Jan 19, 2026
TV Mounting (Service) Tools: Complete Guide for New York City (NYC) Apartments
TV Mounting (Service) Tools: Complete Guide for New York City (NYC) Apartments
TL;DR – Quick Tool List
Don't have time to read the whole guide? Here's exactly what you need.
Essential Tools (In Order of Importance):
https://amzn.to/4qxtzZY – Impact Driver or Cordless Drill
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-SHOCKWAVE-Carbide-Hammer-Drill-Bit-Set-10-Piece-48-20-9058/321506380 – Concrete Drill Bits
https://amzn.to/4bE8jNk – Laser Level and https://amzn.to/4bMCKRs Tripod
https://amzn.to/49tNaUH – Measuring Tape
https://www.nyctvguy.com/recommendations – TV Mount Bracket
Wall Anchors (Choose Based on Your Wall Type):
Metal Studs? https://amzn.to/4pIgAmP – Toggle Anchors
Wood Studs? https://amzn.to/4qw4uP3 – Stud Finder
Brick? https://amzn.to/4jL85WK – Lag Bolt Anchors
Thin Plaster/Concrete? https://amzn.to/4jJiPVy – Heavy-Duty Anchors
Fasteners:
https://amzn.to/4jL85WK – Lag Bolts
https://amzn.to/4a2SONK – Nut Drivers (Metric and Imperial)
https://amzn.to/4jWGO3W – Screwdriver Bits
Nice-to-Have Tools:
https://amzn.to/4bqslLt – Hammer
https://amzn.to/49IVKOl – Allen Key Set
https://amzn.to/4qCb0E4 – TV Spacers
https://amzn.to/4pQ0F62 – Blue Painter's Tape
https://amzn.to/3LREfU4 – Ratchet Set
Cost Estimate: $300-500+ for all tools if buying for the first time.
Still too complicated? https://www.nyctvguy.com/booking – Book a professional TV mounting service instead. We'll handle all the tools and complexity for you.
Table of Contents
Ready to Book Your Professional TV Mounting Service?
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Don't want to deal with the tools and complexity? Let our professional TV mounting service handle it for you. We'll have your TV mounted safely and securely in no time.
Who Am I?
Hi, I'm Temi, owner and operator of NYC TV Guy, your trusted source for professional TV mounting service in New York City. I've been providing professional TV mounting installation throughout NYC for over three years now and have successfully installed over 4,000 TVs. Whether you're looking for TV mounting near me in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx, I've tackled every TV mounting challenge NYC throws at you.
New York City has been incredibly good to me, and this guide is my way of giving back to DIY enthusiasts who want to tackle their own TV mounting projects. If you're determined to mount a TV in your NYC apartment yourself, I want to make sure you have the right tools and knowledge to do it safely and correctly the first time.
Why Do You Need the Right Tools for TV Mounting?
Here's the honest truth: mounting a TV with the wrong tools is a recipe for frustration, especially in NYC apartments where every building is different.
I've seen countless people try to cut corners on tools when doing TV mounting installation, and it always ends the same way. They spend hours struggling, damage their walls, and end up calling a professional TV mounting service anyway at a higher cost than if they'd just called from the start.
The right tools for TV mounting do three critical things:
Cut your time in half. A quality drill bit punches through concrete or brick in minutes instead of hours. A cheap bit? You're stuck on one hole for what feels like forever.
Prevent wall damage. Using the proper anchors and screws for your specific wall type means your TV stays secure and your walls stay intact. NYC apartments have drywall, plaster, brick, concrete—each one needs something different.
Ensure safety. Your TV mount needs to be perfectly level and properly secured. Tools like laser levels and stud finders aren't optional. They're essential for keeping your expensive TV and your family safe.
This guide covers everything you need for TV mounting in any NYC apartment or home. Whether you're doing TV mounting in a pre-war Manhattan building with plaster walls, a modern condo with metal studs, or a classic Brooklyn brownstone with brick, I'll show you exactly what tools you need.
Essential Tools for TV Mounting in NYC
When you're doing a TV mounting installation in New York City, you need the right tools. Here are the must-haves for any professional TV mounting job in NYC apartments and homes.
1. A Quality Drill or Impact Driver
Why This Matters:
This is the foundation of any TV mounting project. Without a powerful drill, you're dead in the water. When you're drilling through concrete, brick, or plaster walls common in NYC apartments, a weak drill won't cut it.
I use an impact driver for every professional TV mounting installation I do in NYC. It might seem like overkill, but once you have one, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. The impact mechanism gives you the extra torque needed to power through tough NYC apartment walls.
Your Options:
Impact Driver (My Recommendation): https://amzn.to/4qxtzZY
Get a 20V cordless model. That's all you need.
Powerful Drill Alternative (Budget-Friendly): https://amzn.to/4qxtzZY
Pro Tip: Either way, go cordless. You'll be working in tight spaces where an extension cord just gets in the way.
2. Concrete Drill Bits (Your Secret Weapon)
Why This Matters:
Here's something most people don't realize: the drill bit matters more than the drill itself.
