Hey everyone! I'm a bit nervous about this whole drilling into walls thing and could use some guidance. I'm trying to hang some curtains just above and to the side of my windows in my new place. My StudBuddy says there's metal framing around the window, but I'm staying well clear of that area. I'm hand-screwing because I don't have a drill and the screws went in smoothly for about an inch before they stopped (seems like plaster). It feels like I might be hitting something harder like concrete or brick since it's happening on both sides of the window frame. Should I stop right away? What do you think I'm hitting, and how can I get through it? I can borrow a drill if necessary, but if I need a special drill or bit, I might have to make a trip to Home Depot. Thanks for any tips! Also, I've added some photos to help clarify.
3 Answers
I've dealt with this too! If you're hitting something solid, drills often help to start a pilot hole, and then you can screw into it easily. If your curtains aren’t too heavy, smaller screws or drywall anchors might do the job. But definitely check out the photos you shared to see if there’s a clearer way to approach it!
Sounds like you’re running into masonry behind that plaster! A regular hammer drill will do the trick for going through concrete or brick. You'll want to pick up some masonry screws and plugs for this, the red rawplugs work great. Just a suggestion: if you put a 2x1 timber batten above the window, it’ll make future changes a breeze! No need for a fancy drill; just a regular hammer drill and masonry bit will get the job done.
You could be hitting a nailing plate, which protects any pipes or wires. It’s smart to be cautious here! If you’re not sure what’s behind the wall, maybe asking your property manager for advice could help. Just be careful and don’t drill blindly!