1. Introduction
The Mount-It! MI-445 Pull Down TV Mount is designed to provide flexible and ergonomic viewing options for televisions ranging from 37 to 80 inches. Featuring a gas spring arm, this full-motion mount allows for smooth height adjustment, swivel, and tilt, making it ideal for installations above fireplaces or in areas requiring dynamic screen positioning. It supports VESA patterns up to 600x400 mm and TVs weighing up to 88 lbs.
Figure 1: Mount-It! MI-445 Pull Down TV Mount in its retracted position.
2. Safety Information
Prior to installation, ensure your mounting location meets the following safety requirements:
- Mantle Temperature: The temperature at the front of the fireplace mantle must not exceed 100°F (38°C) when the fireplace is in use.
- Wall Type: The mount is suitable for wood stud or solid concrete/brick walls. Drywall thickness must not exceed 5/8 inch.
- Stud Spacing: For wood stud mounting, studs must be spaced no more than 24 inches apart and symmetrically positioned for even installation.
- Weight Capacity: The mount supports TVs weighing between 61 lbs and 88 lbs. If your TV weighs less than 61 lbs, the gas spring arm may not fully lower under the TV's weight.
- Mantle Clearance: Ensure adequate vertical clearance between the bottom of the wall plate and the top of the mantle. Deeper mantles require higher vertical clearance to prevent interference with the TV and mount arm during movement.
Video 1: Installation overview for a similar Mount-It! fireplace TV mount, demonstrating initial setup considerations.
3. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Mount-It! |
| Model Number | MI-445 |
| Screen Size Compatibility | 37 to 80 inches |
| VESA Compatibility | Up to 600x400 mm (150x100, 150x150, 200x200, 200x300, 300x200, 200x400, 400x200, 300x300, 300x400, 400x300, 600x200, 400x400, 600x300, 600x400) |
| Weight Capacity | Up to 88 lbs |
| Movement Type | Articulating, Height Adjustable |
| Swivel Range | +/-90° |
| Tilt Range | +10°/-10° |
| Height Adjustment Range | 10.8 inches |
| Extension from Wall | 2.3 inches (min) to 22.4 inches (max) |
| Material | High-Strength Steel |
| Color | Black |
Figure 2: VESA compatibility and TV size range for the MI-445 mount.
Figure 3: Dimensions and extension range of the MI-445 mount.
4. Installation Guide
This section provides a step-by-step guide for installing your Mount-It! MI-445 Pull Down TV Mount. All necessary hardware is included in the package.
Video 2: Detailed installation instructions for the Mount-It! MI-445 Full Motion TV Wall Mount.
4.1. Wall Preparation
- Find the Center: Use a tape measure to find the center point of your mantle. Mark this center line with a pencil.
- Locate Studs (for Wood Stud Installation): Use a stud finder to locate the studs in your wall. Mark the edges of each stud with a pencil.
- Determine Template Placement: Refer to the mantle depth chart in your printed manual to determine the correct placement for the mounting template.
- Secure Template: Hold the template to the wall, ensuring it is level using a bubble level. Tape the template in the final mounting location.
- Mark Pilot Holes: Mark all designated pilot hole locations on the wall through the template.
- Drill Pilot Holes:
- For Wood Studs: Drill four pilot holes using a 3/16-inch drill bit to a depth of 2.7 inches. Ensure to drill into the center of the wood stud.
- For Concrete/Brick: Drill six pilot holes using a 3/8-inch masonry drill bit to a depth of 2.7 inches. Clear any dust and debris from the holes and insert the provided concrete anchors.
4.2. Mount Assembly
Figure 4: Key components of the MI-445 mount.
- Connect Spring Arm: Connect the spring arm to the wall plate using the provided bolts. Optionally, position the spring arm to the left or right of the wall plate as needed by sliding it to the required location.
- Hang VESA Plate: Hang the VESA plate onto the end of the spring arm.
- Secure VESA Plate: Secure the VESA plate to the end of the spring arm using the provided washers and nuts on the two lower bolts protruding through the end of the spring arm.
