I'm trying to install some blinds in a metal building and I can't get any holes to drill?

Question

my self-tapping screws don't self-tap and my drill bits break off. What'll go through the metal? How do I screw something into this wall?

Answer 1

How about some epoxy and double stick tape to hold it while the glue sets?

Answer 2

I would guess you are talking about at the top of the window. You are running into what is called a steel window lintel. This is probably 3/8" - 1/2" thick solid steel. You are not going to easily drill this.

I suggest you simply clean the surface of the metal good and then let dry. Then purchase a pc. of lumber such as a 1" x 3" cut to length. Prime and paint it to match the surrounding wall. Glue it to the steel with *heavy duty Liquid nail". Put it in place and prop up with some braces also 1" x 3" *wedge it up tight. Let dry overnight and then install your blind brackets into this new wood pc. at the top of the window. This will make it easier to attach the blind brackets to wood than try to glue the brackets directly in place onto the steel.

If it's not your office - why are you putting the blinds up in there? Anyway ask for permission if you think it will create a problem.

Answer 3

are you trying to drill into the steel frame? if so how thick is the steel? the frame may be 3/8 or 1/2, a self tapping srew is supposed to drill through the steel then the threads on the screw thread into the steel. if the steel is too thick, the drill head drillls into the steel and before it goes all the way through it starts to thread the hole and will either bind up and break or strip the threads. try drilling and tapping a hole and us machine screws. if you're drilling into stainless steel you will need to use carbide drill bits, plain steel twist drills will burn up in seconds on stainless

Answer 4

I have seen this problem before. Make sure your drill is turning in a clockwise direction. If necessary use a prick punch to start a drill. Also make sure you are using high speed drills and not drills for wood only.

Answer 5

what kind of metal???