installing curtains

[evilwarmaster]

I just moved into an apartment, and I'm trying to install some curtains. Being a poor college student, I decided to use a nail to make a hole big enough for the plastic anchors to fit into the wall. However, I can only through a few centimeters of drywall before I hit something. I was hoping it was wood, therefore I wouldn't need the anchors, however, I am unable to nail or screw through it. I'm not sure what it is, as far as I can tell it looks normal, but I have no idea. I can almost get the plastic anchor in, save a centimeter, so I just hope I can figure out what it is. It's almost like concrete, but I wouldn't think that it would be that, so i'm at a loss. I'm almost to the point where I'm just gonna get some spackle and fill the two holes.

[The1]

I'm glad it looks "normal"!!??

What is the building made of?
Mulit storey or single storey?
Are the windows timber, aluminium, steel?
Does it have timber architrave around the window?
Where are you trying to put the hole?
Why wouldn't it be concrete?

[evilwarmaster]

looks normal, as in it looks like drywall. It's multistory and the windows are aluminum I think. There's no timber anywhere, it's a cheap apartment. The hole is about an inch and a half above the window to avoid any of the window frame. It could easily be concrete, and I actually believe it is, but it is somewhat unexpected, as a wood frame is far more common (here in the US, i'm not sure about Australia) then poured concrete walls, because of the lower price.

[lordsmurf]

Probably the metal cornerpiece that is put over the sheetrock, but under the spackle and paint, to keep the drywall from crumbling apart on the edges.

Depending on the window, it might even be part of the original window piece. Windows are often set into frames that are integrated into the house frame.

Move your nail about 3 inches off the window edge.

[The1]

We use wood for the fire.But we do have timber frame building in Australia,not so much for multi storey though.
No timber anywhere would suggest block walls that are rendered,so your going to need a drill and a steel and masonary bit.
You could be hitting the lintel (beam over window to carry it's weight) which could be either timber (not likely in mulitstorey) or steel or concrete.
It's going to be pot luck I'm afraid, try using masonary bit first if that doesn't get anywhere use the steel bit, got to be one or the other!

[greymalkin]

I would buy some better plastic anchors than the ones that come with the curtain rods..they are ALWAYS insufficient. I usually use the plastic deep threaded drywall anchors. They are suposed to hold up to 50lb. Just tap it in the wall then screw it in untill it's flush with the wall. Then a screw goes in the middle of it. very easy to use.

If the wall is too shallow you can just clip off the end of the drywall anchor and screw the threads into the wall then. You shouldn't need alot of depth especially for something as light as a curtain rod and curtains.