MetaChat - Ask Mecha: Installing Blinds

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04 April 2009

Ask Mecha: Installing Blinds I'm installing light blocking blinds in my basement and apparently my window casements are made of Kryptonite.→[More:]
The nails only go in about 1/4" and bend. I've tried drilling and I can't put a dent in what I think is cement. I can't use a cement drill because the holed will be too big for the small screws that fit through the brackets. I can't use liquid nails to attach wooden bases to drill into because then the blinds won't fit. I have been putting this off for a week and my spouse is approaching Bruce Banner levels of consternation. And I'm on a stupid 2,000 calorie diet and it's making me cranky.

post by: craniac at: 13:16 | 7 comments

Have you tried to install both "inside" and "outside" the frame? Maybe one part would be easier than the other, depending on the grain of the wood or whatever.

posted by kellydamnit 04 April | 13:19

My wife has some sort of fixation and wants the blinds inside the window, if that makes sense. The windows are paneling set directly on cement. It is tricky. I suppose I can try to talk her into rigging something outside the window, but I still have to attach those brackets to the same surface. My ead hurts.

posted by craniac 04 April | 13:37

Tapcons have been recommended elsewhere, but they require a hammer drilll, masonry bit, and seem to have their own set of problems.

posted by craniac 04 April | 15:27

Duct tape!

posted by deborah 04 April | 17:30

Some exploratory drilling indicated that I was wrong about the casement--there are some hollow spots behind the paneling and other drillable areas. I took a 1/8" masonry bit in a cheap skil drill and was able to drill down about 1/2". In a spot one inch higher I could only drill 1/4". We're not too worried about cosmetics so eventually I'll find a spot that will hold the bracket.

posted by craniac 04 April | 22:21

I'm sure you could find an Epoxy that would hold the brackets.

posted by arse_hat 04 April | 22:37

I got the brackets installed! Then I didn't read the instructions on the blind itself and destroyed while trying to tension it. But it was $30, so I can buy another and start anew.

posted by craniac 05 April | 23:15

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