Drilling

[alchemistkevin]

I'm trying to drill holes in the concrete above windows to put new curtain rails in. I can drill about 2-3mm with normal masonary drills before they stop going in.

What is it that might be causing this? happens on top of all windows.

How can I drill through a good 5-6mm so that the screws can retain the rails? I've tried using the screws to this depth and then apply no-nails as well, but that can't hold the curtain rails.

thanks for answers

 

[JohnD]

You are getting through the plaster and hitting the lintels. Have a poke through the hole and see if they appear to be made of steel or reinforced concrete.

If steel, switch to an HSS (not masonry) drill. If you make a hole big enough for a plasplug to slide into very easily, you can use the same kind of screws.

If reinforced concrete, you need a hammer drill and a sharp new masonry bit.

p.s. are you sure you mean 2 - 3 mm? That is the thickness of a matchstick. 5 - 6 mm is a quarter of an inch.

 

[bludger]

Hi,

I use an all purpose drill in difficult situations like this, one that I got from a local specialist fixing shop. It will drill through concrete, steel, wood etc, but it must not be used with a hammer action. Just normal rotation with ordinary pressure does the job. That don't seem to last too long, mind you.

Hope this helps.

Bludger

 

[confidentincompetent]

For concrete you need an 'SDS' drill and bit. Mine got nicked .. and was amased to see you can pick up a cheapo £29.00 at b&q etc... ok for the occasional user and cheaper than hire.. You'll find it goes through concrete like butter.. But if it's steel follow JohnD....
Good luck.

 

[ABN]

Bit late with the reply expect by now the curtains are either up or fallen down for the last time.

Anyways had similar problem. My concrete lintels had both stones and reinforcing steel rods in them. When I hit against the stone the drill would not go in any further, the solution was to do what my dad used to do when drilling by hand, get a strong pointed tool, like a bradel, place it in the hole and hit hard with a hammer to crack/break the stone, then drilling can continue.

When hitting the streel rods, you can tell when this happens by metal "fillings appearing on the end of the bit, replace the drill with a HS metal bit to get passed the rod the continue as normal.

and then apply no-nails

Like it you sound as big a bodger as I am