1st time putting up curtain brackets

Submitted by Shakiibird t3_zwymwg in DIY

I used a stud finder (also a 1st) and there wasn't one where I wanted to put the bracket. So according to the instructions I drilled with a 3/8 bit and tried to slide in the anchors. Pic in comments is the result. I can't push the anchors deeper. Even tried a hammer. It felt like I hit something wood about 1" deep while drilling. Could that be a stud? Or maybe part of the window frame? Should I try drilling deeper or reposition? I'm in a rental so trying to do as little damage as possible. TIA!

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mike21146 t1_j1xkkoc wrote

I’m thinking you hit a metal stud. Use a small bit first then the bigger one to go deeper

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Diabolixide t1_j1xjd45 wrote

Waiting to see that pic you mentioned

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Shakiibird OP t1_j1xllrk wrote

Sorry for delay. It's up

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Diabolixide t1_j1xov6u wrote

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.

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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?

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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.

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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!

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Motomegal t1_j1xk6tz wrote

Have you tried using a slightly longer screw without the anchor? You can definitely tell when screwing into wood versus drywall with nothing behind it. Wood will feel firm and secure.

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Shakiibird OP t1_j1xmy9s wrote

Haven't tried a screw at all. I made the hole with a bit and haven't tried putting in the screws yet

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ChondroArt t1_j1xl99c wrote

I just hung up two rods I drilled till it fit. Was harder once I hit something. But it worked.

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Shakiibird OP t1_j1xligf wrote

bracket anchors

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PoydrasPoydras t1_j1xm8uv wrote

You should just go to your hardware store and get the anchors that screw in. These things suck.

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Shakiibird OP t1_j1y1ve8 wrote

I live in Buffalo, NY. If you've seen the news you know I'm not going anywhere soon. I still have 5' drifts in front of my door lol

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mylarky t1_j1xnsza wrote

Here's some unsolicited advice. It worked very well for us when we had younger kids who destroyed everything.

Put these up, and use black iron pipe as the curtain rod. It's cheap, it's strong, and it looks good/rustic.

https://www.draperyrodsdirect.com/kirsch-wrought-iron-3-1-2-inch-return-bracket?gclid=CjwKCAjwg4-EBhBwEiwAzYAlsgaHscod9LTbAVhv-HJSHpr3KdHoKqhqi6E3HCRgy_5dJ2cm82dpiRoCBqQQAvD_BwE

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Shakiibird OP t1_j1y1zti wrote

I actually love that idea, but I've already bought everything

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netherfountain t1_j1xvdoa wrote

I always just put a strip of 1x4 above the window trim, paint it the same color as the wall and screw it into known studs then I screw my curtain brackets anywhere into the 1x4. Never fails. Drywall anchors always eventually start pulling away. Might be 6 months or 10 years but they will always fail.

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Shakiibird OP t1_j1y269a wrote

That's a great idea that I'll try to remember for my next place. Thanks

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Somerset76 t1_j1y8nq8 wrote

As a renter I recommend command hooks rather than drilling.

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Background_Drawer_29 t1_j1zf8dl wrote

I use command hooks but have found lately that with summer tempetures getting warmer the glue fails.

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