Screwing into Lintel?

Discussion in 'Builders' Talk' started by fred812, Jun 18, 2021.

  1. fred812

    fred812 Screwfix Select

    Took some vertical blinds down to decorate, there were issues with the beads around the windows and got a plasterer in to sort out. He did me a favour and neatened up the plaster around the window recess but in the process covered up the holes for the blind fixing. Trying to put a plug in for a new fixing and getting refusal at 20mm. Its plasterboard initially but then a lintel presumably. Its an 80's house. The old screws are 40mm so can't quite figure out how they went in and the way forward.
    Any ideas please?
     
  2. Tilt

    Tilt Screwfix Select

    If it is a metal lintel / beam then a metal drill bit is required.

    If not, then an SDS drill is required.
     
  3. fred812

    fred812 Screwfix Select

    How do I know which one it is?
     
  4. Tilt

    Tilt Screwfix Select

    Try drilling it with one or the other.
    If you try HSS (metal drill bit) first and it doesn't do much and comes out blunt, then you need SDS with masonry bit.

    If you try masonry bit first and it wont drill then it's probably steel.
     
  5. Kas228

    Kas228 Screwfix Select

    If your putting the blind back up in same place, is there anyway you can judge where the old lintels would have been drilled and re-use those?
     
  6. fred812

    fred812 Screwfix Select

    Thanks for the replies, its only a small temp blind so bodged it with a cut down plug this time.

    I reckon its a steel lintel and never had success drilling into steel but probably because my bits aren't up to it. Do SF do any that would be?
     
  7. BiancoTheGiraffe

    BiancoTheGiraffe Screwfix Select

    Plenty mate, the gold Erbauer ones are surprisingly good, especially for the money
     
    fred812 likes this.
  8. fred812

    fred812 Screwfix Select

    Thanks.
     
  9. Dave1988

    Dave1988 Member

    Self drilling metal screws. I fitted 4 wood venetian blinds in 40mins.

    No pilot hole just mark where you want the bracket and drive the screw in it will go through everything and make irs own thread. Stronger than a plug for sure.

    Thank me later
     
  10. Dave1988

    Dave1988 Member

    They're more commonly called baypole screws I should mention. Sfix do sell them but at likr 4.8mm thick, I've used them they work but will take longer to go through. I've got some 3.5mm I got off ebay they fly in
     
  11. fred812

    fred812 Screwfix Select

    That's interesting, they look like the ones that came out, although they had been plugged as well. Can they be used twice in a new hole or does the first fixing blunt them?
     
  12. sally green

    sally green Active Member

    Dave1988
    Can you post me the ebay link, mate?
    Thanks in anticipation of you extra help.
    btw, you can send it via pm if sf no allow.
    x
     
  13. Dave1988

    Dave1988 Member

    Yeah one use as the wings snap off. I find a link for you both hang on
     
  14. sally green

    sally green Active Member

    hanging on, cheers
     
    Dave1988 likes this.
  15. Dave1988

    Dave1988 Member

  16. Dave1988

    Dave1988 Member

    Just make sure you get enough depth 50mm should do it. If your drill bit holder is magnetic you'll know when it's working as you'll get shards stick to the bit.

    Remember your drilling metal so keep a nice steady medium speed not too fast not to much pressure
     
  17. sally green

    sally green Active Member

    will these go into what i think is a concrete lintel but it could be metal or concrete and metal and my bf says some houses were built using concrete and metal lintels
    thanks again, hun.
     
  18. Dave1988

    Dave1988 Member

    What year is your house?
     
  19. sally green

    sally green Active Member

    1960 i think
     
  20. Dave1988

    Dave1988 Member

    Might be concrete then. You got a bradawl?
     

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