I’m renting a place with a wide window and want to hang a double curtain rod. The wall seems to be brick or concrete behind a thin finish, but my cordless drill only gets a short way in. Should I try a hammer drill, look at the window frame, or stop and get help?
Should I keep trying to drill above this window?
Asked by MossyCompass
Answers
A regular cordless drill can struggle badly in masonry. If you have permission to make holes, a hammer drill with a suitable masonry bit is the next thing to try. Use the bit size and hole depth specified for the fastener you choose, and clear dust as directed. Tapcon-style screws and plug-and-screw anchors use different installation requirements, so don’t mix their instructions.
If the bit still stops at the same depth, don’t lean harder on it. A metal lintel or another obstruction is possible, and a masonry bit won’t solve that. Check for services and ask the landlord before drilling further.
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Since it’s a rental, I’d ask the landlord or maintenance what the wall is made of and whether they’ll approve the installation. They may know if there’s a lintel above the window or have a preferred way to mount into it. A long double rod with several heavy panels needs solid support, so adhesive hooks aren’t a dependable substitute for proper brackets.
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The frame might be an option, but don’t assume it’s safe to drill into just because there are old holes there. It could be metal, and drilling it needs the right bit and approval too. If the wall is genuinely too difficult or you can’t identify what you’re hitting, a qualified installer can assess the spot rather than guessing.
A tension rod may work for a shorter or lighter setup, but a very wide opening and two curtains can make sagging a problem. I wouldn’t count on it without checking the rod’s span and load limits.
AmberLattice:
Also worth checking whether a ceiling mount is allowed, but that only helps if the ceiling material and mounting point are suitable.
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CopperMarble:
That repeated stopping point is the part that would make me pause. I’d confirm what the wall is before making more holes.