Fit a wall-mounted monitor arm to a solid brick or block wall

Fix a monitor arm securely to solid brick or block, checking cables and pipes first, using the right masonry plugs and screws throughout.

WM-01Check the arm and plan the positionCheck the monitor arm's maximum weight rating against your monitor's actual weight — it's usually on the box or a label on the arm. Decide on a height: the top of the screen should sit roughly at eye level when you're seated normally at the desk. Mark this spot lightly with a pencil and use a spirit level to draw a level line for the mounting plate.

1 each · Monitor arm kit (with mounting plate)

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1 each · Pencil

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1 each · Spirit level

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WM-02Find cables and pipes before you drillRun a cable and pipe detector over the whole marked area, in both directions. Detectors can miss cables that are deep, in metal conduit, or outside the usual safe zones, so still treat the wall as if something is there until you've drilled a shallow test hole and seen only brick or block dust. Find your stopcock (usually under the kitchen sink) and check it turns before you start. If you have any doubt at all, isolate the circuit at the consumer unit, and turn off the water at the stopcock before drilling.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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WM-03Mark and drill the fixing holesHold the mounting plate against the wall on your level line and mark the hole centres through the plate with a pencil. Fit an 8mm masonry bit to a hammer drill (set to hammer mode for brick or block) and drill each hole to a depth roughly 5mm deeper than your wall plug, so dust doesn't stop the plug going in fully. Keep the drill dead level and perpendicular to the wall. Clear dust out of each hole with a brush or vacuum before fitting plugs.

1 each · Masonry drill bit, 8mm

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1 each · Hammer drill

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1 each · Dust brush or small vacuum

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WM-04Fit the wall plugsPush a masonry wall plug into each hole until it sits flush with the wall surface. If a plug won't go in easily, tap it gently with a hammer rather than forcing it — never widen the hole to make a loose plug fit, as this weakens the fixing.

4 each · Masonry wall plugs, 8mm (e.g. Rawlplug)

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WM-05Fix the mounting plate to the wallLine the mounting plate up over the drilled holes and insert a coach screw or bolt through each hole into its plug. Tighten each one with a screwdriver or spanner until snug — firm but not overtightened, as that can crack the masonry or strip the plug. Check the plate is level and give it a firm pull to make sure it doesn't move.

4 each · Coach screws or bolts, M8 x 60mm

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WM-06Attach the arm and monitorBolt the arm's base bracket onto the mounting plate, following the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model. Attach the monitor to the arm's VESA plate using the screws supplied with the arm, matching the hole pattern on the back of your monitor. Tighten any tension knobs on the arm so the screen holds its position without drooping.

4 each · VESA mounting screws (usually supplied with arm)

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WM-07Route the cables and test the movementClip or route power and monitor cables through the arm's built-in cable channel, leaving enough slack that the screen can move freely without pulling on the plugs. Move the arm through its full range — up, down, in and out — and check the wall plate doesn't flex or creak. Push gently on the screen at full extension to confirm the fixing holds firm.

WM-08Tidy upVacuum masonry dust from the floor, skirting and desk. Wipe down the wall and any tools you used, and put everything away. If you isolated the electrics or water, turn them back on and check the monitor powers up normally.

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