Don't overtighten: stop when the plate is snug.
Toggles: for anything hollow
A toggle passes through the wall (or the stud) and spreads the load behind it. In metal studs it clamps the steel; in hollow block it bridges the cell. Snap-toggles are easier than spring toggles because they stay in place when you remove the bolt. See metal studs.
Masonry anchors: for the strongest walls
Tapcons are hardened screws that thread into concrete; sleeve anchors expand along their length and suit block; wedge anchors are for solid poured concrete. Drill with a carbide bit, vacuum the dust, and set to snug. More in mounting on concrete.
What about plastic anchors?
Plastic expansion plugs are for towel bars and picture frames. We remove them from under TVs every month — when drywall alone is safe explains why.
Rather have a pro do it?
Exact price in about a minute — TV size, wall type and cables included. Same-day in most areas, 3-year warranty on every install.
Our trucks carry every fastener above, so the wall you have never means a second trip. Installation from $119.
Gear mentioned in this article
Prime-Line 9056277 Hex Lag ScrewsLag bolts for wood studs.Check price →
CondoMounts MSK8001 Steel Stud TV Mounting KitAnchors made for steel studs.Check price →
Hillman Sleeve Anchors, 3/8in x 3in, 50 Pack, ZincSleeve anchors for brick, block and concrete.Check price →
MOUNTUP Universal TV Mounting Hardware Screw Kit with BoxUniversal TV screw kit: M4 to M8 in several lengths.Check price →
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