How to drill into metal window header?

BrandonDL · 01-27-2009, 08:25 PM

I think my window header is metal and it seems to go up about 4-5 inches from my window. I can't drill into it. I'm trying to hang curtains. I have tried wooden and metal drill bits (it might be wooden but i don't think so). What should i do? I got about an inch into it and then i can't get any further.

On second thought i might be having a problem drilling into studs.

My drill is a dewalt DW997 18v

thanks.

Bob Mariani · 01-28-2009, 07:50 PM

A good metal bit will drill into it. Use a cobalt bit, not a wood bit, not a brad point bit, not a cheap bit from Sears or Home Depot and such. Drill first with a 1/8" bit or smaller, lubricate with a drop of cutting oil. Then drill the 3/16" you need for your screws.

Willie T · 01-28-2009, 09:01 PM

There's a good chance that you successively drilled through the 3/4 " of window bucking ( an easy-to-drill band of wood around the top and sides of your window) and are now hitting something harder. If it is a block construction home, that would now be concrete block. But some construction pine can seem as hard as cement.

4just1don · 01-28-2009, 09:27 PM

are you sure your not plugging up the twists on your bit?? Pull out,clean , and try again!!! Just in case IF its concrete switch to a mason bit, OR shorter screws

TazinCR · 01-29-2009, 06:01 AM

Sounds like you are way past the metal 1/4" - 3/8" thick and now need a hammer drill for concrete. Just a guess.
I have in the past drilled and tapped the metal so I could use machine screws.

01-27-2009, 08:25 PM	#1
BrandonDL Newbie Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1	How to drill into metal window header? I think my window header is metal and it seems to go up about 4-5 inches from my window. I can't drill into it. I'm trying to hang curtains. I have tried wooden and metal drill bits (it might be wooden but i don't think so). What should i do? I got about an inch into it and then i can't get any further. On second thought i might be having a problem drilling into studs. My drill is a dewalt DW997 18v thanks.

01-28-2009, 07:50 PM	#2
Bob Mariani Remodeling Contractor Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sandy Hook, CT Posts: 3,590	How to drill into metal window header? A good metal bit will drill into it. Use a cobalt bit, not a wood bit, not a brad point bit, not a cheap bit from Sears or Home Depot and such. Drill first with a 1/8" bit or smaller, lubricate with a drop of cutting oil. Then drill the 3/16" you need for your screws.

01-28-2009, 09:01 PM	#3
Willie T Old School Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Petersburg, FL Minds of moderate caliber ordinarily condemn everything which is beyond them. Posts: 3,429	How to drill into metal window header? There's a good chance that you successively drilled through the 3/4 " of window bucking ( an easy-to-drill band of wood around the top and sides of your window) and are now hitting something harder. If it is a block construction home, that would now be concrete block. But some construction pine can seem as hard as cement.

01-28-2009, 09:27 PM	#4
4just1don Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 795	How to drill into metal window header? are you sure your not plugging up the twists on your bit?? Pull out,clean , and try again!!! Just in case IF its concrete switch to a mason bit, OR shorter screws

01-29-2009, 06:01 AM	#5
TazinCR Whatamess Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Costa Rica Posts: 423	How to drill into metal window header? Sounds like you are way past the metal 1/4" - 3/8" thick and now need a hammer drill for concrete. Just a guess. I have in the past drilled and tapped the metal so I could use machine screws. __________________ I may go home hungry, but not tired and hungry.

How to drill into metal window header?