Being a high rise a 2" (actual dimension) thick wall is likely to be some sort of proprietary framing system - it can't be standard framing (2x3 walls are at least 3-1/2" thick . . . . 2x4 walls on edge are 2-1/2". The smallest metal stud used for framing is 1-5/8" which would create a wall at least 2-5/8" thick) - or masonry.
I know you said its an interior wall made from plaster . . . so my first thought would be a 'bridge stud" . . . . they were made as late as the '60's and '70's (when was this thing built?), and there were some small enough to get a 2" wall (they look like little bar joists stood on edge). There also used to some 1-1/2" masonry units - they were a type of clay block . . . plaster was applied directly to the block. If its either of those, good luck . . . . the best way to fasten to them is to drill through and use bolts from the other side . . . . assuming the other side in in the same apartment, you could (very carefully) countersink the heads and finish over them.
Drilling thru the wall would tell you more. If they'll let you test . . . drill a couple of holes and let me know what you find.

Installing a simple venting system with AC fans connected to switched outlet (reciever) is very easy to do. If the plasma is in a fireplace area, there is often opportunity to vent to the outside. We have had this done on occasion. The plasmas we have recessed are on a sliding track system allowing them to be pulled out like you would pull out a drawer for easy servicing and installation. The gap around the opening of the chasis is behind the front bezel which can't be seen yet allows air to be drawn in for cooling. (Fujitsu 42", and Fujitsu 50" models)

We had a client who wanted two plasmas mounted, one on top of the other, in a recess above a fireplace with about one inch on all sides. She had no interest in using a bracket, even a shallow one, because the recess is only about 6" deep.

I looked at the manual (and have looked at several since; they are all pretty much the same) and found that the manufacturer wanted two inches on each side and at least two inches behind. I think they are covering themselves in case someone has a heat problem when they trap one of these in a recess.

We told her we would mount it if she would sign an indemnification against any problems. Oddly, as she was so insistent, she would not sign it. She got another installation company out there and they refused to mount it.

The upshot of this was that their general contractor took some steel strap, 1/8" thick, hung the plasma on it, and hung that from the back of the recess. I have no idea how he reached in to bolt it. They both look great, but I am glad that I am not responsible for them overheating.


Metal studs are steel (tell this to anyone who refers to them as aluminum), about 1/16" thick. Any metal drill bit will drill through these. If you have a metal beam that is thicker than that, chances are that drilling through it will weaken it, so you should not.

I have mounted plasmas to metal studs using toggle bolts through the steel. This way, the toggle is a solid piece of metal behind the wall, so I do not have to depend on a screw being held from pullout by 1/16" of steel. Also, since the toggle is behind the stud, it is held from pulling through the drywall, too, as the stud would have to be deformed and pulled through.

My favorite for this is the toggler, which is similar to a toggle bolt in that a threaded piece goes behind the wall, but it is one piece of metal. If you overtighten a regular toggle bolt, the little central threaded part can actually pull out of the wings. This one won't do that. Also, the back part is connected to a nylon washer on the front of the wall, so you can take the bolt out and the toggle does not fall down inside the wall.

This message was edited by Ernie Bornn-Gilman on 08/23/04 15:02 ET.

No matter how small a plasma we hang, we will drill new holes in whatever bracket we are using in order to catch at one stud. We never have and never will hang a plasma on merely sheet rock. I don't don't care what they spec the zippits to hold!

Thanks guys for all the great responses, i actually went back to the womens house that i just toggled to the sheet rock, and got a metal bit to drill through the metal studs, and toggle the bracket to the studs using the toggler bolt, Feel a WHOLE lot better. thanks for the advice

Hi all, interesting bits of info...I actually wanted some advice re fitting a 42" plasma on a wall above a gas fireplace. Different sources have said it can be done, whilst others say that the heat from the fire can cause it to overheat. Is this true?? If this were to happen, would it covered in my stupidly expensive extended warranty? This would be my first mount! Please help...