Stupid drilling question...
Discussion
Just trying to put a roller blind up,
Downstairs was easy, upstairs proving not so. It seems there's s metal lintel about 1/2 inch above the window, is this normal?
I reckon i'll need screws long enough to go in to it, is it safe to get an HSS bit and crack on???
I suspect so, and await sarcastic responses!!
Downstairs was easy, upstairs proving not so. It seems there's s metal lintel about 1/2 inch above the window, is this normal?
I reckon i'll need screws long enough to go in to it, is it safe to get an HSS bit and crack on???
I suspect so, and await sarcastic responses!!
Yes, it's generally known as a Catnic lintel and they'r a right b'stard to drill into.
The way I do it is to use a masonry drill in the brickwork until I hit the lintel, then change to a normal HSS drill and slowly drill through the lintel. Then as soon as you're through the lintel go back to a masonry drill for the rest of the brickwork and then rawlpugs as normal. But bank on using a few drill bits and it taking longer than you thought. And do take note to drill the lintel SLOWLY with a HSS drill. Take your time.
The way I do it is to use a masonry drill in the brickwork until I hit the lintel, then change to a normal HSS drill and slowly drill through the lintel. Then as soon as you're through the lintel go back to a masonry drill for the rest of the brickwork and then rawlpugs as normal. But bank on using a few drill bits and it taking longer than you thought. And do take note to drill the lintel SLOWLY with a HSS drill. Take your time.
ColinM50 said:
Yes, it's generally known as a Catnic lintel and they'r a right b'stard to drill into.
The way I do it is to use a masonry drill in the brickwork until I hit the lintel, then change to a normal HSS drill and slowly drill through the lintel....
(Simpo's Improved Version) ... using a drill slightly smaller than the screw thread. Then it will self-tap into the steel lintel. Done.The way I do it is to use a masonry drill in the brickwork until I hit the lintel, then change to a normal HSS drill and slowly drill through the lintel....
Shorter plugs and screws won't work if there's only 1/2" of plaster between wall surface and lintel.
Neil - YVM said:
LooneyTunes said:
Or just use cut down plugs and short screws... I'd do that in preference to drilling a metal lintel.
through a metal lintel? maybe a concrete one.There's virtually no force acting from a roller blind, so why start messing around drilling the metal.
Agree that if it's 1/2in plaster only then shorter screws might not be ideal, but if it's plasterboard --> small void --> lintel then I'd be astonished if there was an issue (there certainly hasn't been with the wooden blind I hung that way in my office).
LooneyTunes said:
Yes, the OP said he had metal ones...
There's virtually no force acting from a roller blind, so why start messing around drilling the metal.
Agree that if it's 1/2in plaster only then shorter screws might not be ideal, but if it's plasterboard --> small void --> lintel then I'd be astonished if there was an issue (there certainly hasn't been with the wooden blind I hung that way in my office).
Sorry, had meant to be replying to SeebyThere's virtually no force acting from a roller blind, so why start messing around drilling the metal.
Agree that if it's 1/2in plaster only then shorter screws might not be ideal, but if it's plasterboard --> small void --> lintel then I'd be astonished if there was an issue (there certainly hasn't been with the wooden blind I hung that way in my office).
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