[gap2415]

For those of you that put up drapery rods into the steel or ? Header.....what did you use? I'm thinking we need a handyman with a hammer drill as our attempts have failed with an ordinary drill. Help! We need curtains.

[Rango]

If you are drilling into block you can use a regular drill with a "masonry" bit. Don't know about a steel header.

[gap2415]

Originally Posted by Rango

If you are drilling into block you can use a regular drill with a "masonry" bit. Don't know about a steel header.

Not block...tried masonry bit first, then wood, metal bit...may need hammer drill with metal bit and get a pro who has done this before.

[villagetinker]

I did some work like you describe. I used a masonry bit until I hit the steel "beam", then I switched to a steel bit. The steel bit was the same size at the masonry bit. As soon the steel bit was through the steel, I switched back to the masonry bit. I then inserted plastic expansion plugs and suitable screws.
Trust me this is a lot of work, especially if you do not have 2 drills. Also you will go through a lot of bits if you are not very careful. The steel bits do not like concrete, and the concrete bits do not like steel.
The builders use a SELF TAPPING screw that apparently will go through the concrete and the steel in one step, this is how they install the birdcage aluminum channels. I did not try these, but if you can find the right size, you could try this approach.
Hope this helps.

[gap2415]

Thanks so much for this info....it's obviously beyond my abilities. I had called Romac and they sold me two metal bits that I'd nothing. Who thought putting up rod brackets were be such a problem, yet I saw that people put wood cornices and drapes up so someone knows how and has the equipment. Now I need a good handyman with this experience. Anyone have a recommendation as I don't think a birdcage installer would put up a few brackets. Help again!

[villagetinker]

I can give you a hand, but I am really tied up for the next couple of weeks. Send me a PM, with your phone number, an we can get together later in June. I have several other projects with other villagers over the next 2 weeks.