A cheap drill bit will slide off your wall, make dents, and waste your time. Quality concrete drill bits will punch through anything: drywall, plaster, brick, concrete, stone. That's the reality of TV mounting in New York City. Your apartment might have multiple wall types, and you need tools that work on all of them.
What You Need:
Concrete/Masonry Drill Bit Set: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-SHOCKWAVE-Carbide-Hammer-Drill-Bit-Set-10-Piece-48-20-9058/321506380
Includes multiple sizes from 1/8" to 1/2" and works on drywall, plaster, brick, and concrete.
Pro Tip: Get a set, not individual bits. You'll use different sizes depending on your anchors and wall type. When I'm doing a professional TV mounting job, I always have my full set ready.
3. Laser Level with Tripod Stand
Why This Matters:
A laser level makes sure your installation is straight. If your TV is crooked, it's going to drive you crazy every time you watch it. Plus, when mounting in NYC apartments with uneven walls (common in older buildings), a laser level is essential to find true level.
What You Need:
Laser Level: https://amzn.to/4bE8jNk
Tripod Stand for Laser Level: https://amzn.to/4bMCKRs
Why the Tripod? Hands-free operation. You hold the drill with one hand while the laser stays perfectly in place. It's a game-changer for any wall mounting project.
Pro Tip: The laser level is useful for way more than TV mounting. Picture frames, shelving, architectural accents. Once you have it, you'll use it constantly.
4. Measuring Tape
Why This Matters:
Precision matters. You can't install a TV mount at the right height without knowing your measurements. You need to measure from the floor, from the sides, from studs, everything.
What You Need:
Measuring Tape (25 ft): https://amzn.to/49tNaUH
Pro Tip: Get a tape with a locking mechanism. It'll stay extended while you work instead of collapsing on you mid-measurement.
5. TV Mount Bracket
Why This Matters:
You can't mount a TV without a mount. But different TVs and different wall types require different mounts. A full-motion mount for a living room is different from a low-profile mount for a bedroom.
What You Need:
TV Mount Bracket: https://www.nyctvguy.com/recommendations
Pro Tip: Match your mount to your wall type. All walls are not equal. Check out our guide to know what to pick.
6. Wall Anchors (The Most Critical Decision)
Why This Matters:
Wall anchors are what actually hold your TV on the wall. Get this wrong and your TV comes crashing down. In NYC, you'll encounter different wall types, and each one requires different anchors. This is where professional TV mounting knowledge really matters.
An anchor is a fastener that secures your screws to the wall. Without it, the screws have nothing to grip and will fall out.
For Metal Stud Walls (Modern NYC Apartments and Condos)
Many newer NYC buildings have metal studs instead of wood. If your apartment was built or renovated in the last 20-30 years, you likely have metal studs.
Toggle anchors are your tool of choice: https://amzn.to/4pIgAmP
Toggle anchors are designed specifically for metal studs, have extremely strong holding power, and come with their own screws.
Pro Tip: Toggle anchors require a larger pilot hole, which is why you need that quality concrete drill bit. Don't try this with a cheap bit.
For Wood Stud Walls (Townhouses and Older Renovated Buildings)
If you're in an older townhouse or a building renovated with new wood framing, you can mount directly to wood studs. No anchor needed.
Here's what you need:
Stud Finder (to locate the studs): https://amzn.to/4qw4uP3
Works great for newer construction and post-war buildings. No batteries needed. Super reliable.
Advanced Electronic Stud Finder (optional, for verification): https://amzn.to/4sNKQPT
Pro Tip: When you find a stud with your magnet finder, verify it with the electronic finder. I always use two stud finders on professional jobs to be 100% certain.
For Brick Walls (Classic NYC Brownstones)
Mounting a TV on brick is common in NYC and requires lag bolt anchors.
Lag Bolt Anchor Kit: https://amzn.to/4jL85WK
Perfect for brick, concrete, and stone walls. Extremely strong and reliable.
Critical Rule: Mount into the brick itself, never between the bricks. The mortar won't hold. You need solid brick.
For NYC NYCHA Buildings and Concrete Walls (Thin Walls)
NYCHA buildings and some NYC apartments have plaster over concrete with really thin walls, often less than 3 inches thick. These are tricky because standard anchors won't work.
For Thin Walls (under 3 inches):
Heavy-Duty Drywall Anchors (designed for thin walls): https://amzn.to/4jJiPVy
You'll need more of these than in standard walls. Space them properly for weight distribution. Critical for TV mounting safety in thin-walled apartments.
For Thick Concrete Walls (over 3 inches):
Use the lag bolt anchors mentioned above. They'll bite deep into the concrete.
Pro Tip: If you're unsure about your wall type, knock on the wall and listen. Plaster sounds hollow-ish. Concrete sounds solid and heavy. When in doubt, use the heavy-duty anchors for thin walls. They're more forgiving.
7. Screws and Fasteners
Why This Matters:
Different anchors come with different screws. You need the right ones for your specific anchor type and wall.
