What type of bit can drive a small hole into some seemingly hard metal?

Question

I want to drill six small holes to hold a metal shutter bracket. the windows are covered in aluminum and underneath is mostly old, soft, somewhat decayed wood. i am running into some areas that apparently were reinforced with a strong metal. i need these holes to be small and to hold screws. i tried drilling but got nowhere fast. is there a special bit or technique that I can use to make these holes?

I am not trained as a carpenter obviously and when i run into things like this, it really slows me down since I don't have the know-how. any help is appreciated.

Answer 1

i gotta agree use a diamond tip  

Answer 2

If you cannot drill the hole with carborundum bits, how are you going to thread the holes???? If the metal is that hard, don't think that any s***w will self thread the hole. Good luck, Goldwing

Answer 3

More than likely you are hitting the simpson strong ties that hold the frame together. You do need either a self drilling sheet metal s***w, or a metal drill bit. I am familiar with the Cobalt drill bits that Ridgid puts out. Its specifically made to drill through metals.

Answer 4

    There shouldn't be anything special about what your doing except that either your running your drill to slow or, your bit is to dull. Try using a tap drill. First use a smaller drill bit, then the one you want, make sure there new carbide steel drills and, good ones, not cheapo Wal-Mart drills.

     If you do use a self tapping s***w them use the high speed on your drill.

Answer 5

You are hitting old screws or nails.  A diamond bit should do the job.

Answer 6

Sharpen the drill bit. Or better yet spend $1.50 and get a new metal bit.

Answer 7

Carbide bit.

Use a 3/8" drill.

Hold it steady and spray WD40 on it.