Blinds, Shades and Shutters - Vertical blinds

My home is of block construction with a brick facade. I purchased some vertical blinds online for an inside versus an oustide installation. One thing I did not think of was the fact that block homes have a steel lentil above the window openings to support the block courses above the window. What is the easiest way to install the blinds? I have spent over 30 minutes trying to drill one hole through the lentil. I would guess it is 1/4" thick.

Ray

With and electric drill, not a cordless, and a good high speed drill bit you should be able to drill into the steel lintel. A 1/8" hole with a 3/8" #6 sheet metal screw is what I use. Put the screw in with a hand screw driver to prevent it from breaking.

After many attempts to drill through the lintel, 4 bits later, I came up with a different solution. I was using a variable speed drill at low speed and cobalt tips. I kept the bit lubricated with cutting oil and never finished the 1st hole.

I went out and bought a tube of Liquid Welder ($4) and glued the inside mount clamps directly to the drywalled lintel. After waiting 24 hours, I tested the strength of the adhesive and was mighty impressed. I would need a claw hammer to pull the clamps off.

Blinds are up, they look great and my other 5 1/8 drill bits are going back to Lowes. :D