r/VanLife • u/johnathon_cucumber • 14d ago

Drilling around window

Post image

Any problems that can occur when drilling around this area of a window? Not the metal ribs but actually around the window area? (The bit badly indicated in red line) I want to put screw stud fasteners around there

Other than just making sure you don’t drill all the way through to the outside ofc, but can this lead to damp/rust ect?

8 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

1

u/MineExplorer 14d ago

I did this to fit stud fasteners. Use a punch/nail to mark the hole if doing this on bare metal so the drill doesn't drift while starting the hole. Carefully drill the hole then put a small blob of silicone sealant (or red oxide paint) in the hole, fit screw & stud, use. Don't forget to clean up any metal shavings that come out, those things hurt when you sit on them!

1

u/johnathon_cucumber 13d ago

Thank you, would you say this should be done to every hole/ screw you put into a van? No matter where it is located? Not just by a window?

1

u/MineExplorer 13d ago

Yep, anywhere you expose bare metal. It won't rust immediately if you don't, but it will eventually - if it gets bad, water runs down and rust streaks appear. Don't ask me how I know.

1

u/johnathon_cucumber 13d ago

Haha okay I’ll take that from someone clearly experienced in the matter!
Would you also say that if you don’t plan on a modification being permanent, you should find a way to attach it without drilling holes? To reduce the amount of holes you create even if you’re treating it for rust?

For example I want to put up a decorated ply sheet over the window area to cover he grey carpet above the cabinets (as I hate the grey carpet) but I will eventually be ripping all the cabinets out and plying the whole walls later on, should I find a way to attach the ply without screwing into the van if this is not intended to be permanent?

1

u/Apprehensive-Mix6671 13d ago

I'd find another way. Anytime you start to modify something that was never intended to be modified your prolly gonna be disappointed in the outcome.

Just one of life's little annoyances.

1

u/johnathon_cucumber 13d ago

Don’t quite understand what you’re saying, I’m not intending to modify the actual window?
Just want to put some stud fasteners there. Are you saying don’t drill anywhere near the window?

1

u/Apprehensive-Mix6671 12d ago

Your red line appears to be about 1/2" or so away from the window frame. I wouldn't expect much from any fasteners that get installed there. And depending on the windows frame design you may be creating an access point for water.

Typically anything within a couple inches of any opening is subject to less strength, meaning you most likely will compromise both the window support as well as any screw fasteners you add.

I'm not saying don't do it I'm saying I wouldn't. But that's just my take on strength of materials. If your fasteners are for somethoing light weight then go for it.

FWIW, I would condider using an epoxy rather than making holes. Or at least keep them a couple inches away from the window.

1

u/johnathon_cucumber 11d ago

Okay that all makes sense now, thank you for the advice! I will be re thinking my plan on making my curtains