I’m trying to add new blinds to a big window/sliding door area. The mounts that the blinds attach to have to be drilled above the window. I thought the patch that I needed to drill was brick as it had been painted over. I’ve since found that it’s part of the window frame so hard metal, maybe aluminium. I’ve tried all the things I could find about drilling into metal * Cobalt drill bit * slow drill settings * Cutting fluid * Used a punch to start I’m barely making a dent. I’m using a relatively cheap ozito drill but it’s always managed everything before. I don’t know if it’s just because I’m struggling to put enough pressure on it since it’s over my head instead of being able to apply downward pressure. I’m at the point where I’m starting to wonder if I can make liquid nails work somehow which seems like a bad idea so any help appreciated

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How to drill through metal window frame?

Ash6

I’m trying to add new blinds to a big window/sliding door area. The mounts that the blinds attach to have to be drilled above the window. I thought the patch that I needed to drill was brick as it had been painted over. I’ve since found that it’s part of the window frame so hard metal, maybe aluminium.
I’ve tried all the things I could find about drilling into metal

Cobalt drill bit
slow drill settings
Cutting fluid
Used a punch to start

I’m barely making a dent. I’m using a relatively cheap ozito drill but it’s always managed everything before. I don’t know if it’s just because I’m struggling to put enough pressure on it since it’s over my head instead of being able to apply downward pressure. I’m at the point where I’m starting to wonder if I can make liquid nails work somehow which seems like a bad idea so any help appreciated

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EricL

Helo @Ash6

Thank you for sharing your question about drilling through metal. In order to give our members a better idea of what you are drilling into and what drill you are using; would it be possible for you post a photo of the area where you will be installing the blinds along with a photo of the drill you are using? Once we see the current conditions, we'll be able to offer recommendations on how to proceed.

It appears that you already have the necessary drill bits, perhaps it is something else that is causing the drill bit to fail.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

Ash6

corners of this window frame

EricL

Hello @Ash6

It's possible that your drill is not powerful enough to drill through the steel surface. I propose looking at investing in a corded unit such as the https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-710w-hammer-drill_p0299328 or similar. It has more power and better handling when drilling in difficult positions. I also suggest giving it another go using your https://www.bunnings.com.au/kincrome-3mm-centre-punch_p0444990 to mark the centre of the drilling point. This will prevent the drill head from wandering as you begin drilling into the spot. I recommend using your cobalt drill bit and apply steady pressure as you drill into the steel surface.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag, @Noyade, @TedBear and @JoeAzza for their recommendations.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

Nailbag

Hi @Ash6

I think its highly likely you're trying to drill into the steel lentil or beam that supports the wall above the window hidden behind the finish coating. This will possibly be quite thick of upwards of over 10mm. Your Cobalt drill bit will be fine and you won't need any cooling fluid, but potentially A more powerful drill and maintaining upward pressure. You could make it easier by starting with a much smaller drill bit, then re-drill with the right one.

Oh and don't give in to liquid nails as it won't support curtains.

Nailbag

Dave-1

Good Morning @Ash6

Pretty sure @Nailbag has hit on it. Tho looking at your drill I was wondering if its on the "drill" setting and even tho its obvious to us we all make the mistake of having the drill in reverse every now and then.

Definitely a corded drill has more oomph but drilling steel does take a bit of time especially with a battery drill. I have an ozito like yours and I would reach for a corded one if I was going through anything over 6mm (1/4") steel wise. A lintel will prob be thicker. Its still doable but you may need to charge inbetween :)

Dave

MitchellMc

Hi @Ash6,

Also, remember that you should drill into metal at a relatively slow speed, so set your drill to speed 1, not 2. We often have a tendency to run the drill on 2 at full speed, and in some circumstances, that can instantly heat up the tip and round it over, preventing it from cutting at all.

Mitchell

Noyade

Hi @Ash6

With a magnet could you determine where the steel ends and brick begins? My thoughts are the above, plus maybe a bracket anchored to the vertical brick (not pretty), if drilling through steel is too much? You can just make out the reflection of a horizontal bracket on the other side - have they drilled though steel for that curtain?

Even if you drill though 10mm of steel - what then? Self tappers? Cut a thread?

It does look like there are old curtain anchors - can they be utilised?

Just late afternoon thoughts

Cheers.

R4addZ

Nice pickup @Noyade.

@Ash6 Those previous fixings are worth investigating. I have been there and done this and yes it's a pain drilling the lintel (a lentil is something you have in soup) and I found that the professionals use very short self tappers so they don't have to get them to bite too much. You need a sharp drill bit and I went through a couple of bits drilling mine.

Noyade

Hi @R4addZ

"(a lentil is something you have in soup)"

What can I say - I should have googled. 😣