Plasma TV: Sheet Rock Support Levels

[hobbes]

Hi,

I was just wondering how heavy a weight you can support on Sheet Rock. In particular I am trying to solve the issue of mounting a TV on a wall which has metal studs.

From what I can see, Sanus and Bredford say do nto do it. Peerless and Chief

say O.K. with their Toggler wall mount kit.

Does anyone have any comments?

I also did some research. Toggler kits from Peerless can be obtained from Home Depot by buing 1/4 inch toggler fasteners. Go for the No. BB version. 1/4 inch bolts. They require the same hole size as the 3/16 inch BA.

As for how much weight these guys can support you need to do some scientific testing. Fortunately Cornell university has done that for you.

They tested wall fasteners in sheet rock. Aparently there is a 250 lbs dead load architectural standard. This means a constant downward force of 250lbs. More than enough for most TVs + stands. Cornell compiled the data for testing bathroom grab bars for the elderly.

Four toggler bolds in sheet rock (no studs), could support 250 lbs and passed the test. The 4 bolts failed at 360 lbs, the sheet rock broke down was the failure mode.

So I guess tv monting onto metal studs is porbablly O.K., despite the warnings from some mount manufacturers.

Best, Mike.

[trader4]

I'd say this is mostly an issue of the weight of the display, how big the mounting brackets are and what type of fastners are used. With brackets that spread the load over a larger section and large enough toggle bolts, I wouldn't hesitate to mount it to drywall.

[Phisherman]

I would not fasten a heavy $2K TV (nor a bookshelf) using toggle bolts. You really need better support.

[Joseph Meehan]

Have you seen the recommended or supplied mounting brackets? Mine cam with a bracket that straddles several studs. I would not put one on sheetrock, but I don't think I would have a problem using the type of bracket provided with mine and attaching it to several metal studs.

[BearDown54]

Hey Mike. I have installed countless # of peerless mounts and worked long and hard with Peerless' tech team regarding metal studs. They assured me using flat and tilting mounts, 4 toggeler bolts are more than enough for TV's up to 60". However, when it comes to pull out swivel or swing arm mount, you will have to span another stud. Looks like up to 40"- you will be using two studs. 42" + you will be spanning/mounting to three studs (still using the toggeler bolts). I have installed Peerless mounts for years and have never had a single issue on metal studs as long as their guidelines are properly followed (which are very basic). Hope this helps! -Jim

[hobbes]

Hi,

Thank you for your comments. I the end I went for a "Pro" installation and I am glad I did. They actually did something very similar as suggested here. Used 6 toggler bolts into the metal studs. No extra wood reinforcement. My 50 inch plasma is still up there on the wall.

I am glad I did not do it myself. The thing I would not have been able to do would be the lift to mount. These guys who came made me feel a complete wimp. But even they were sort of straining to put the TV up. Lifting 85 lbs with two people on ladders is quite a feat. These TV's are heavy!

best, Mike.

[DerbyDad03]

I know it's a little late now, but I mounted one of these for my 19" TV without hitting any studs:

The "trick" was that on the other side of the wall is my bedroom closet. I cut a piece of 3/4 plywood slightly larger than the mounting plate and ran long bolts through the wall and then through the plywood inside the closet. This disperses the forces over a larger area. The TV mount would have to pull the plywood right through the wall in order to fall down.