- Install Assembled Arm to Wall:
- For Wood Studs: Install the assembled arm to the wall using the four provided lag screws and washers.
- For Concrete/Brick: Insert the concrete anchors into the drilled holes, then install the assembled arm to the wall using the six provided lag screws and washers.
Note: It is recommended to use two people for this step.
- Lower the Arm: Pull the spring arm down until it is perpendicular to the wall. Insert the arm lock pin through the designated holes to lock the arm in the lowered position for easier access to hang the TV.
4.3. TV Attachment
- Attach VESA Arms to TV: Select the appropriate size mounting hardware for your TV's mounting holes. Attach the VESA arms using the selected bolts and tighten until secure. Do not over-tighten.
- Assemble Crossbar: Assemble the crossbar by attaching the crossbar latches over the bar as shown in the manual. Secure them together using the provided bolts and nuts.
- Attach Crossbar (No Soundbar): If a soundbar will not be connected, attach the crossbar at a height that is close to the bottom of the TV without being visible. Secure it to the VESA Arms using the provided bolts and tighten them until secure.
- Attach Crossbar (With Soundbar): To connect a soundbar, attach the crossbar so that it is below the bottom of the screen. Secure it to the VESA Arms using the provided bolts and tighten them until secure.
- Hang TV on Mount Arm: Hang the TV onto the horizontal supports of the mount arm, ensuring that the four points of contact are fully seated in their hooks.
- Install Safety Brackets: Install the safety brackets using the provided bolts in all four locations as shown in the manual.
- Optional Soundbar Installation: Attach the soundbar to the crossbar using the bolts (C4) or other bolts as identified by the user manual of your device. Adjust the height of the handle as needed.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1. Adjusting Spring Arm Tension
The gas spring arm tension needs to be adjusted to match your TV's weight for smooth, effortless movement.
Figure 5: Gas spring arm tension adjustment points.
- Remove the arm lock pin and keep the mount arm at a 90-degree angle.
- If the TV drops on its own: Increase tension by turning the adjustment bolt counter-clockwise towards the '+' sign.
- If the TV rises on its own: Decrease tension by turning the adjustment bolt clockwise towards the '-' sign.
- Adjust until the arm stops freely at the desired position.
Video 3: Demonstration of gas spring arm tension adjustment for the MI-445 mount.
5.2. Level Adjustment
The screen level can be adjusted by ±5°.
- Loosen the nuts on the lower back of the VESA plate.
- Adjust the screen to the desired level.
- Tighten the nuts back down to secure the level.
5.3. Tilt and Swivel Adjustments
The mount offers +/-90° swivel and +10°/-10° tilt for optimal viewing angles.
Figure 6: Full motion capabilities of the MI-445 mount.
- Tilt: Loosen the adjustment handle on the upper back sides of the VESA plate. Adjust to the desired tilt and tighten the handle back down.
- Swivel: Gently push or pull the TV to achieve the desired swivel angle. The mount's articulating arm allows for wide range of motion.
6. Cable Management
Integrated cable management clips help keep your setup tidy.
- Run cables through the cable management clips located on the underside of the mount arm.
- Leave enough slack in the cables to accommodate the full range of motion of the mount without tension.
7. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and safe operation of your TV mount:
- Regularly check all screws and connections to ensure they remain tight and secure.
- Clean the mount with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Do not exceed the maximum weight capacity of 88 lbs.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your mount, consider the following:
- Arm not lowering/raising smoothly: Adjust the gas spring arm tension as described in Section 5.1. Ensure your TV's weight is within the specified range (61-88 lbs).
- TV not sitting level: Adjust the level as described in Section 5.2. Ensure all mounting bolts are securely tightened.
- TV not sitting flush against the wall: Verify that the wall plate is installed correctly and the wall surface is even. Check for any obstructions behind the TV.
9. Warranty & Support
The Mount-It! MI-445 Pull Down TV Mount comes with a lifetime warranty. For any questions, assistance, or warranty claims, please contact Mount-It! customer service.
Visit the official Mount-It! website for further support and resources.
