It’s always exciting to install your TV in the room when you have a new place or new TV. However, TV installation usually requires experience when mounting the TV.
Mounting your TV frees up space in the room and creates aesthetics, but it’s essential to do it right.
Sometimes, specific hardware equipment will seem useless such as the spacers. So the question of whether you need spacers for a TV mount is ideal; thus, do you need spacers?
You’ll only need spacers for the TV mount when there’s space between the TV’s back and the bracket. Also, spacers help you properly mount a TV to a wall; for example, they help in screwing long bolts. Spacers are a ventilation aid for your TV to avoid overheating and make the mount more durable.
In this article, I will cover details you need to know about spacers for TV mounting and why you should use them.
You’ll also learn how to use the spacers. So without further ado, let’s get into it.
Are Spacers Required for TV Mounts?
TV mounts don’t always require spacers, but it has more advantages when you use them. The spacers create space or close gaps between surfaces (mostly in curved TVs).
So whether the TV mount requires a spacer also depends on the bracket and the wall.
Sometimes you may have a rough-like surface to mount your TV, which could put your TV at high risk of damage. However, in such situations, a spacer comes in handy.
As much as placing TVs on shelves is terrible for specific reasons, so is improper TV mount bad. If you install it correctly, your TV will likely stay on longer. So spacers are advisable to use.
Before we go further on the essence of the spacers, having a basic knowledge will help here. So what are spacers?
Spacers are simply installation hardware that helps to hold the TV mount firmly to the wall. They also create space between two points and aid good TV mount.
So, if the measurements do not match the bolts, and the brackets aren’t setting well, then you should use spacers.
The spacers also help ensure the TV has enough allowance from the wall. One criterion for mounting a TV is ensuring that there’s space for airflow.
However, spacers create protection and maintenance for your TV and the mount. Spacers protect your TV from any damage during mounting. And it protects the TV from falling off.
Even though it’s optional always to use spacers for TV mount, the safety of your TV is more critical. So there are certain times spacers are essential to use.
For instance, when the bolts are too long for the screw holes, the spacers will prevent any damage.
So, using a spacer for your TV is ideal when your mount screws are too long. A spacer will help you avoid bending the screw and damaging the TV.
Do you also know that the spacer protects you from the TV viewer? Well, yes, it does. Spacers make the TV level enough to avoid tilting and protect you from straining.
So lastly, spacers are essential for many TV models as it ensures security and a good viewing experience. Without the spacers, your TV mount may be too high or low.
Where Do the Spacers Go on a TV Wall Mount?
The spacers will go in between the TV and bracket when mounting. Moreover, most installation manuals direct you to fix it between the TV and the bracket.
Since most new-age TVs come in curved shapes, will the spacers go the same way? Yes, the spacers should also go between the bracket and the TV for curved TVs.
The spacers between the TV and the bracket will allow it to fit well without causing damage. Also, ensure that the spacer’s lengths match the bolt’s. If it doesn’t, a washer can come in.
You may compare a spacer to a washer, but they are different. Besides, washers don’t go the same way as the spacers; they go on top of the bolt.
Using a washer on a spacer is better than using washers alone because washers alone can scratch your TV.
However, one will likely say that a washer is the same as a spacer, but it’s not true; they have differences.
Below is a table showing the difference between a washer and a spacer.
| Spacers | Washers |
|---|---|
| They create spaces between two points. | They help distribute the load/pressure of the fastener over a large area. |
| They are thick enough to hold a space. | They need to be thick enough to create spaces. |
| They create space for cabling by separating the TV from the wall. | They protect the TV surface from damage during installation. |
| They are mostly plastic. | They are primarily metals. |
What Size of Spacers Are Needed to Mount a TV?
The size of spacers to mount a TV depends on the length of the screw available. However, spacers come in different sizes, so finding the right size is challenging.
However, it’s always advisable to revert to your manual guide. There should be specifications on what screw size the TV needs.
Also, when using a longer screw length, the spacer should be able to cover the extra length. When you know the required screw length, you should be able to know the spacer size to use.
For example, if the required screw length is M6 x 25mm, and you have a 40mm screw, you need 10mm or 20mm spacers. The screw should enter full length or half than going over.
Again, another common mistake in using spacers is, using different spacing for the top and bottom. It should be different; you need the same spacer size all around.
Although, if the TV mount installation package comes with all the hardware, the suitable spacer should be there. Also, the manuals usually mention the correct sizes of spacers to use.
How Do I Use TV Mount Spacers?
You can use the TV mount spacers by attaching them to the mount holes at the back of your TV. You must attach the spacers before you screw the mount to the wall.
At the back of your TV, there’s usually a rectangular shape with holes in each corner. Inside these holes are screw holes; you must fix the spacers carefully to fit.
After fixing the spacers, the next is to place the brackets on the spacers. Lastly, screw the bolts into the holes before attaching them to the wall mount.
Using TV mount spacers depends on your TV type and the user guide’s direction. Also, using your TV mount involves the whole mounting process too. So successfully using TV mount spacers is about more than fixing them where they should be.
However, below are steps to help you in the process of using spacers on your TV mount.
Step 1: Make Available the Necessary Tools
Before starting any job like installations, it’s ideal to keep all your tools close by as the first step. However, tools like the ones below should be available to use spacers on your TV mount.
- Measuring instruments such as pencils and measuring tape.
- Screwdriver(s).
- Stud finder e.t.c.
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Step 2: Measurements and Attachments
In this step, you need to measure the spacer. Without this step, the TV may fall off after installation.
First, you must install the spacer on your TV ( if you have a large TV, get someone to help). Look for a soft surface and face the TV screen to avoid scratches.
If you’re yet to find the right size of spacers to use, there’s an old trick you can try out. Bring out the skewer, and place your bracket where the TV screw holes are.
Next, insert the skewer into one screw-hole. Make two marks, one at the TV surface and the other under the bracket. The length of the marks makes you an ideal spacer size.
After getting the proper measurements of the bolts and spacers, fixing the brackets to the TV is next.
With the spacers in-between the TV and TV brackets, line up the brackets on the TV, insert the bolts and screw them in carefully.
Step 3: Install the Wall Plates
Although this step is about something other than the spacers, your whole installation will fail without them. But before that, carefully choose a perfect spot for your comfort.
Next, to install the wall plates, a tool that comes in handy here is the stud finder. Use the stud finder to find the right spot on the wall to screw it and nail the plates on.
Step 4: Mount the TV
After all the previous steps, almost all the work is ok (simple and easy). It’s always safe to have a helping hand to assist in mounting the TV, especially when it is too large or heavy.
One safety precaution to remember when attaching TV mount spacers is gradually fixing the TV to the wall. Slowly attaching your TV to the wall will help you confirm the spacers are well-fixed.
FAQ
#1. What Material Are TV Spacers Made of?
TV spacers are mostly plastic. The material is usually PVC plastic.
#2. When Do I Use Spacers?
The case when you need a spacer is when the TV has a curved back. Since spacers cover up spaces, the flat TVs will have little space with the wall.
Final Thoughts
You need spacers for your TV mount, and this is for reasons such as:
- To aid a safe TV mount.
- To close up space for long bolts.
- To create space for cabling and ventilation.
Remember that spacers are not expensive, and regardless of the little installation stress, it’s worth the time. Besides, you won’t want your TV to have problems because getting a new one is expensive.