To drill into a window lintel, particularly a steel one found behind plaster, you need to use the correct drill bit for each material you encounter.
Steps for Drilling into a Steel Lintel
Follow these steps, based on standard practice and the provided reference, when drilling through plaster and into a steel lintel:
- Start with the Plaster: Begin by using a small masonry drill bit, ideally around 3mm, to penetrate the plaster layer covering the lintel.
- Reach the Lintel: Drill until you feel the bit hit the solid material of the lintel. This is where the masonry bit's job for this layer is done. The reference explicitly states, "After you penetrate the plaster, you will reach the steel lintel. Don't continue to drill into the steel lintel."
- Switch to a Steel Bit: Change your drill bit to a high-speed steel (HSS) bit. Masonry bits are designed for stone, brick, and plaster, not metal. An HSS bit is specifically made to drill into steel.
- Use the Pilot Hole: Locate the original pilot hole you drilled through the plaster. Use the HSS bit to drill through this hole and into the steel lintel.
- Choose the Right Screws: For fixing into steel lintels, you will typically use self-tapping screws, also known as Tek-Screws. These screws are designed to cut their own thread as they are driven into the metal, providing a secure fixing.
Using the correct bit sequence is crucial to avoid damaging your drill bits and to ensure you can properly fix items to the lintel. A masonry bit will struggle or fail to drill into steel, while an HSS bit would quickly wear out if used on abrasive materials like plaster or masonry before reaching the metal.
Summary of Bits and Screws:
| Material Being Drilled Into | Recommended Drill Bit Type | Recommended Screw Type |
|---|---|---|
| Plaster | Small Masonry Bit (e.g., 3mm) | N/A (Pilot hole phase) |
| Steel Lintel | High-Speed Steel (HSS) Bit | Self-Tapping Screws (Tek-Screws) |
By following this process, you can successfully drill into a steel window lintel and create a secure point for fixing.
