Bits and Pieces

I suck at drilling. So hanging curtains is an absolute nightmare for me. I've left my fair share of pieces of broken bits in the walls and wood trim. If there was ever a magnetic storm, every house I have ever lived in would be an executioner's weapon. Sometimes a bit will get stuck in the wall as I try to pull it out with the drill in reverse. I have no idea why this happens. Usually I can reattach the drill and tighten up the key. But sometimes the only answer is to get another bit and try to drill it out. Usually with the help of a pair of pliers to pull as I create larger and larger holes. Never a good resolution. Especially if you are precariously balanced on a 6 ft aluminum ladder. 

My go-to technique at this point is to start a pilot hole with a really small bit, then drill again with a medium bit, then drill again with a larger medium bit. And finally use a hand screwdriver to drive in the screw. 

And don't even get me started on trying to use the drill to screw in an aluminum screw. I can strip a head faster than a Vegas showgirl. I tend to use the old fashioned analog hand-held screwdriver. I place the top of the screwdriver against the palm of my hand to hold it in place and use my other hand to rotate the screwdriver. This method keeps the screw driver from slipping off the head and stripping it. And as a bonus, I only have to curse the gods a half dozen times instead of issuing a steady stream of profanity. 

But finally, after only 3 days of sweaty swears, 3 broken drill bits, 5 ruined screws, and multiple battery recharges, I was able to get sheers hung on all 7 of my bedroom windows!

Lessons learned: Don't let puppies play around the ladder when your standing on the top step in flip flops.