What drill bit needed to get through a lintel

[Leaxx215]

Hi all.
We are trying to put up a curtain pole above a window.
We cannot get trough the lintel.
We have tried with a cordless drill and a big mains drill. No joy.
What drill but is needed for this?

Many thanks

 

[Deleted member 174758]

Assuming that it's a steel lintel it needs a cobalt HSS twist drill (M42). Best drilling a small 3mm (or so) pilot before opening up the full size IMHO

 

[ladylola]

Or it could be a concrete lintel in which case a masonry drill will be needed although they can be difficult if the hole hits steel reinforcing or hard aggregate.
What drill bits have you tried and what sort of noise does it make? A steel lintel will sound distinctly tinny in comparison to concrete.

 

[Leaxx215]

We have tried again with new drill bit for concrete and also Steele.
Still not able to get any joy.
It definitely has a tinny sound to it.

If I was to put up a timber baton what am
I best to stick it up with? Will no more nails actually work or is there something stronger out there you know of?

Many thanks

 

[Burnerman]

If you are trying to drill steel, then it's an HSS jobber drill you need - say 4mm diameter to start with. No hammer action, plenty of pressure on the drill, drill in short bursts....WD 40 down the hole does no harm.
I wouldn't rely on No Nails alone.
Maybe you can get a fixing just to each side of the lintel, which would be a start?
John

 

[Leaxx215]

Shall give that a go. Thanks for your response x

 

[Burnerman]

If it's any consolation, I buy small jobber drills in 10 packs
John

 

[Mikefromlondon]

Not sure it would be a good idea to drill the steel reinforced bars running through the lintel, will it not weaken its strength, so bear that in mind when drilling, especially in the mid span. then again, evaluate how much weight it is supporting above it, how many stories etc.