When you purchase a wall mount, you will find a ton of hardware in the package. If you decide to mount your TV on drywall, then you will use only some of the hardware available.
In the case of a masonry wall, you might need some additional hardware that you can find at a local hardware store. Either way, you will not be using all of the hardware in the package.
In this post, we will tell you what one of the hardware equipment, spacers, is used for and how they work.
Quick summary
Before we discuss the topic further, let’s take a look at what this post entails:
- What Are Spacers?
- Spacers vs Washers vs Standoffs
- How to Use Spacers – Guide with Instructions
- Types of Spacers
- Frequently Asked Questions
We can now begin with our post.
What Are Spacers?
Spacers are hardware equipment to increase space between two materials being fastened together.
They are typically the size of a tube with space running through them where a fastener, such as a screw, is to be inserted.
A spacer is usually made up of the following materials:
- Ceramic
- PVC
- Stainless steel
- Brass
- POM
The primary purpose of spacers is to create enough space between an electronic and a surface to provide sufficient airflow to cool down the item.
Spacers vs Washers vs Standoffs
Washers, spacers, and standoffs are the same type of hardware considering that they perform the same function. All of them are often referred to as spacers because they create space between two surfaces.
Spacers vs Washers
The difference is that spacers are a thick version of washers. Washers have no precise thickness, on the other hand, spacers resemble tiny tubes.
So any place where you need extra space, you should use spacers instead of washers such as behind the TV so that the vents can get proper ventilation.
Spacers vs Standoffs
The primary difference between a standoff and a spacer is that standoffs come with a threaded hole which means it does not require a fastener.
How to Use Spacers?
There are two places where a spacer is supposed to be used when it comes to mounting your TV on the wall.
Purpose #1
If your TV has a curved back, then it will not fit the mounting bracket that should be fixed to the TV. Therefore, you need to use spacers to mount the bracket to the TV.
The spacers will be available in the mounting hardware.
Remove the four screws present in the mounting holes at the back of your TV. Place spacers on the holes and insert screws. Now you can attach the TV to the bracket easily.
Purpose #2
The primary function of a spacer is to allow electronic insulation and air ventilation for a piece of mounted equipment to cool down.
Therefore, you need to add spacers on the point holes you drill in the wall. Place the spacers over these holes and screw in the bolts available in the mounting hardware.
The longer screws are available in the mounting hardware specifically for the purpose to be inserted into the spacers.
Tip:
You should never use multiple spacers with one bolt. However, you can use metal washers along with the spacers to provide extra space if the length of the bolt allows it.
Types of Spacers
You can differentiate between various types of spacers based on their tube-like holes.
Basic Spacers
These spacers look like pipes or tubes, as aforementioned. They have a clearance hole running through the middle where bolts are supposed to be inserted.
This means that the threads of the bolt do not engage with the spacer. Since a spacer cannot be tightened directly, therefore it is most common to use a round-shaped spacer.
Hexagonal Spacers
These spacers have a hexagonal outer profile with a basic clearance hole running through the center. They perform the same function as a regular spacer.
However, due to their flat hexagonal profile, they have the additional feature to thread into the self-tapping screw or the stud as well.
Hexagonal spacers are generally made from softer materials such as brass or nylon.
Span-in Spacers
These spacers have a threaded hole on one end and a sprung push fish fastener on the other end. This makes it easier to fasten a spacer. These spacers are a type of standoff rather than a spacer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where should you add spacers on a TV mount?
You have to insert spacers on the backside of the TV against the wall when wall mounting your TV. The spacers go on the TV’s side while the washers are added on the wall mount side against the head of the bolt.
Make sure you do not use multiple spacers on a bolt but you can use a washer with a spacer if the bolt has enough length.
What is a screw spacer used for?
Spacers are used to increase space between two parts that are being attached together, for example, wall mounting a TV. They are usually the length of a tube through which you can insert a bolt as a fastener.
A thin or short spacer is typically called a washer and a threaded spacer is called a standoff.
How to determine if your TV mount needs a spacer?
Look out for the following cases:
- The back of the TV is not flat
- Screw-holes are recessed
In such instances, the bracket that attaches to the TV where the screws are inserted could bend and hold your TV insecurely. To avoid such circumstances, spacers are used to ensure that the bracket firmly holds the TV.
Final Verdict
This concludes our post on “How to Use Spacers on a TV Mount” with a complete guide to help you understand what spacers are used for.
Spacers can help air ventilate your TV or any other wall-mounted device by creating distance between the wall and the item. Moreover, they create sufficient space behind the TV for you to adjust wires and cords.
You need to make sure that you differentiate between washers, standoffs, and spacers correctly. If you use washers instead of spacers then you might not get the space behind the TV that you were hoping for.
Feel free to reach out to us for any other queries.
Adam F.
A/V and Home Theater Expert that focuses on providing clear as well as concise reviews for anything and everything Audio Visual. From TV's, TV Mounts, Soundbars, and Wiring, my focus is to provide expertise in everything Audio Visual focused.