I just moved into an old townhouse built in the 1800s, and I'm having a really tough time drilling into the plaster walls. I've been trying to install a curtain rod next to a window, but after nearly 10 minutes, I've only managed to drill about a quarter inch. I'm using a cordless drill that's definitely powerful enough, but the bit seems stuck. Should I buy a masonry bit for this, or is there something else I might be missing?
4 Answers
First things first, make sure your drill is set to spin clockwise! I’ve seen folks struggle only to find out they had it going backward. It’s a simple fix, but it can make a huge difference!
Drilling through plaster can be tricky, especially if there's wood lath behind it, which might slow you down. You should definitely grab a masonry bit and a hammer drill if you can. They make the process a lot smoother when dealing with tougher materials! Also, consider using plastic anchors designed for plaster or masonry.
Thanks for the tip! I’ll look into the masonry bits before heading out to the store. Appreciate the advice!
You might be dealing with plaster and lath, which could be justifying a masonry bit. It really helps to have those bits on hand for jobs like this, and don’t forget a hammer drill if you're going deeper! Keeps things neat and cuts through easier.
Sounds like you need masonry bits for sure! They’re specifically designed for tougher materials like plaster and stone. Just a heads up, they might take some time to get through if you're hitting an exterior wall too. Good luck with your project!
Lol yes, I double-checked that. I’ve successfully drilled into interior walls before, just having a lot of trouble with this plaster.