Help: Drilling into concrete or stud?

rev1976

Hello everyone,

I'm new to the whole handyman world. I was installing a closest organizer in the basement closest. I used a stud finder to locate the studs. I found one and as i was drilling the screw would stop half way and not go any further. I attempted to drill in the bottom portion of the bracket and it screwed in fine (ie into the stud) but the top portion wasnt going anywhere. I pulled out the screw and noticed the tip covered in white sand like substance. So my question is could i have been drilling into concrete? My only worry is that i was drilling into a water or gas pipe. When i pulled out the screw i didn't see any water leaking or smell gas of any kind. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

DangerMouse

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Does the closet have drywall on it? Perhaps your screw hit a metal plate protecting electrical wire from your screw!
I'd attempt to relocate the organizer to a slightly higher or lower height, regardless of what you're hitting.
Do not attempt to drill.

DM

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rev1976

Thanks for your reply. I did relocate one of the brackets but left the first one there. i pluged the hole with a plastic wall anchor and left the initial bracket. If i did hit a water or gas pipe would i have known right away?

rev1976

And yes the closet has drywall. Thanks again.

DangerMouse

Your water, gas and electric would all have a steel plate protecting them.
Hitting any of them you'd know right away I imagine.... hissing for gas, a shower for water, and a shock, or power disappears somewhere in the house for electric.

DM

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rev1976

Ok thanks. Makes me feel alittle better. Thanks again.

DangerMouse

It MAY also be that your 2x4s are flat on the basement wall, and yes, you DID hit the concrete.
Did you go in as far as a 2x4 is thick?

DM

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rev1976

I think so. It's an old house with no insulation. Just drywall, studs and the wall.