Fitting curtain pole to wall - metal lintel?

[chaoticj]

Hi,

I want to fit a curtain pole to the wall, above a pair of windows and door.

The problem is there seems to be some sort of metal lintel about 1 inch below the plaster.

I've bought the finest drill bits - Milwaukee Thunderweb, set my cordless drill to hammer and max torque and it won't go through - at all.

I was going to use self tapping screws once I'd drilled.. any ideas from those in the know please.. so annoying!



Thanks in advance.

 

[endecotp]

The problem is there seems to be some sort of metal lintel about 1 inch below the plaster.

I've bought the finest drill bits - Milwaukee Thunderweb, set my cordless drill to hammer

Not hammer for drilling metal.

 

[chaoticj]

Thanks endecotp, so I just set it to drill?

Should I be able to drill this and if I do, will I need to thread the hole, if so, how?

Many thanks!

 

[Tigercubrider]

If there is a metal bar/beam/lintel then you don't want to be on hammer
Try a small drill bit for metal. Then if it works, open it up to the size that you need
I use cobalt drill bits

Possibly go higher and avoid the metal

 

[endecotp]

First of all, do consider other options e.g. fitting higher or to the side, etc.

Thanks endecotp, so I just set it to drill?

Yes.

Should I be able to drill this and if I do, will I need to thread the hole, if so, how?

Honestly I don’t know how hard typical lintel steel is. I guess others will comment.
I’d probably try to use a self-tapping screw of some sort as a first attempt.

 

[copea]

Cobalt bit, slow speed, no hammer and take it slow.
Or put it higher!

 

[chaoticj]

Thanks guys, used a cobalt bit and set drill speed to max, went through the metal pretty easy.

The self tapping screws hold the pole brackets exceptionally solidly, whoop!