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TV Mounting Tools and Equipment Guide

A comprehensive guide to tools and equipment needed for TV mounting in UK homes. From drills and bits to stud finders and cable management, this covers everything needed for a professional installation.

Essential Tools for TV Mounting

The basic TV mounting toolkit: SDS or hammer drill with masonry bits (6mm, 8mm, 10mm), wood bits (3mm, 5mm) for stud walls, HSS bits (4mm, 6mm) for metal studs, stud finder (Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710 £45, Bosch GMS 120 £55), laser level (Bosch PLL 1 P £40, Huepar 2-line £50), spirit level (Stabila 60cm £20), torque wrench (Sealey AK6241 £30, Clarke CHT463 £25), impact driver (DeWalt DCF887 £130, Ryobi R18ID £70), screwdriver set, spanner set (8-13mm), wire and cable detector (Bosch GMS 120 detects live cables £55), TV lift assist handles (£12 from Amazon UK), tape measure (Stanley FatMax 5m £15), pencil, and safety equipment including safety glasses. For concrete walls add an SDS Max drill (hire HSS £30/day), carbide-tipped SDS bits (£15-£25), and dust extraction vacuum attachment (£20). For stud walls add a flexible probe wire (£5) and toggle anchors (£8 pack). For professional installation add a torque wrench to avoid overtightening fixings.

Optional Tools for Better Results

For cable management: brush wall plates (£5-£12 each), mini trunking (D-line £10 for 2m), right-angle HDMI adapters (£8-£12), HDMI cable clips (£5 pack), Velcro cable ties (£6 pack). For heat management: IR extender cable (£10) if the TV blocks the remote sensor, thermal camera (compact FLIR for smartphone £200) to check temperature above fireplace. For TV positioning: TV height calculator app (free), viewing distance calculator. For extra safety: TV safety tether (£8-£15). UK tool hire: HSS Hire for SDS drills (£25-£40/day), Jewson for masonry bits, Speedy Hire for specialist tools. Buy fixings from Screwfix or Toolstation. Total cost for basic toolkit from scratch: drill £50-£130, stud finder £15-£45, laser level £30-£50, bits £10-£20, spanners £10-£15, torque wrench £25-£30 -- total £140-£290. Hiring major tools reduces the one-time investment significantly.

Specifications and Comparison

Tool Purpose Buy Price Range Hire Price UK Where to Buy UK
SDS drill Drilling brick and concrete £60-£150 £25-£40/day Screwfix, Toolstation, B&Q
Stud finder Locating studs in walls £15-£55 N/A Screwfix, B&Q, Amazon UK
Laser level Level bracket alignment £30-£80 £15/day Screwfix, B&Q, Toolstation
Torque wrench Correct fixing tightness £25-£35 £10/day Halfords, Sealey, Amazon UK
TV lift assist handles Safe TV lifting £10-£15 N/A Amazon UK

FAQ

What is the most important tool for TV mounting?
A stud finder is essential for identifying wall type and locating studs. The Franklin Sensors ProSensor 710 at £45 is recommended for its deep scan capability through 30mm of plasterboard.
Do I need a torque wrench for TV mounting?
Strongly recommended but not essential. A torque wrench ensures fixings are tightened correctly -- not too loose and not too tight. Over-tightening can strip fixings or damage wall plugs.
Can I use a standard drill for brick walls?
Standard hammer drills work for soft brick. For hard brick, engineering brick, or concrete use an SDS drill. Hire from HSS Hire for £25-£40 per day if you do not own one.
Where can I buy TV mounting tools in the UK?
Screwfix and Toolstation are the best for fixings and drills. B&Q for general hardware. Amazon UK for TV lift handles and right-angle adapters. Halfords for torque wrenches.
What tools do I need for plasterboard TV mounting?
Stud finder, cavity fixing tool (Gripit tool £15 from Screwfix), drill with 3mm bit, tape measure, pencil, and level. The Gripit plasterboard fixing kit includes the tool and fixings. For more information see our TV Mounting Safety Checklist.

Last updated: 2026-05-31.

External Resources

For further information consult authority guidelines at the British Standards Institution (BSI).