I'm trying to bore holes into metal window frame so as to install window venetian blinds..?

Question

I am using an electical drill with a 1/8 drill bit to drill holes into the metal window frame, but it is not working.. Do I need a special drill bit for metal surfaces, or is it that I'm just to weak.. Let me know..

Answer 1

Try using a "self-drilling" screw if the windows are aluminum!! If you have old steel frame windows, you may be drilling for a while. If so, I would move the brackets to the side of the openings or out on the face of the wall, providing your blinds are wide enough. This may pose another problem if you wall is masonary. If so you may have to retool again. GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Answer 2

You already have several answers so here is my two cents worth. Don't drill into the metal if you don't have too. Mount them on the wall.

If you do have to drill, get a brand new bit. It sounds like the one you have may be dull. Buy a good one, even though you won't use it much. You do not need cobalt treated or other top of the line, but they really arn't that much more expensive for one 1/8 bit.

I would go to Sears, or a Home Depot kind of place not a harware store. Most hardware stores don't carry the good bits.

Drill at high speed. The speed is dependent on the size of the bit. The bigger the bit, the slower you drill. Your bit is very small, use high speed. A drop of oil on the tip of the bit to help cool it isn't a bad idea, but it is probably overkill for this size hole.

There are also special bits sold at auto body supply stores. They are 1/8 inch with points on both ends. They are made to cut holes quickly. The hole is not perfect, but you don't need it to be. You will need a sheet metal screw, not a wood screw. Wood screws are not good in metal.

Answer 3

I agree with your first answerer. I would not drill holes into a metal window frame. You could cause moisture leakage problems. Generally the frames that the window is installed into is wood or possibly concrete. By frame, I mean the actual window opening. If possible, move the brackets for the blind, towards the inside of the house but still in the opening.

Answer 4

First, be sure you are using a sharp bit, also use a variable speed drill and drill slowly. I had to drill holes in my windows too for a window unit air conditioner and after spending an hour drilling holes some one told us (my room mate and me) that we were using old dull bits and to go to wal-mart and get new ones. Of coarse I only had 2 holes left but it did go much MUCH faster.

Answer 5

You have to use a metal bit, I'm betting your using a wood bit and you've messed up the end right away and now it won't drill. Go to "Ace" hardware and get some bits with gold tips for metal. And, use at high speed not slow. Put a bit of wd-40 on it for lubrication.

Answer 6

Sears sells a Cobalt bit that works very well on metal. It is their best metal bit. Use a heavy motor type oil as you drill to prevent overheating the bit so it stays sharp. They sell them as singles or as sets. A single 1/8" bit shouldn't cost more than a couple of bucks.

Oh, your bit may just be dull or not even high speed steel.

This link here is the single bits, I guess the 1/8" is $2.19.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/search.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&keyword=cobalt&gobutton.x=10&gobutton.y=10&gobutton=find

Answer 7

I agree with keni. if you really must drill into the metal, then you would need a metal bit & make sure the drill is not set in reverse

Answer 8

I agree with your first answer as well... this way you can remove the blinds if you decide to change them and there won't be holes in your window frames. You could potentially hang curtain rods from the wood too. Good luck!

Answer 9

Go to the local hardware store and buy some self tepping sheet metal screws. Then you've solved two problems with one purchese.

Answer 10

don't do it.

screw a length of wood to the wall and fix the blind onto that