I was a little apprehensive in buying this item on Amazon. I could only find one review on Amazon prior to my purchase. The main complaint of the review was regarding the distance between the wall studs and that fact that this distance was not being spelled out in the specs. However, the review did state that the HRM-100 was "....definitely sturdy." I couldn't agree more. The HRM-100 is sturdy as an ox. It is solid steel and built very well. I'm currently using it for a 32" HDTV. I plan to swap out my TV for a 47" and I have no concerns regarding the ability of the HRM-100 to support a larger TV. Most homes in the U.S. were built to spec with the studs that are 16 inches apart. So, this should be a non-issue for most buyers. After bolting the HRM-100 to the wall with four huge bolts, I was ready to watch TV. The install was great and directions were sufficient. I recommend this to anyone. I couldn't believe the price on Amazon compared to other articulating mounts. The HRM-100 was approx 1/2 to 1/3 the price of other options. But a lower price definitely did not mean lower quality. I couldn't be more pleased with my purchase. Hercules(by Opteka) HRM-100 Super Strong Plasma and LCD TV Dual-Arm Articulating Wall Mount for 32-Inch to 60-Inch Displays (Black)
THE GOOD - The mount itself I rate as a 5 and highly recommend. Like the other reviews, I agree it is a great value, solid (built like a tank), high quality, and relatively easy to install (with good hardware-see below). Mounted a 50" plasma that weighs ~80 lbs. I cannot detect a degree of sag when the TV is turned and extended from the wall.
THE BAD - I rate the hardware that comes with the mount at a 1. There is no excuse for hardware this cheap. Like a couple of other reviews, I drilled the proper 3/16" size hole in the stud to mount the lag screw. With a 1/4" rachet drive, and moderate pressure, I twisted the head of the lag screw right off 3/4 of the way in. This presents a major problem, because I measured very carefully, ensuring that the unit was centered on the wall, level, etc. With the broken shank of the lag bolt embedded in the wall, there is no way to get it out, and the hole becomes unusable. Therefore, I needed to drill 4 new holes just higher, get better lag bolts and start again. Annoying and time consuming!
THE UGLY- One of the allen screws that anchors the TV hanger clips was so bent that it would not screw in without striping the threads. Hardware is cheap, unrated junk. Too bad, I would gladly pay an extra $1 for better hardware.
SOLUTION - If planning to install this TV mount in wood studs, before the mount arrives, go to the hardware store and purchase (4) 5/16" X 3" zinc plated lag screws. Anything at the hardware store in the US will be better than what comes with the mount. Most good bolts should have numbers and markings on the head, indicating strength/use. This hardware has none.
Drill a 3/16 hole (going from memory - whatever diameter is in the installation instructions) at least 3" into the wall. With the thickness of the drywall/plaster (typically 1/2" - 3/4") you will end up with a ~2 1/2" deep hole in the stud. A trick my father taught me - get a dry bar of soap and drag the lag screws across the soap bar, getting "shreads" of soap on the threads. This will make it easier to turn the lag screw and reduce the chances of the lag bolt breaking. Don't forget to use the washers on the end of the lag screws, and the cheapies that come with the mount should be fine.
Hopefully you will not also have a bent allen screw, otherwise that will be a separate trip to the store. Good luck!
Hello I bought this product about 1 week ago. I have a 47" TV and i was a little worried about the weight of my tv. Let me say this, After i mounted the mount to the wall hiting two studs. I hung from it. I weigh 215lbs.. And the mount didnt budge. This is a great product. My dad has a omin mount and says that this mount looks better, and you can run the wires alot easier wth this rather than the omni mount. This is a great pruduct. And i would like to hank the other reviews, because thats what sold this item. Im getting a 55" for my back room. No doubt that this mount will do the job. Thank You very much. Sgt James Heinold
I bought this product for my 40" Samsung Series 5 LCD. Because I was planning to upgrade it in the future to a 52", I went with the larger size. (And the HRM-100 is definitely sturdy.) However, my apartment already has pre-installed TV mount screws at 24" apart--a stud distance that is not that uncommon. BUT, the Hercules HRM-100 mount only supports a narrow range of 11.75"-18.00". I would not be upset *had they put this info in the product description*. But they did not, and now I am paying $20 to send it back. My $0.02: go with a product that has better explanation in the product description... or know for sure that you have 16" studs in your walls. - Lcd Wall Mount - Wall Mount - Articulating Wall Mount - Flat Panel Mounts'
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