Some benefits and risks come with reusing a TV wall mount. If you buy a new TV, consider the pros and cons before deciding.
If you need to learn whether you can use an old TV wall mount, how and when to reuse one, and other vital details, read on.
Yes, you can reuse a TV wall mount from an old TV if the mount is compatible with your new TV (most new TVs are VESA-compliant) and if the old mount is structurally sound. Before reusing a wall mount. check that it is not damaged or rusting too much, especially if the new TV is much heavier than the old one.
Of course, re-using your old TV bracket will help you save money from having to buy a new mount plus the installation cost.
Can You Reuse A TV Wall Mount?
Yes, you can reuse a TV wall mount to save time. Fixing new designs can be complex and time-consuming. Ensure that the old TV mount is fully compatible with your TV set for the best result.
You can also reuse your TV mount if you want to save money. It makes no sense to spend your hard-earned money to purchase a new mount and pay an expert to install it if the old one can serve its purpose well.
However, if your mounts are old and your TV is very large (like a large 85 inch TV), you may not want to use those old mounts.
How To Know If Your TV Wall Mount Can Be Reused
Your old TV wall mount can be reused if it meets the following criteria:
- VESA Compatible: If the old mount is VESA compatible, then it is likely that it will work with your new TV because most new TVs connect to their mount by VESA. VESA is a mounting standard that defines the size and distance between screw holes on a mount. It is a standard used for TV wall mounts and wall mounting systems, adopted by most TV brands. The most common VESA sizes are 200 x 200, 400 x 400 and 600 x 400 depending on the screen size of your TV.
- Structurally Sound: You should also check the old mount to ensure that it is structurally sound, especially if your new TV is heavier than the old one. You should be especially careful if your TV is mounted high. Please also ensure that you attach all 4 screws on the back of the TV to the mount. Even if you think your TV only has 2 mounting holes, check closely because it has 4.
Please see the layout of typical VESA mounts below:
How to Reuse a TV Wall Mount?
Before you decide to reuse your old TV mount, find out whether it’s compatible with the television or adds extra weight that can damage the TV. It would help if you didn’t take these high risks.
Are the mounts are compatible and add no extra weight? If so, check whether it is safe to reuse the holes drilled into the walls. If you didn’t strip the holes when removing the old bolts, consider whether you can use the same holes.
You can get a certified TV wall mount installer to help if you are unsure whether the holes can support your TV mount.
How to Attach a TV to an Existing Wall Mount?
Now you don’t need to mount the right hole or choose the best TV mount. Go straight to the next important part of the work. Seek help to lift and mount the TV to the wall mount.
After that, coordinate and calibrate all your devices-video game consoles, media players, cable, smart home assistant, remotes, and more. Consult your user manuals to configure the devices.
If you don’t have the tools or know-how, don’t forget to hire an experienced, certified expert.
What to Do When Worried About TV Falling Off the Wall?
If you’ve securely mounted the TV on a wall using a high-quality TV mount, the TV should be safe. You’ll save a lot of space.
However, if you’ve done this and are still worried about the TV falling off the wall, don’t ignore the feeling.
Some high-quality TV mounts can fall off the wall when something applies the least possible extra pressure on them.
If the TV mount is heavier than recommended, replace it with the recommended one. You can do the same if you’re using the wrong type of TV mount.
Go for a fixed mount style if you can attach the TV at the perfect height on the wall, and you don’t require getting to the TV ports or outlet regularly. Standard and slim mount ideals are the most expensive and easiest to install. They also take up limited space.
A tilting design might solve your concern if your TV is higher than 42-inches. It allows users to adjust the viewing angle up and down for the best picture quality without interfering with the TV’s stability.
If you are unsure which mount design best suits you, try a full-motion pivoting mount. It adjusts in all directions with ease. It’s perfect for multiple seating areas, including corner installations. The bracket system is also stronger than its rivals, and it holds the weight of most TV models in a fully extended position. Better still, it works without sagging.
You can also use earthquake straps to secure the TV to the wall if you deem it necessary.
How to Use an Old-Style TV Wall Mount?
To use an old-style TV wall mount, position your TV in the correct location. This helps you to know where precisely to drill the holes. If you have children or pets, position your TV a little higher than usual to keep it safe.
Fix the TV mount on the wall. Use your spirit level to ensure the mount is straight, and mark the places you want to drill with a pencil.
Position your bracket over the suitable holes and then attach it with screws after that. Use your spirit level to verify whether the mount is straight and make the adjustments. Tighten up the screws if everything is okay.
Subsequently, attach the bracket to your television and protect the screen with a towel. Lay the TV on a surface or table that is larger than your TV’s screen and firmly attach the TV mount.
Last, connect all the devices you want to attach to the TV and lift the TV into place with the help of someone else.
Can You Mount a TV on a Shared Wall?
Yes, you can mount a TV on a shared wall. However, if you do so, you’ll be sharing some sound with your neighbor. Some users install wall plates and power boxes that recess the connections. However, they have to cut holes in the wall to do this.
So, it would be best if you considered whether you could install plates or power boxes with no problem before deciding whether to mount your TV on a shared wall.
Are TV Mounts Universal?
Yes, like some users, TV wall mounts are universal. They comply with the Video Electronics Standard Association (VESA) standards. Because of this set of standards, any mount you buy is highly likely to be universal.
However, some users think that TV mounts are not universal. This is because a few wall mounts can’t work with some types of TVs. If your TV brackets can’t fit the hole-pattern on the TV’s back, it won’t work.
The good news is that your TV will most likely use any standard mounting pattern, referred to as VESA size.
Bottom Line
If you want to save time and money, you can reuse your old TV wall mount when you buy a new TV. However, check whether the wall mount is compatible with your TV before you do that. Your wall mount is probably compatible if it’s the VESA size.
If the old TV wall mount poses a risk to your TV, replace it with a new one.