DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Hi,

I would like to hang a curtain against a plaster wall. Before i started drilling i used a metal detector to make sure that i do not drill into any live wires. i am getting a signal that tells me that underneath the plaster wall there is metal and it surrounds the perimeter of the window.

I suspect that this is a metal frame put in place to hold together the plaster wall around the window. But i have the following questions at this stage;

1) is the metal around the window a frame put in place to hold the thing together, or could it be something else?

2) if it is just a metal frame, is it safe to drill where the metal detector is indicating that there is the frame? or would i be risking doing permanent damage to the metal frame that holds the plaster board around the window together with the risk of the plaster board round the window coming unstuck?

Please help!

ghawdxi,
I doubt that you will be picking up a signal for voltage as it is not good practise to have cables installed all way around a window.
If you are picking up signal all way around the window is the signal strong around the internal edge of window? If so your picking up the metal angle bead that is there to help the plaster get good edge on window reveals, these beads are only about 70mm (2 1/2 inch) wide. As long as you drill beyond the 70mm should not cause problem, if you do drill in to the bead there is a good chance you woud damage plaster around reveals and your drill bit too! You could also have a RSJ fitted across top of window this is for structual reasons. But should be enough depth to drill and plug for rail.

most probably a steel lintol behind the plaster.
A metal bead will be detected around the window reveals.
you can get detectors than register wiring from hire shops to put your mind at rest.
But just drill slowly and keep checking really.

thanks for your reply people!
i drilled beyond the 7cm limit and it worked perfectly