Why is my wall-mounted TV tilting forward?

Work out which part is moving

A TV that leans forward is one of two problems, and they have very different fixes. In the first, the screen tips downward on the mount's tilt joint while the wall plate stays put. That is a loose tension setting and is easy to correct. In the second, the plate itself is shifting against the wall. That means the fasteners are no longer holding, and the TV needs to come down.

To tell them apart, have a helper steady the TV. Gently push the top edge forward and back and watch the wall plate, or the edge of the mount nearest the wall. If the mount body stays still and the screen pivots, you are in the first case. If you see the plate rock, a gap open at its top edge, or fine cracks in the paint or drywall around it, you are in the second.

If only the screen tips: tilt tension

Tilting mounts have an adjustable friction setting at the tilt joint. Over months of nudging the TV, it loosens. The manufacturers describe the target the same way: your TV should adjust easily when moved, then stay in place.^[1]

Sanus says to adjust the tilt tension knob if the TV naturally tilts up or down.^[1] Echogear says that if the TV is too loose or too tight, you adjust the tension knob.^[2] The knob is usually on or beside the arm, and some mounts need the small tool or hex key that came in the box.

Turn it a little at a time and test. Echogear's manual says to make only small increment adjustments at a time and not to over-tighten.^[2] If the TV holds its angle but still moves when you push it, stop there. Leave it tilted for a day before you decide it worked.

Check the lock and the weight

Two other things cause a forward lean. The first is the lock that holds the TV on the plate. On the Sanus mount, the cable holder and securement screw must be in place and tightened to securely fasten the TV to the wall plate.^[1] If someone took the TV off to move it and left the screw out, the TV can ride forward on the plate. Check that yours is there.

The second is weight. The mount has a stated maximum, and Echogear is direct about going over it: use with products heavier than the maximum weights indicated may result in collapse of the mount and its accessories, causing possible injury.^[2] That matters if you replaced the TV with a bigger one, or added a soundbar or shelf to the arm. The wall also has a limit: Sanus says the wall must be capable of supporting five times the weight of the TV and mount combined.^[1]

If the plate itself is moving

A moving plate is not a tilt problem. Sanus says all four lag bolts must be firmly tightened to prevent unwanted movement of the wall plate.^[1] The usual reasons they have lost their hold are bolts that were not centered in the stud (Sanus says to be sure you drill into the center of the stud^[1]), a pilot hole that was too big, or a mount that was fastened to drywall rather than framing.

Do not simply crank the bolts. Echogear warns not to over-tighten the lag bolts, and to tighten only enough to securely fasten the wall plate to the wall.^[2] If a bolt spins without tightening, it has stripped its hole. Take the TV down with a helper and leave the fix to someone who can re-anchor it properly. The guide to mounting a TV on drywall shows how the plate is meant to be fastened.

Falling TVs are a real hazard. CPSC reports that about 70 percent of the children's tip-over fatalities it counted between 2000 and 2010 (169 incidents) involved falling TVs.^[3] A plate that is working loose is not something to live with.

Stop and call a pro if

• The wall plate rocks, shows a gap, or the drywall around it is cracking. Take the TV down with a helper and keep it off the mount.
• A lag bolt spins or pulls out. The stud no longer holds it. Do not add longer bolts or anchors on your own.
• The TV and mount are heavier than the rating. Replace the mount with one rated for the load.
• You hear creaking or see the arm sag when extended. The arm or joint may be failing.
• You cannot find solid framing behind the plate. A pro can find the studs and re-fasten it.

Getting help in Virginia

For routine checks after you have fixed it, see how to check that a wall-mounted TV is still secure. If you are weighing the cost of having it re-hung, read how much TV mounting costs in Virginia, browse more handyman answers or find help in handyman services.

When you want a pro to look at it, describe your TV and wall and local handymen will quote it.