Mount a full-motion TV bracket on a solid brick or block wall

Mount a full-motion TV bracket securely on a solid wall, level it correctly, then tidy cables away for a safe, tidy finish.

TV-01Check your wall type and gather toolsConfirm the wall is solid brick or block, not a stud wall or dot-and-dab, using a knock test and a small pilot hole — solid dust means masonry, a hollow sound or timber shavings means a stud wall. A full-motion arm pulls hard on the wall every time you move the TV, so if you find a stud wall (timber or metal) or dot-and-dab, stop and use the right guide for that wall — a stud alone will not hold this kind of load, even with a toggle fixing. Lay out your tools and dust sheet before you start.

1 each · Dust sheet

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1 each · Spirit level

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1 each · Tape measure

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1 each · Pencil

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TV-02Find your stopcock and check for hidden pipes and cablesBefore drilling, find your stopcock — usually under the kitchen sink — and check it turns, so you can shut off the water fast if you hit a pipe. Use a cable and pipe detector across the whole fixing area, but still assume something could be there and prove it isn't, since detectors miss deep cables, cables in metal conduit, and anything behind metal-backed board. If you have any doubt at all, isolate the circuit at the consumer unit before drilling, and turn off the water at the stopcock before cutting into anything that could carry water.

1 each · Cable and pipe detector

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TV-03Mark and level the bracket plate positionHold the bracket plate against the wall at your chosen height and mark the fixing holes with a pencil. Use a spirit level across the top of the plate to make sure it's dead level before you mark anything — a bracket that's even slightly off will show once the TV is on it. Double-check the height lets the TV swing out fully without hitting a socket, light switch or door frame.

1 each · TV bracket (full-motion, rated for TV weight/VESA size)

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TV-04Drill the fixing holesDrill a test hole first at the marked centre point — solid dust confirms brick or block. Then drill each fixing hole to the depth and diameter stated on the wall plug packaging, usually 6-10mm diameter and at least 50-60mm deep, using a masonry bit and hammer drill or drill on hammer action. Clear dust from each hole with a vacuum or blower before fitting the plug, or the fixing won't grip properly.

1 each · Masonry drill bit (8mm)

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1 each · Hammer drill

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1 each · Small vacuum or blower brush

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TV-05Fit wall plugs and fix the bracket platePush a wall plug into each hole until it's flush with the wall, sized to match your drill bit and screw. Fix the bracket plate using coach screws or heavy-duty masonry screws long enough to reach at least 40-50mm into solid masonry, tightened firmly but not over-torqued. Check the plate is still level once every screw is in — tightening unevenly can pull it out of line.

4 each · Masonry wall plugs (8mm, red or brown)

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4 each · Coach screws or masonry screws (70-80mm)

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TV-06Attach the arm and check the movementClip or bolt the swing arm onto the fixed bracket plate, following the manufacturer's instructions for your model. Extend and retract the arm fully before fitting the TV, checking nothing catches on the wall or nearby fittings. Tighten all pivot bolts so the arm moves smoothly but doesn't sag under its own weight.

TV-07Mount the TV onto the bracketWith help from a second person, lift the TV onto the arm's VESA plate and secure it with the bolts supplied with the bracket, matching the bolt length to your TV's mounting points. Tighten evenly on each side rather than fully tightening one bolt at a time, so the TV sits flush and square. Give the TV a firm test push to check it's securely seated before letting go.

1 set · VESA mounting bolts (set, various lengths)

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TV-08Manage cables and tidy upRoute power and HDMI cables down through the bracket's cable clips or a cable cover, leaving enough slack for the arm to extend fully without pulling on any plug or socket. Vacuum up masonry dust from the floor and skirting, and wipe down the wall and bracket. Check the TV one more time at full extension and folded flat before finishing.

1 each · Cable trunking or cover strip

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1 pack · Cable clips

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