I'm having massive problems with securing the fixings for a B&Q 3.2m wooden curtain rail. I'm either hitting lath and plaster or plaster then solid brick. Using the hammer action to get in to the brick is damaging the surrounding plaster. I can't get any secure fixing and now have 3 horrible holes in the wall. Any quick fix ideas for me please?
Curtain Rail Nightmare
- Thread starter markjg123
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Ideally you should get the fixings into the brick and then repair the damage to the plaster before fitting the rail. But as you are looking for a "quick fix" you could fit a length of wood across the top of the window fixed at about 6 points that are away from the damaged areas. it will also spread the load over the surface of the wall and prevent damage to it. The curtain rail would then be screwed to the timber. You will need to get the fixings into the brick though. Lath and plaster won't hold the weight of curtains.
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you'll get neater holes in brick if you start by drilling small, then open the holes up in stages.
It causes less damage and can be more controllable. I always do it that way and buy loads of cheaper small bits, as the bigger ones don't wear out as fast if they are only opening a hole up
It causes less damage and can be more controllable. I always do it that way and buy loads of cheaper small bits, as the bigger ones don't wear out as fast if they are only opening a hole up
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D
Doggit
You're possibly hitting the lintel rather than brick, and as it's harder, it causes a hammer rill to bounce around. You may need an SDS drill instead of a hammer one, and then follow Tigercubs suggestion of using a smaller drill first.
some houses have concrete lintels, but some are steel. With steel ones, you have to go through the plaster first, then use a (black) HSS drill, not a masonry drill, to go through the steel. Choose one that your plasplugs will slide into easily, they will swell when the screw goes in. If you use a small size of drill you may well snap it, when working hand-held.
You might notice tiny silvery shavings on the bit if you hit steel unexpectedly.
How old is your house?
If you have a flat "soldier" course of bricks on end above the window on the outside, you can sometimes see the edge of the steel underneath them.
You might notice tiny silvery shavings on the bit if you hit steel unexpectedly.
How old is your house?
If you have a flat "soldier" course of bricks on end above the window on the outside, you can sometimes see the edge of the steel underneath them.
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