Dumb newbie question - what tools do I need and how do I figure out what the current spline diameter is in order to replace old screens?

Any recommendations for brand / model for tools and materials?

This just got put onto the holiday honey-do list. Sigh.

ETA: Let me add to / change the original question: I just checked on screen material option; I thought a screen is just a screen. I'm overwhelmed with the number of brands and models available.

Can someone recommend a brand? I randomly chose one brand of many and looked at their website. Prioritizing view / visibility, air flow and insect (would like to maintain as much natural view as possible and also allow for uninhibited airflow when using the high CFM whole house fan which tends to pull in small insects), the recommendation seems to be their Better Vue screen model. But perhaps the UltraVue would be good enough for insects (not sure). So, looking for something like this in whatever brand is recommended. Buy once, cry once.

And then I'll figure out what spline diameter and tool to get.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: konata88,

I am the least mechanically inclined person on planet Earth.

However, screens are easy.

I just bought the spline tool, spline and black mesh screen at Lowes.

You can pull out the old spline and take it with you. But IIRC there were only like two options when I bought mine.

Yeah, I just pound my chest when done.

We use to have to replace the screen in our screen door that leads to the back yard.

Our previous Lab (Claire) did not let the screen stop her from chasing a squirrel.

If you are anywhere near the Cincy area, I will come help you,.

Call an Ace Hardware or True Value hardware in your area and ask them if they offer screen replacement. Many of them do, and many of them know someone who does it if they don’t. I’ve found that it is about the same price as doing it myself and a lot less frustration.

P-220 - thanks for the kind offer. I think I've done this once about 30 years ago but all the tools and materials were supplied. Now that I need to do it myself, I don't know what to buy. If I can figure that out, I think I can do it. I'm on the Pacific so unfortunately not in your neighborhood.

But may check on Ace (thanks for the suggestion arfmel) - if they do it cost efficiently, then I may just go that route.

I did a little part time work at a True Value. At the other location in town they do screen replacement and repair.

For my house I called a screen company and they came out, measured all the windows. Came back and installed all new screens. My screens were 20 years old and falling apart.

I’m attracted to the Phifer UltraVue 2 screen. Visibility, air flow, insects. Is it just hype or is it better than your average contractor window screen?

If the UltraVue 2 is better, can I get Ace / True Value to use it? Or will they only use whatever screen they want to use? How much would a patio door cost (roughly)?

Another vote for Ace or True Value. Just take the old screen to the store and it will be redone by somebody who has probably done hundreds of them and has the proper tools and materials at hand.

Ace sells the UltraVue2 on their website, but what I saw was 100' rolls. You would need to check locally to see if in store. Is it better? Do not know, but costs more. Mostly what I see around here is the basic stuff especially in the shorter lengths and kits.
Saint-Gobain is another brand I see often.

What spline diameter would you use?

1. I'm using the UltraVue 2 mesh. From Phifer, the mesh thickness is 0.009" -- "Phifer offers many different types of screening woven from several types of wires or yarns. The thickness of these products range from 0.009” for UltraVue2 to 0.12” for Standard screening to 0.034” for PetScreen®."

2. I couldn't find any specific spline diameter to use, just 0.140-0.160 (I think my frame is 5/16" x 3/4"); not sure which is recommended but I assume this means that I can use either diameter. https://www.phifer.com/wp-cont...spline-guide_v23.pdf

3. For my size frame, I think the general recommendation is to use 0.140" spline. However, given that my mesh seems a little thinner standard, should I use the 0.160" spline?

.140 spline if that is what is in there now. If you tried to use the .160 I believe you would have to stretch it out quite a bit to make it thin enough to fit.

I believe you have the wrong dimension for standard screen. Should be .012 which is only .003 more than what you are using. Spline is fairly flexible to take slightly different screen dimensions.

If you were using something thicker like the pet screen you would use a thinner spline.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sig operator,

Yes typo. Thanks. Wasn’t sure what to get but I opted for the 0.160” spline. It worked but it’s a little tight at the pull tabs. The Phifer tool sucks - pretty flimsy. Really unbecoming a premium brand.

I messed up once and had to re-do. Screen wasn’t going on straight. But finally got one window done. Whew. 10 more to go. Not sure what is the best way to trim off the excess.

The screen is otherwise nice - really is an unimpeded view.

Not sure why it’s so hard to add spline recommendation to the product webpage. Why make an amateur guess which spline size to use?

Utility knife at an angle on the outside of the spline against the frame is what I use to trim. Cut lightly to avoid scratching the frame. I have seen a tool that holds a single edge razor blade and cuts from the outside in without scratching the frame but only looked like it would work on window frames.

Mfg. did seem a little unclear.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
The Phifer tool sucks - pretty flimsy.

Screen roller tools are definitely a buy once - cry once kind of thing. A cheap flimsy one will make the job a lot more difficult. What I've done in the past that worked pretty well was popping the spline in with a flat head screwdriver and then running the tool down it to get the whole thing seated. Trim as sig operator mentioned. You'll go through a few blades as they dull up pretty quickly, but it works well. I did 12 windows and two doors a few years ago and hope to not have to do it again for awhile.

 
Too large a spline will cause the screen wire to split when you spline the opposite side to pull it tight.
 
Even taking in the old spline to match up will not work well if the old spline very old.
 
I have always taken the screen (or a piece of the screen frame material if I am making new) to the store and try different spline sizes with the wire I intend to use.

Just a quick comment on initial impressions. After Several replacements, the Ultravue2 mesh is highly recommended. Visibility, air flow and behavior during rain. YMMV but we're very happy w/ the mesh.

Also, got new tools from Everhard. Made in USA tools and seem better built. Not sure how durable they are but they seem much better than the cheap chicom plastic crap I initially bought.