I am trying to mount a 23" monitor to a wall. I located the stud and used a bit to drill through the drywall into the stud. I went as far as I could before it started to smell and smoke. I then attempted to drill the large screw into the new hole. The screw got so far, then stopped. I tried to push through as much torque as I could but the drill died on the spot.
I've seen a drill battery died before, usually it wines, slows and dies. This went from full power to dead instantly. I plan on using a hammer drill tonight to try the same thing with better results.
Before I do:
Can you think of a reason I couldn't get through the stud? I have a 12 volt drill (hardly heavy duty). Is this too weak to do the job? Any comments or thoughts are appreciated.
Best Answer
Without knowing anything about the building, I would first suspect you drilled (partially) into a steel pipe
or a nail plate
which is protecting wire, tubing, or conduit.
In my 1950s house which uses 2x4s from a bygone era (dense Douglas-fir), I have to predrill any stud into which I intend to drive a screw or nail. Yes, a nail. Otherwise the nail will bend or curl or the screw will snap. I use a sharp 1/8 inch drill bit for pre-drilling.