Jump to content


Mysterious metal in internal walls

Recommended Posts

Hi

 

I was wondering if anyone can help solve a mystery?

 

Been trying to put up shelves on internal walls in my 1880s build terraced house.

 

The pipe detector reads the entire wall as 30-50% metal.

 

We have tried drilling holes in several locations and keep hitting metal very shallow. Occasionally we get a normal bit, then an inch further over its metal again. It doesn't seem to fall in line with studs, it's just everywhere.

 

This has now been the case with two walls we've tried.

 

Has anyone got a clue what this could be? I don't know if we can drill through the metal or it could be hundreds of pipes!

 

Thanks so much in advance for any help!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Hi

 

I was wondering if anyone can help solve a mystery?

 

Been trying to put up shelves on internal walls in my 1880s build terraced house.

 

The pipe detector reads the entire wall as 30-50% metal.

 

We have tried drilling holes in several locations and keep hitting metal very shallow. Occasionally we get a normal bit, then an inch further over its metal again. It doesn't seem to fall in line with studs, it's just everywhere.

 

This has now been the case with two walls we've tried.

 

Has anyone got a clue what this could be? I don't know if we can drill through the metal or it could be hundreds of pipes!

 

Thanks so much in advance for any help!

 

It's probably expanded metal plaster lath.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks for your response. I'm not sure about lath, it feels really solid and sounds metallic when you tap it. Would lath be like that?

 

Thanks

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Thanks for your response. I'm not sure about lath, it feels really solid and sounds metallic when you tap it. Would lath be like that?

 

Thanks

 

Like this.

 

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Galvanised-Metal-Mesh-Lath-2500-x-700mm/p/104089?CAWELAID=120135120000007050&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=52608956304&CATCI=aud-305024815433:pla-326322351274&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvqbaBRCOARIsAD9s1XCiVhVJZYYTdC2hkekKS34IhZ0NHT_vCCwbZa8UlJEwzJeoNDvA8YwaAvQ5EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CMvpxf6Gn9wCFQcX0wod6e0JQw

 

You might drill into it and hit metal or a gap.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.