Can't drill into the area just above window

redrabbit29

redrabbit29

redrabbit29

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I have a blind - made to measure, that needs to be fitted INSIDE the window recess. It is a venetian vertical blind. I can't use a wood batton as it will mean the blind doesn't fit. I can't really fit outside the window recess for the same reasons.

I tried drilling this the other day, got 1cm in and hit something solid.

My drill is an electrical Dewalt and I tried both on normal DRILL setting and on Hammer. I used black coloured Makita drill bits.

No matter what I did it wouldn't go any further.

My question is:

Is there anything else I can try or any thing I am missing? I have read some articles where people say it's pointless and it will never work as it's a metal beam or concrete, etc. Where as some others just say you need a special drill bit or have some other suggestions which I am not sure about

Thanks everyone - I'm entirely useless with DIY so any help is appreciated.
 
You've probably hit the metal lintel above the window. You basically need to keep drilling and eventually it will go through, then use some self tapping screws to secure your blind. Don't use the hammer setting and go at a slower speed, going to fast will create lots of heat and dull your drill bit I think.I did this last year and it took forever to get through the lintel but got through it eventually.
 
Don't use a masonry bit , use an HSS bit

High speed steel drill bits, known as HSS drill bits are ideal for everyday drilling into metal and plastic but will last longer if reserved for metalwork. The front edges will cut the material, whilst the spirals remove the debris from the hole.

In the past, I've successfully used a plastic wall plug pushed through the plaster and steel lintel...
 
As above it sounds like you're using a masonry drill bit which won't get very far on steel (assuming it's a steel lintel, as your masonry drill bit should have chewed through a concrete lintel).
 
when I was drilling my bedroom window to fit a curtain pole I drilled in to the ceiling and some kinda wire came out on the drill lol :D

pushed it back in the hole and carried on :P, I dunno what it was like a really old doorbell wire or something, not a proper electric cable

scared the hell out of me for a few seconds
 
When I put blinds up, I dont bother trying to drill the lintel, I just drill through the plaster until I hit it, then wodge a load of no nails paste in with the wall plug and put the screw into the wet paste.

I have never had an issue with the blinds coming off. I guess it depends how large/heavy your blind is.
 
If it is a metal lintel, as above, use a HSS bit. Sometimes drilling at a much slower speed can help the bit cut more efficiently through metal.
 
Uhtred said:
Use lots of preasure but not too much speed otherwise your bit will get too hot. Applying pressure upwards without using your body weight is hard obviously but there's a trick you can imploy using some wood and a clamp. This video explains how it can be done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FaEU4zC_6Q
Click to expand...

That's genius, i've never had to drill steel upwards before but that is a very good way to do it.

The key is always to use a lot of pressure and go slowly with metal, most people go too fast and don't press hard enough which knackers your drill bits and won't end up in a hole. Also steel work hardens as it gets hot so if you go too quickly the steel gets harder and it's a vicious cycle. That's why CNC type machines will normally be programmed to change drilling speed just before the bit breaks through as it saves wear when you're doing a 1000 holes.
 
I'm an idiot - I've been away for a week working and visiting family. I came back and tried again using the original masonary drill bit as the dust that was falling was brown - rather than metallic, so I think it may be concrete?

Anyway, the drill bit snapped and the drill hit the wall and chipped a big bit of plaster off - right on the edge of the window recess.

I've no idea how I am so incompetent at anything remotely DIY related

IMG-20210602-120749.jpg
 
Bit depressed about this tbh. I'm sick of not being able to do the simplest thing in DIY. I'm 36, I have a lot of tools, all the resources but just can't even hang a blind up.
 
Drilling in to lintels can be a bad idea. At some point you could hit steel and it then can be very tedious. Accuracy can go out the window ( no pun intended ) and you end up with a mess. What I find is always a very good idea is attach a good piece of wood to your poopy holes then attach the fitting to the wood. The wood needs to be the same length as your curtain, blind or whatever and about 50x20mm. The advantage of this is that once you have the wood fitted, not only is it easy to hang your blind or whatever, but its easy to fit a new blind or curtain rail in the future. I just paint them the same colour as the wall.

And don't worry, lintels really are a pain. I have done this for years and years and yet can still end up with a hole big enough to fit your head in. Once the wood is in place though you need never do it again.
 
Bit of filler will solve that no problem (polyfilla etc). Don't go overboard (use less in stages rather than more) then sand to suit.


Did you buy/try the multi construction bits i suggested? I imagine that'll solve the issue.
 
Buffman said:
Bit of filler will solve that no problem (polyfilla etc). Don't go overboard (use less in stages rather than more) then sand to suit.


Did you buy/try the multi construction bits i suggested? I imagine that'll solve the issue.
Click to expand...

I was looking earlier actually - was also recommended to buy HSS drill bits like these:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-straight-shank-hss-drill-bits-13-piece-set/9419v

Do you think the ones you suggested - the Bosch ones would be better/suitable too? Or should I stick with the HSS ones

EDIT: The Bosch ones don't have a 3mm one included which I was going to use as a pilot hole - that's the only issue there
 
redrabbit29 said:
I was looking earlier actually - was also recommended to buy HSS drill bits like these:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-straight-shank-hss-drill-bits-13-piece-set/9419v

Do you think the ones you suggested - the Bosch ones would be better/suitable too? Or should I stick with the HSS ones

EDIT: The Bosch ones don't have a 3mm one included which I was going to use as a pilot hole - that's the only issue there
Click to expand...

Ive not used them, but gather you want a pilot hole. If in doubt, buy both and return the bosch ones if you don't use them? Or keep for another time?

Thats what I tend to do. The time (and stress) saved is more valuable than the £10 drill bits
 
redrabbit29 said:
I have a blind - made to measure, that needs to be fitted INSIDE the window recess. It is a venetian vertical blind. I can't use a wood batton as it will mean the blind doesn't fit. I can't really fit outside the window recess for the same reasons.

I tried drilling this the other day, got 1cm in and hit something solid.

My drill is an electrical Dewalt and I tried both on normal DRILL setting and on Hammer. I used black coloured Makita drill bits.

No matter what I did it wouldn't go any further.

My question is:

Is there anything else I can try or any thing I am missing? I have read some articles where people say it's pointless and it will never work as it's a metal beam or concrete, etc. Where as some others just say you need a special drill bit or have some other suggestions which I am not sure about

Thanks everyone - I'm entirely useless with DIY so any help is appreciated.
Click to expand...

Whole thread here on this.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/forums/threads/dont-have-a-drill-sds-drill.18921634/

Concrete Lintel then sds will go through in seconds.
 
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