Drilling Into Stucco, Hitting Metal?

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Drilling into stucco, hitting metal?

Reply Subscription Subscribe to this Thread Thread Tools Search this Thread #1 Old 04-03-17, 11:22 PM D dannydann Member Thread Starter Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 3 Upvotes: 0 Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts Drilling into stucco, hitting metal? I'm trying to mount an outdoor security camera. The instructions seemed simple enough - drill two holes, mount the camera, done. Unfortunately, when I try to drill through the stucco I seem to be hitting something metal, or whatever it is, my standard cordless drill can't get passed it. Wondering what am I doing wrong, and what would be the correct way to mount the camera? Attached is a photo were you can see a few of the holes I've tried drilling. I'm getting stuck about a quarter of an inch in. My home was built in 2013. Attached Images Upvote dannydann View Public Profile Find all posts by dannydann #2 Old 04-04-17, 01:26 AM PJmax's Avatar PJmax Group Moderator Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Jersey Posts: 70,126 Upvotes: 530 Received 5,004 Upvotes on 4,479 Posts You need not only drill mounting holes for the camera but you need to bring a cable out too. Have you addressed the wiring ? Pretty tough to see your holes. If I had to hazard a guess I'd say that stucco is over cement block or brick. Rap hard on the stucco..... if it sounds hollow you are hitting something like a stud or pipe. If it sounds solid.... that stucco is over masonry. Upvote PJmax View Public Profile Find all posts by PJmax #3 Old 04-04-17, 03:17 AM Marq1's Avatar Marq1 Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: USA MI Posts: 9,752 Upvotes: 94 Received 1,215 Upvotes on 1,103 Posts Could be metal flashing. I'd guess it's your drill bit as a cordless drill should easily have enough power. If you have inexpensive bits, have drilled several holes through stucco may be time for some new ones. Wireless I'd wager! Upvote Marq1 View Public Profile Find all posts by Marq1 #4 Old 04-04-17, 04:31 AM M marksr Forum Topic Moderator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA - N.E.Tn Posts: 46,436 Upvotes: 975 Received 1,029 Upvotes on 905 Posts Quote: my standard cordless drill can't get passed it. What size cordless drill? I used 9.6 volt for years and when it died I bought a 19.2 volt - couldn't believe the difference! Upvote marksr View Public Profile Find all posts by marksr #5 Old 04-04-17, 10:11 AM T tightcoat Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: California Posts: 2,080 Upvotes: 14 Received 76 Upvotes on 66 Posts An old timer told me that sometimes when the concrete and bit get hot that it forms a super hard glaze. He told me when the bit quits going in to take a masonry nail and poke it in the hole and hit it a rap and then drill some more. It worked, That must be why hammer drills work. Since it is only a few holes give this a try. I agree you could be hitting concrete block or poured concrete which is harder than mere stucco. Or you could be hitting a steel column or pipe or something. Sometimes the hoddie made the stucco really rich which makes it harder. That quarter inch is the finish and a little more then the brown coat. It is possible that the stucco is that hard. I've seen it that hard so try the nail poke or a hammer drill. You are using a masonry bit aren't you? A house built in 2013 in CA likely is thin coat stucco over foam, unless the house is block or poured. A masonry bit should go right through. If you are hitting steel find out what it is then try a metal cutting bit. Upvote tightcoat View Public Profile Find all posts by tightcoat #6 Old 04-04-17, 11:12 AM V Vermont Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: North East Kingdom of Vermont Posts: 2,195 Upvotes: 0 Received 3 Upvotes on 3 Posts Isn't there usually an expanded metal lath beneath that stucco ? Upvote Vermont View Public Profile Find all posts by Vermont #7 Old 04-04-17, 11:32 AM T tightcoat Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: California Posts: 2,080 Upvotes: 14 Received 76 Upvotes on 66 Posts If this is frame construction then probably woven wire lath twenty gauge one inch mesh of seventeen gauge inch and a lad mesh. Even if there is expanded metal lath the drill should either go right through or glance off the steel into the key between the steel of the oath. I doubt if it a flashing or there would be a sign of it. I suppose there could be a nail guard. I can't see the holes in the picture to see if they are spaced such that they are all hitting the same nail guard. I am guessing extra hard stucco or a concrete block or poured concrete. Where in CA??? Upvote tightcoat View Public Profile Find all posts by tightcoat #8 Old 04-04-17, 11:40 AM D dannydann Member Thread Starter Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 3 Upvotes: 0 Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts Irvine - Southern California Upvote dannydann View Public Profile Find all posts by dannydann Related Articles Sheet metal Cutting Sheet Metal with an Electric Drill By Bipasha Bhatia a sheet of metal siding with diamond shapes How to Use a Metal Lath Properly with Stucco By Sage C. Synthetic Stucco vs Traditional Stucco Synthetic Stucco vs Traditional Stucco a stucco home near palm trees Stucco 101 By KC Morgan Thread Tools Show Printable Version Show Printable Version Search this Thread Advanced Search

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