How to install a curtain track on hard wall?

[newnewworker]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on installing a slim curtain track. The curtain is lightweight, and combined with the track, the total weight is about 2kg. The track length is 160cm.

The installation spot is above an indoor sliding glass door frame leading outside. The left side of the spot is a cabinet, and the wall material there sounds like plaster. The track needs to be mounted flat against the top wall (not at 90 degrees).

I’m not sure what the wall material is, but when I knock on it, it sounds solid and hard, like brick or concrete.

So, I have a couple of questions:

• Is there any tool to help me identify whether the wall is brick, concrete, metal, or something else? I want to make sure it’s safe to install the curtain here.
• The curtain track comes with plugs and screws. The installation guide says to mark the holes, drill into the wall, insert the plugs, then screw in the track. What kind of drill and drill bit size should I use depending on the wall material? Should I use a hammer drill, or compact driver drill is enough?

I’m a complete beginner with tools and don’t own any electrical tools yet, so product recommendations are very welcome! Any advice or tips would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks so much in advance!😀

[JacobZ]

Hi @newnewworker,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Is it possible to get a photo of the location where you're looking to install the curtain from the front? Is it a bulkhead/pelmet? Or is it the ceiling?

It looks like it is a bulkhead, which, due to the physics involved, can't be masonry, so we can reasonably assume it is either timber or steel framing with plasterboard over the top. It likely feels hard because there needs to be a framing member running along the outside edge, so you are probably tapping on a stud. Once you can upload a photo showing it from the front, I would be more confident making this assessment.

If it is timber framed, you would just need a standard drill driver with a phillips head driver bit and a suitably sized drill bit to create a pilot hole for the screw. This Ryobi 40 Piece Specialty Metric Drill And Drive Set contains everything you would need. If there is a stud, there is no need to use the anchor.

If the framing is steel, which you can identify by using a magnet, you would change out the screws for metal screws and create a pilot hole with a suitably sized drill bit. Once again, if there is a stud, you wouldn't need to use an anchor.

Let me know what you think, and once you can show some images from front on, I will happily assist further.

Jacob

[newnewworker]

Hi  @JacobZ 

Thank you so much for your detailed response.

I have attached more pictures for your reference.

This is more like a door frame. I am not sure it is a bulkhead or pelmet designed for curtain installation. I feel like no.

I have tested with a magnet. The yellow area is metal. The red square are is not. I would like to mount the attachment to the red square area, but it may reach to the yellow part (metal part) a bit.

Thanks again.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @newnewworker,

You can use a multi-material bit in non-hammer mode in your drill. Drill slowly and it will go through timber, concrete and metal. 

Remember that glass can shatter easily if knocked, so take care when working around it. Ensure you wear safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, trousers and enclosed shoes.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[newnewworker]

Hi @MitchellMc ,

thanks for the info.

If I have no any drill, do I need to buy a standard drill driver, or a hammer drill then turn to non hammer mode?
standard drill driver example: Ryobi 18V ONE+ Drill Driver Starter Kit    ?

hammer drill example: Makita 18 Brushless Hammer Driver Drill Kit DHP485SF   ?

Appreciated.

[EricL]

Hello @newnewworker 

You'll only need the hammer function if you are drilling into brick or masonry. But to future proof yourself, I propose going for the Makita so that should a project come up where you need a hammer function you will be ready for it.

Eric

[newnewworker]

thanks Eric.

hole drilling section makes sense to me now.

For the track mounting,

the yellow part is metal. If I drive screws there, I need metal screws only, no anchor. 

The anchor and screws provided by the curtain seller won't be used.

If I mount on the red part, which is not metal, I need the given anchor and screws.

Am I correct? 

[EricL]

Hello @newnewworker 

Yes, your assessment is correct. Metal screws for metal surfaces and anchor plugs to plasterboard surfaces.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric