Problems fixing curtain pole

[robgrayson]

Hi,

I'm no DIY expert (far from it!) and this is my first post here.

My daughter has managed to pull her curtain pole out of the wall. She already did this once a year or two ago, and I had great difficulty fixing it back up again. Basically, the wall above her window seems to be made of some kind of incredibly hard concrete (a lintel?) which cracks and makes a large hole as soon as you try to drill it. Last time, I eventually managed to create a hole that would just about hold a wall plug and screw, but it obviously was not very secure and has come out again.

I am at a bit of a loss as to how to fix this up again. I can move the pole up and drill new holes, but the concrete (or whatever it is) is likely to crack again.

Attached is a photo showing the hole from the last fixing (you can also see previous holes underneath – what a mess!).

Any ideas would be most welcome!

Thanks in advance,

Rob

Untitled

• robgrayson
• 6 Sep 2012
• 1

 

[foxhole]

You probably used a hammer drill, you need a sds drill.

 

[robgrayson]

You probably used a hammer drill, you need a sds drill.

What's an SDS drill? I just have one drill (a Bosch) that has a hammer and a non-hammer setting. I think I used the hammer setting. Will using the non-hammer setting make any difference? I can't afford to buy a specialised drill just to put a curtain pole up.

 

[foxhole]

You will struggle if you don't use the correct tool for the job, you wouldn't try to knock nails in with a slipper [unless your my wife].

 

[robgrayson]

Foxhole, thanks for responding.

However, I repeat my question (and bear in mind I am a DIY novice): what is an SDS drill?

Assuming that an SDS drill is not cheap, are there any viable alternatives?

 

[foxhole]

http://www.screwfix.com/p/direct-po...hcqw3KjCwsLfkm14B0rJJLTylhVJJw7ZbN!1602003892
You could hire one, much more powerfull than standard hammer drill.

 

[robgrayson]

OK, so could you explain how an SDS will solve the problem? Will it definitely solve the problem, in fact?

 

[Burnerman]

Rob, as you've found lintels can be very hard to drill due to the way they are made using compacted concrete.
You could maybe get away with a normal hammer drill, but an SDS type is more suitable......more of a professional tool, if you get my drift - hammer drills often spin too fast.
The next thing is a quality drill bit - drill a small hole first, using plenty of pressure on the drill, and work up to the size you need.
If you do get there, glue the plug in with no nails adhesive or similar to give it every chance of holding.
In the good old days we would shape a timber plug that would be tapered slightly, and really bash it into the hole, trimming the end off once it was in.
There's every chance your lintel may have steel reinforcing bars in there so if the drill gets really upset then back off.
John

 

[robgrayson]

John,

Thanks for your very thorough and helpful reply. I have one other question, if I may: you mentioned a quality drill bit. Is there anything particular I should be looking for? (I.e. any particular type of bit/material/brand?)

It seems I'm going to have to shell out for an SDS drill. Foxhole suggested hiring one, but I can't believe it would cost that much less than buying one (Screwfix have them for just shy of £50). Unless I can find a friend who has one…

Rob

 

[Diyisfun]

SDS drill, what b***lks, (its like saying get a rolls royce not a mine ) use a hammer drill make a hole buy the rawplux tape that is 2 chemicals, pack it in the hole, sets like concrete.

 

[Burnerman]

Well Rob I don't want to spend too much of your cash, but cheapo SDS drills may simply not be good enough, so borrow one if you can?
The secret is, slow revolutions plus a heavy hammer action will get you there, plus quality bits such as Bosch or Makita. Remember a smaller pilot drill helps in difficult circumstances.
Plenty of pressure on the drill itself, plus short bursts on the trigger will help you get started, and prevent the bit drifting. What happens you see is that the drill contacts some stone or gravel in the lintel thats harder than the surrounding concrete so the drill bit goes for a wander.....
Drill as deep as you are comfortable with (maybe 35mm or so) and if the hole is clean, the plug won't shift
Hope this helps, and good luck with it!
John

 

[robgrayson]

John, thanks for your advice, which is extremely helpful. I'll post back with an update when I get hold of the right tools and pluck up the courage to have a go!

 

[Diyisfun]

You might as well get a tradesman in to do the job, if this is a one off, but as I said, you can do it with a hammer drill. Im a diyer & I do not have an sds drill & have put many a curtain pole up, into brick, concrete & steel. My b&d drill is over 25 years old.

 

[robgrayson]

You might as well get a tradesman in to do the job, if this is a one off, but as I said, you can do it with a hammer drill.

So sorry, didn't notice your previous reply!

I have a perfectly good Bosch hammer drill and that's what I used before... so surely I will just get the same result again?

use a hammer drill make a hole buy the rawplux tape that is 2 chemicals, pack it in the hole, sets like concrete.

As for the rawplux tape, I need to look it up. How do I pack it in the hole if I want to put a plug in? Do you mean wrap it around the wall plug?