Drilling into Exterior wall

[rdow100]

Hi, I'm trying to install a floating shelf on an outside wall but when I try to drill into the wall I get about an inch in and the drill bit won't go any further, does anyone have any ideas?
For further information, I live in a flat and the wall I am drilling into is a balcony wall on the other side of which is our bedroom. Is there any likelihood that I'm drilling into metal like a lintel and need a different drill bit, if so what kind, or am I just being weak?

[The Builder]

Is it a masonry drill and bit?

[rdow100]

Hi, I'm not sure if its a masonry drill, its a Bosch PSB 14,4 VE-2, but it definitely a masonary drill (I've used it to drill through internal walls no problem)

[rov1100]

If I can I always drill into the mortar. Professionals never have any trouble drilling into brick....when installing cavity wall insulation the hole is about 2" diameter. So put it down to the equipment..a hammer drill used with masonry drills.

[Hymie]

I would suspect that you have hit an RSJ within the building structure. Horizontal RSJ would normally be at floor/ceiling location, so it may be a vertical section. Without making the wall look like a piece of Swiss cheese – try drilling another hole at least 200mm from where you have drilled.

[scotman]

Have you got a metal detector? If it is an RSJ it should show up.

[The Builder]

I'd be surprised if there was any steel just an inch in, but it could be.
How old is the building, and what does the outside skin of the building look like

[johnk]

If your internal wall is plasterboard anything will drill through it. Are there what looks like 2 pieces of metal welded to the tip of the drill. Are you using a hammer action drill?

[johnk]

Also use a cup of water to cool/lubricate the drill bit.

[Khandro]

If the wall is concrete you may have hit a piece of very hard stone, like flint or granite, what is the wall made of?

[bookbinder]

Use a hammer drill with a hammer drill bit.

[Old_Geezer]

Some walls are made of tougher stuff than others. I know I've had drilling jobs where the air turned blue as I strained my all to get the hole.

Worth checking you've not hit something unexpected such as a metal lintel or something, as you ask. You aren't supposed to drill them, but I suspect it's unlikely. Althugh it could be some other change of material. You can get detectors to ensure you are drilling in a suitable place. Hammer action and masonary drill bit, obviously.

[rdow100]

Hi, I am using the hammer action on the drill and its definitely a masonary drill bit (There is what looks like 2 pieces of metal welded to the tip of the drill). The building was built in the 60s the outside of the build is a pale yellow brickwork the bricks seem quite brittle when drilled into but I'm not sure what type of wall it is.

[AlBags]

lol to this thread ...

Vertical RSJ's ... and all that.

You better get and use a stud/cable/metal finder.

No-one here can advise you properly when we can't see what you are working on. Maybe it's a pipe?

[TonyV]

very late advice - but as albags says maybe a pipe - possibly steel conduit that electrics have been run through - best get a steel / electric / stud detector.

[pamweld]

Hi you could be drilling into a steel support beam alright, but just remember that if the structure was built in the 60's it could be dry-lined on inside and then concrete with outer brick leaf, try moving about 4 inches to either left or right and try again, no support generally should wider than that and if you still have the same problem chances are you are dealing with mass concrete, not very unusual for the 60's if so.If it is the wall structure go to your DIY store and ask for a drill bit best suited to concrete(masonry)

[AlBags]

He hasn't been back for 5 or 6 days ...

So he either fell off the steps .. and is in casualty, or is down at B&Q (still)