How to Mount Rear Speakers and Hide Wire

For surround-sound systems to truly surround you, rear speakers are a must. Here's how to mount them and conceal the speaker wire in the wall and ceiling:

Materials and Tools:

stepladder
tape
awl
stud finder
tape measure
flashlight
reversible screwdriver
pencil
Allen wrench
wire cutters
spool of stiff wire
wire strippers
drill
dust mask
safety goggles
speaker wire
speaker mounts (kit)
cover plate

Steps:

1. Decide where you want to mount the speakers and locate a stud or ceiling joist at each mounting point with the stud finder. Mark the location of the studs with pieces of tape. Measure and mark the distance out from the wall.

2. Use an awl to punch a hole in the ceiling so you can run the speaker wires. Make the hole just large enough for the speaker wire. Insert a length of stiff wire through the hole to act as a guide wire. Note: You will need attic access to the space above the room to hide the speaker wires in the ceiling.

3. Position the mounting brackets, and mark points where you'll drill into the ceiling joist. Use the awl to punch a hole in the drywall, and mark the points.

4. Drill straight up through the drywall into the joist. Attach the bracket with supplied hardware. Repeat the process for the second speaker bracket.

5. Run the speaker wires, starting at the point behind your receiver or amplifier. If you have cable, remove the cover plate at the cable outlet and run a stiff wire up the wall and into the attic above.

6. Go to the attic with enough speaker wire to run from the receiver to the speakers. If your attic is filled with insulation, make sure you wear gloves and protective clothing to avoid irritation.

7. Tape the ends of the speaker wires (one for each speaker) to the guide wire and pull the speaker wire down the wall to your receiver. Leave enough slack to work with.

8. Feed the ends of the wires through the cover plate, strip the ends with the wire stripper and secure the plate back over the junction box.

9. Feed the other ends of the speaker wires through the holes you punched next to the speaker brackets. Strip enough insulation from the ends to attach the wires to the speakers.

10. Loosen the swivel mounts on the brackets with an Allen wrench (or other suitable tool), and position the swivels so they're pointing down, making it easier to attach the speakers.

11. Attach the speaker wires and feed any excess wire back into the ceiling. Aim the speakers so they're pointing toward the listening area, and lock down the swivel brackets.