Can't drill wall above a window?

Question

I'm trying to hang a curtain rod. One side of the window is close to the side wall (about 2 inches), so I'm pretty restricted where I can attach the bracket for the rod. I keep hitting something solid which the drill won't go into. The stud finder is detecting a stud & metal in the area. What can be about 3 inches above a window, near a corner? I live in CA, so the house is wood construction. I can get about 1 inch depth, so can I use some sort of smaller screws and still get the strength? Oh, also I can't put it any higher, then the curtains wouldn't be touching the floor. Thanks.

Answer 1

You are most likely hitting a metal strap or bracket.  Some places, like California, require these metal straps to make the home more earthquake 'proof', as a safety feature.

You can probably drill thru the strap or bracket, with a drill bit made for metal...if its just a high speed steel bit, it may take you little time.  A carbide tipped bit would work faster (but costs a bit more).  You might, as an alternative, try using a 'self tapping' sheet metal s***w.

Being at the edge of the wall.. its not likely it is electrical or plumbing, but it would be a good idea to look before drilling, hehehe.

Good Luck

Answer 2

You are probably hitting metal strapping. You could try drilling through it with a better bit maybe.

Answer 3

are u in a mobile home? if so could be hitting a metal bracket they install through out the wall to hold thing together better when it was traveling down the road

Answer 4

Before drilling into any metal plate (which is most likely what you are encountering), check for any electrical conductors or plumbing that may be running through that area. Both are required to protected by a minimum1/16" thick steel plate when they are less than 1-1/4" from the face of the framing member they are passing through; and both may be running in either a vertical or horizontal attitude.

Also, being in California, it could be some type of Seismic reinforcing. Drilling through that may not damage it, but check with either the Manufacturer of the product (which you probably won't be able to determine), or give your Building Department a call. (I promise they won't laugh.)

This could also be something as minor as a drywall corner clip; it's hard to say without being there.

Being close to another wall, I am wondering, is there some way of using the wall around the corner to hang the curtain rod? You may have to pick another style of rod, but that is better than drilling through a plumbing line or into an electrical conductor.

Good Luck.

Answer 5

There are plastic self tapping screws for sheetrock, short length quite larger than the hole with a bit.  These may be sufficient to hold a rod at that depth.  They do have large threads so will anchor firmly into sheetrock.

Then a s***w will go into the plastic anchor.