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- 11 Jan 2009
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Hi all
Couldn't find a specific forum for this. Apologies in advance as I know it's been done to death but this is a variation on a theme.
Am fitting vertical blinds over landing window and need to fit into recess. Drilled into top of window opening and predictably hit metal lintel after about 2". Already have plenty of 5*30mm self tapping screws so decided to use those. Used my 3mm titanium bit to drill pilot and it went through the metal like a knife through butter. Alas I couldn't get the screw to bite in the pilot hole despite much elbow grease so increased the size of the hole to 3.5 and then 4mm but still the screw wouldn't budge. I then used a 5mm HSS bit and guess what? The screw went straight through the hole and I can't remove it (its lodged there loose but I can't get it out)
I'm sure these self tapping screws are the right ones for metal/steel and I thought I was safe using a pilot hole smaller than the screw but this has not been the case.
What size hole would you recommend to get the 5*30mm screws to go into the lintel?
Also are you expected to use an industrial strength screw driver to get the screw to bite?
Many thanks
Longshanks
Couldn't find a specific forum for this. Apologies in advance as I know it's been done to death but this is a variation on a theme.
Am fitting vertical blinds over landing window and need to fit into recess. Drilled into top of window opening and predictably hit metal lintel after about 2". Already have plenty of 5*30mm self tapping screws so decided to use those. Used my 3mm titanium bit to drill pilot and it went through the metal like a knife through butter. Alas I couldn't get the screw to bite in the pilot hole despite much elbow grease so increased the size of the hole to 3.5 and then 4mm but still the screw wouldn't budge. I then used a 5mm HSS bit and guess what? The screw went straight through the hole and I can't remove it (its lodged there loose but I can't get it out)
I'm sure these self tapping screws are the right ones for metal/steel and I thought I was safe using a pilot hole smaller than the screw but this has not been the case.
What size hole would you recommend to get the 5*30mm screws to go into the lintel?
Also are you expected to use an industrial strength screw driver to get the screw to bite?
Many thanks
Longshanks