Drilling into beam above window (converted garage) to fit curtain pole.

[paulfoel]

Well of course theres plaster on top but buggered if I can drill into whatever is underneath. Is it likely to be a metal beam or something?

I can probably drill about an inch then thats it. Trying to fit a curtain pole.

Any suggestions?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

What type of drill and drill bit (and quality) are you using? It will be a steel or concrete lintel. What is the wall construction?

 

[paulfoel]

De Walt cordless with Bosch EXPERT HEX-9 Multi-Construction TCT Drill Bit.....

Walls? I guess concrete block with plasterboard. How do I tell?

Im guessing since I'm making zero headway its a steel lintel?

One suggestion I've heard is 3mm hole (with HSS bit) and screw straight into there?

 

[foxhole]

You will need sds drill for concrete beam, for steel you can use self tapping screws. How old is the property!
( you could glue a timber baton to wall and fix to that.)

 

[Ollyfp]

You will need sds drill for concrete beam, for steel you can use self tapping screws. How old is the property!
( you could glue a timber baton to wall and fix to that.)

Yep, SDS and a small pilot will do it. Standard masonry bits in hammer drills will go through the plaster and then they'll go walkabout.

 

[aveatry]

You need Bosh EXPERT CYL-9 Multi Construction Drill Bit and start with a 4mm then a 7 or whatever you need for your plug with this drill bit you will only need a cordless with hammer. If it is metal lintel then you will see filings on the drill, then if metal only drill a pilot hole and then use self tapping screws

 

[Ollyfp]

You need Bosh EXPERT CYL-9 Multi Construction Drill Bit and start with a 4mm then a 7 or whatever you need for your plug with this drill bit you will only need a cordless with hammer. If it is metal lintel then you will see filings on the drill, then if metal only drill a pilot hole and then use self tapping screws

Yes, those multi material drill bits are excellent... for a while at least.
I use the Erbauer ones as they're cheaper. I'm not sure if they are sharpenable?

 

[paulfoel]

Well, using a HSS bit I managed to drill into it (used a 3.5mm to start). It seemed to be only a few mm thick though?
Is this normal?

Got some 4mm self tapping screws to try in there now. Fingers crossed.

 

[aveatry]

Well, using a HSS bit I managed to drill into it (used a 3.5mm to start). It seemed to be only a few mm thick though?
Is this normal?

Got some 4mm self tapping screws to try in there now. Fingers crossed.

That sounds lit it is a steel lintal. You are lucky that you found a bit of metal as they are quite often full of holes.