What You Need:
Screws for Toggle Anchors: https://amzn.to/4pIgAmP
Usually included with toggle anchors, but good to have extras.
Lag Bolts (for brick/concrete): https://amzn.to/4jL85WK
Comes in different gauges and lengths. Match to your anchor kit specifications.
Wood Screws (for stud mounting): 3-4 inches long typically. Use when mounting directly to wood studs.
8. Nut Drivers
Why This Matters:
Lag bolts require nut drivers to tighten them securely. You can't do this with a regular screwdriver.
What You Need:
Metric Nut Driver Set: https://amzn.to/4a2SONK
Imperial Nut Driver Set: https://amzn.to/4a2SONK
Different measurements, but same concept.
Pro Tip: Get both metric and imperial sets. You never know what your mount manufacturer will specify.
9. Screwdriver and Screwdriver Bits
Why This Matters:
You'll need a screwdriver for mounting bracket screws and securing your TV to the mount itself.
What You Need:
Power Drill Screwdriver Bit Set: https://amzn.to/4jWGO3W
Includes Phillips, flathead, and specialty bits. Works with your cordless drill.
Manual Screwdriver (long handle, 12"+): https://amzn.to/4jOiy3F
Once your TV is on the wall, you might need to reach behind it to tighten bolts or plug things in. A long screwdriver lets you reach areas your hand can't.
Miscellaneous Tools (Nice-to-Have)
These aren't absolutely essential, but they'll make your project easier and more professional-looking.
Hammer https://amzn.to/4bqslLt
Sometimes anchors need a gentle tap to seat properly.
Allen Key Set https://amzn.to/49IVKOl
Many TV mounts use Allen keys to adjust and tighten bolts.
TV Spacers https://amzn.to/4qCb0E4
Create space between your TV and the wall, helpful if screw holes are shallow or you need room to plug in cables.
Blue Painter's Tape https://amzn.to/4pQ0F62
Mark drilling points without damaging walls or drawing permanent marks. Use this with your laser level to mark the exact spots where you'll drill.
Ratchet and Socket Set https://amzn.to/3LREfU4
Tighten bolts when your nut driver doesn't fit or you need more leverage.
Level https://amzn.to/4bE8jNk
Optional verification tool. You have a laser level, but a physical level works too.
Quick Reference: Tools by NYC Wall Type
In a Modern NYC Apartment (Metal Studs, Drywall)?
Impact drill, concrete bits, toggle anchors, laser level, measuring tape, screwdrivers.
In an Older NYC Townhouse (Wood Studs)?
Drill, concrete bits, stud finders, wood screws, laser level, measuring tape.
In a Classic NYC Brownstone (Brick Walls)?
Impact drill, concrete bits, lag bolt anchors, nut drivers, laser level, measuring tape.
In a NYCHA Building (Thin Plaster/Concrete Walls)?
Impact drill, concrete bits, heavy-duty drywall anchors, laser level, measuring tape.
The Bottom Line
Mounting a TV yourself in an NYC apartment is possible if you have the right tools and knowledge. But here's what I learned after mounting thousands of TVs in New York City: the time and stress you save by hiring a professional TV mounting service is often worth far more than the cost.
Quality tools aren't cheap. A decent impact drill runs $100-150. Laser level? Another $50-100. Bits, anchors, mounts, fasteners? Add another $100-200. You're easily $300-500+ deep in tools before you even start, and that's if everything goes smoothly.
Plus, if you make one mistake during TV mounting installation—wrong anchor in the wrong wall type, TV mounted at the wrong height, uneven installation—you could damage your walls, damage your TV, or worse, have your TV come crashing down.
Why Choose Professional TV Mounting in NYC?
Here's what you get when you hire NYC TV Guy for professional TV mounting service:
Expert knowledge of NYC wall types. I know drywall, plaster, concrete, brick, metal studs, thin walls, and everything in between in New York City apartments.
Professional tools and equipment. I already have everything needed for TV mounting installation. No need for you to buy.
Guaranteed safety and level installation. Your TV is properly secured and straight, period.
No wall damage. I know exactly where to drill in your NYC apartment and how to repair any damage.
Cable management included. Most of my professional TV mounting service includes organizing and hiding cables.
Warranty and guarantees. If something goes wrong with your TV mounting, I fix it.
Time savings. A professional TV mounting installation job takes 1-2 hours. DIY often takes an entire weekend or longer.
Ready to Book Your Professional TV Mounting Service?
https://www.nyctvguy.com/booking - Schedule Your Free TV Mounting Consultation
Whether you're in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, or anywhere else in NYC, I'm ready to mount your TV the right way.
Not ready yet? Keep reading our other guides on choosing the right TV mount, mounting height, mounting above fireplaces, cable management, and cost expectations.
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For more guides on TV mounting in NYC apartments, height guides, fireplace mounting, cable management, and cost expectations. visit our blog
NYC TV Guy – Professional TV Mounting Service in New York City
Temi, Owner and Operator
Over 4,000 successful TV installations
Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and the surrounding NYC area (New Jersey )
Last Updated: December 22, 2025