Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

Diabolixide t1_j1xov6u wrote

Reply to comment by Shakiibird in 1st time putting up curtain brackets by Shakiibird

So it's probably just a double stud, and could be a metal stud, both are pretty common when framing windows. But is there any plumbing that runs along that wall, like a bathroom directly above that window on the second floor (if there is one)? It would be poor construction but if there's a bathroom above it it could be a pipe (but chances are slim). Still better safe than sorry. Try holding a strong magnet up to where you've made the holes and see if there's any reaction.

You can also determine if there's a stud there by measuring out from a known stud. It's 16 inches (or if it's cheap construction, sometimes 24 inches) from center of a stud to the center of the next stud.

Edit: There are several other ways to find studs if you're unsure about the methods you're using. A quick YouTube search can show you some of the tricks that take too much space to type out.

1

Shakiibird OP t1_j1y1ozc wrote

Thank you. There's no water on that side of the building so that's not a concern. I think the metal stud idea might be right. Is it safe to try to make the hole deeper or should I abandon these holes?

1

Diabolixide t1_j1y9jb3 wrote

Yes it's totally safe to drill into a metal stud. You'll need a drill bit for metal though to make the pilot hole, it will be made of cobalt (or titanium if you go premium). And you'll need a metal toggle bolt instead of a basic drywall anchor. But to backtrack a little bit, all your holes should be a minimum of 4 inches from the window frame, if that changes things at all.

1

Shakiibird OP t1_j1yawuf wrote

I had no idea about that last bit. At most the holes are 1" from the frame. I think I'll start over tmrw. Thank you so much for all the info!

1