Swivel Socket

Swivel Socket
Swivel Socket Swivel Socket

Steps To Mount Your TV To The Wall

Mounting a flat screen television to your wall is probably more difficult than you would think. If you do not know what you are doing this is definitely a job you should stay away from, after all, you did spend a lot of money on that beautiful flat screen TV didn't you? So don't risk installing the television poorly and letting the TV crash to the ground.

If you think that you have what it takes to install your television wall mount by yourself the first thing that you will want to consider when purchasing you flat screen television wall mount is whether or not your flat screen television model has the ability to be mounted to your wall. Make sure to read over your owners manual and look to see if the owners manual mentions VESA, which stands for Video Electronics Standards Association. If your television has this abbreviation then you know that the television meets the standards of being able to be properly mounted to the wall.

The next thing to consider is what type of wall mount is going to be right for you. You want to figure out where you will be viewing the television and if you might want to turn the television right or left providing you with more options for places to sit and see the TV well. Also you can get wall mounts that tilt up and down, or articulating wall mounts which tilt up and down as well as swivel left and right. Just think about your room and how it is arranged and decide if you will want to provide yourself with different options for where to sit. If you think you might want to sit in a few different areas you should at least consider the swiveling wall mount if not the articulating wall mount.

After you have narrowed down what type of wall mount you are going to go with you can consider the installation of the wall mount. Again, if you don't have the tools or knowledge to do this properly you should definitely hire a professional. Figure out where you are going to mount the television, and then make sure that you have the appropriate tools for the job. Usually you will need a stud finder, screw drivers, a tape measure, a socket wrench and a cordless drill at the very least. Make sure that you read the owners manual for proper installation and follow it very carefully, this will make sure that you don't mess it up and it ensures that your television is safely mounted.

About the Author

Tony has extensive knowledge on flat screen tv wall mounts and also provides knowledge on installing TV wall mounts.

what are the basic complete tools for changing spark plugs?

I have no problems changing the plugs on the 4 cyl where just one plug may be a bit obstructed by an alternator, but what tool set will allow me to handle all, or nearly all, plug changes without getting underneath the car or becoming a contortionist. I have one swivel socket, 5/8, an extension, and a red plastic thng I use to start the plug I'm placing into the socket which i then turn by hand, followd by a turn from the socket wrench to tighten completely. I've been asked to do plug changes for the local senior complex..Thanks.

Here is a basic list of tools that will cover most of the situations you encounter:

- 5/8" thin-wall spark plug socket
- 13/16" thin-wall spark plug socket
(There are 2 different sized plugs. Make sure they are thin-walled as some plugs are recessed in small holes. Good sockets will have a rubber grip insert inside to hold the plug while you remove it so it doesn't fall, you could also use it as a plug starter & leave it on the plug and just plug in the extension & tighten. You can also get sockets that have built-in swivels on the ends that you can use with the one you already have if needed.)
- 3/8" drive ratchet
- 3/8" drive extensions of various lengths (1", 3", 5" 11", 19" are the ones I have and can be combined together as needed. The reason for the long ones are that sometimes the best way to access plugs are through the wheel well with the car jacked up slightly. Also nice for plugs in the back so that you aren't crawling onto the car to reach them.)
- flashlight
- mirror on an pivotable extension shaft (they make them just for automotive type of work. Get a decent sized mirror of 2"x4" or so to make it easy to use.)
- plug gap gauge (usually around $1-$2 at an auto parts store)
- can of compressed air (to blow dirt out around the base of the plug before removing it (find at most computer stores around $2-$4)
- plug wire puller may help for those tight spots

Sometimes it is necessary to move or remove engine parts (i.e. alternator, PS pump, A/C compressor, etc..) to gain access to certain plugs. A good set of metric and SAE combination wrenches and 3/8" drive sockets can come in handy.

Hope that helps. Best of luck.