Fitting blinds into steel lintel

dazz25 · 28 Sep 2014 at 22:19

Hi all,

I need to fit a blind above a window which has a steel lintel. I understand that I can use self tappers to screw directly into the lintel, without rawl plugs, but what I don't know is what size drill bit i'll need and which size screws to go with this.

Can anybody recommend the correct hss drill size and matching screw size?

Cheers

Pinter75 · 29 Sep 2014 at 00:22

You can get self drilling screws that do what it says on the tin. They have a slight drill bit on the end, and that drill a hole, then they self tap their way it.

I have used loads on my conservatory build to fix stuff to the steel work, but they came with it, so no idea where you get them from. Maybe try the big auction site.

dazz25 · 29 Sep 2014 at 07:41

Thanks for that. I'll have a look now.

Can you drive these in by hand?

Solus · 29 Sep 2014 at 07:43

I use a number 6 self tapping screw from b and q, 1.5 inches long to make sure it's really secure. They come in a pack of 25 if i remember rightly.

I used a 3.5mm has bosch steel drillbit from b and q too. They both did the job nicely.

Only thing I can advise, is don't use the drill to drive home the screws, a head will snap off, just use a manual screwdriver.

dazz25 · 29 Sep 2014 at 07:44

Thanks for the reply.

I'm looking at both options now.

dazz25 · 29 Sep 2014 at 07:45

Are these the screws that you used?

Link

pitchfork · 29 Sep 2014 at 08:42

Are you sure it's a steel, a lot of people assume a reinforced concrete lintel is steel because it sounds like it when you drill it.

If it's steelwork just drill into it with a small HSS bit and use self tappers.

If it's reinforced concrete then get an SDS and some colourful language.

dazz25 · 29 Sep 2014 at 09:05

It's definitely steel, this has been confirmed by the house builder.

So going from the posts above would a no.6 screw and 3.5mm hss drill bit be the right conbination?

Are the screws I linked to above suitable?

Tesla · 29 Sep 2014 at 09:14

Have you considered fitting the blind inside the window instead? I think it looks nicer like that too.

dazz25 · 29 Sep 2014 at 09:15

I'm already fitting in the window recess. Is that what you mean?

Solus · 29 Sep 2014 at 11:41

Those screws would be way too short.

http://www.diy.com/departments/860102-self-tapping-screw-dia5mm-l50mm-pack-of-25/250373_BQ.prd those should do the job okay with a 3.5mm hss bit.

dazz25 · 29 Sep 2014 at 13:11

Thanks Solus.

I'll go with those and a 3.5mm hss bit.