Do you ever do this or do you use a different point to anchor from. If so what do you use to attach the mounts to the wall... obviosly not lags. I am sure it's mentioned in mount manuals, but I was just thinking about it.

Do a search. A couple of long threads on this.

thanks if you have any links that would be great i am off to search

No links, but I'd search on "metal" in addition to steel.

Didn't find much any help would be great I will probably have to mount a 30"+ LCD on steel studs in a bit, but I would also like to know for heavier objects like plasmas. What do you use togglers... that is what i have heard must be 24guage stud and must be 1/2" drywall and then togglers in the studs, but I want to be sure as I like being as SAFE as possible no matter what!

I've done a couple dozen plasma/LCD/27" CRT's on metal stud walls, and I use the following method that was originally taught to me by Vantage Point

1. Cut sheet of 3/4" plywood (I always use birch because it takes paint nicely), wide enough to span three studs with a couple of inches of overlap on the outsides. I typically will cut it about 2 ft. high give or take.

2. Prime the plywood using good oil based bare wood primer. Allow to dry overnight. I usually also use wood filler on the plywood ends prior to priming.

3. Secure plywood to metal studs using six Toggler brand model BB toggle bolts with 1/4"-20 machine screws and applicable washers. You're going to want 2 toggles per stud for a total of 6 toggles. Toggler brand, at least in this area is available at Menards and Fastenal.

4. Paint plywood to match wall.

5. Drill however many holes (1/2") that are needed to secure bracket to the plywood, and secure bracket to plywood with a series of Toggler BB's and 1/4"-20 screws. It is not neccessary that the bracket hit a stud.

I can draw it out and email it to you if you need a visual.

I just use the BB toggle bolt without the plywood. Plywood across three studs is obviuosly better. Have done a ton of plasmas in commercial buildings with just the toggle bolts. If it's in a basement and it ajoins an unfinished space you can just slide a wood stud inside the metal stud.

Whenever I am in that position (mainly commercial) I highly recommend to the customer that we reinforce the studs with wood. Since I am typically there before the drywall goes up I show them where and how it needs to be reinforced, and 3 studs works out very well.

yeah i love to hear these ideas, i was plannng on the toggler or toggler and plywood method, as these commercial jobs that i am doing are going to be alomst finished when I arrive reinforcing the studs with wood isn't a option.


AHEM: thanks for the great description... I totally understand what you are saying no need for a drawing but thank you very much.

Dave

I can tell you that I have gone up to a 42" Plasma w/ togglers over a fireplace, I suggested not to do it, without at least 3/4' plywood for extra reinforcement, but at the customer and my boss's insistance I did it. MY GOD there was a lot of wall flex but as of today, it has to be 4 or 5 months and I haven't heard anything. I've alsio had to do a few on 24" spaced studs and using togglers came out fine. I don't think I would go over the 42" but you never know, my company might try it!

As the steel studs are not solid, I usually drill through the drywall and through the first section of the stud (the part against the drywall), then use a butterfly anchor or toggle through the stud. ALso, depending on the installation, it is sometimes possible to cut a hole big enough for your hand on one side of the stud which will be hidden by the TV. Then you can put a bolt through the stud, and hold a nut+washer in place while you tighten. This works best with the generic brackets (ie Vogels) which mount to a single stud.

sorry, posted in wrong thread.

There are times when a 1/2" peice of wood brings the plasma too far forward for a good look.

Since it's assumed that the TV will be there for a number of years, there have been a few installations where we cut the drywall out and replaced it with the plywood. This also gave us plenty of room to reinforce the studs.

I can't imagine a more secure way to retro a plasma to an existing wall. Heck, they gotta re-texture the wall after filling in the pin cushion we made of it anyway.

I don't think I've ever found 3 metal studs to secure the average 42" plasma mount to. I guess the new Sanus mount with the plate that adjusts out might get to a 3rd stud, but it's a pain to mount.

One more thing, I'll test every mount I affix to a wall or ceiling by giving it the hold and hang (or swing) test. If it holds me at 175 pounds, it's good for a TV. After 100's of TV's over the years there was only one system I hung that I didn't do this to. Just one. $600 later my client had a new TV, mount and satellite receiver. (the bolts ended up between 2 studs that were not quite together). Amusing phone call though.

This message was edited by Steve Garn on 10/03/05 11:09 ET.

From the local Home Depot you can pick up some mounting bolts that are like toggles from Hilte. The biggest difference is that the threaded "u" channel that is in the stud bay is flat and therefore disperses more of the weight evenly across the metal stud unlike a traditional toggle that will apply most of the pressure at the ends and can rip the bolt portion out of the toggle. I have mounted 2 42" panels on the same wall with these and have never had a problem. I could hang from the mount if I wanted to, which almost happened thanks to their choice of Philips plasmas!

Try Pioneer PDPs they use a media box so the display is light. I think the 42" is only 65 lbs. Also Peerless makes a metal stud mounting kit for light loads. the model is ACC 215.

GP