How to Childproof a Door Screen
Remove the screen from the metal insert frame. , Cut a section of new screen that fits over the frame., Cut four rubber splines., Center the screen on the frame as best you can., Grab a matching spline piece., Add more glue further down the groove...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Remove the screen from the metal insert frame.
Leave an inch or two (a few centimeters) of overlap., Here is where things get interesting.
The typical screen insert uses one big length of spline that runs all around the frame.
For this project, cut four separate pieces of rubber spline, equal in length to the four frame sides., Use the convex end of the spline tool to press it into the frame groove., Squeeze a drop of hot glue into the groove, and use the spline tool (the concave end) to press the spline down into the groove., Continue adding more glue every few inches (or centimeters), until you reach until the end of the frame side.
The spline may be longer than you expected, so be prepared to trim it.
If you use the utility knife, try to avoid accidentally slicing your new screen; scissors work better., The spline should be encased in glue.,,, A beautiful screen insert, ready to go back in the door.
And hopefully stay there a while., Here's what the screen looks like when you remove it (pliers are necessary).
The one pictured here lasted three years against a cat and two toddlers.
You can reuse the spline pieces again when remaking a new screen. -
Step 2: Cut a section of new screen that fits over the frame.
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Step 3: Cut four rubber splines.
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Step 4: Center the screen on the frame as best you can.
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Step 5: Grab a matching spline piece.
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Step 6: Add more glue further down the groove
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Step 7: and press the spline further into the groove.
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Step 8: When the spline is all glued in
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Step 9: lay a bead of glue on top of the spline
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Step 10: all the way back.
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Step 11: Repeat for each adjacent side (it can be helpful to go counterclockwise).
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Step 12: Use the Exacto knife to trim excess screen material.
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Step 13: All done!
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Step 14: Be aware that it won't last forever.
Detailed Guide
Leave an inch or two (a few centimeters) of overlap., Here is where things get interesting.
The typical screen insert uses one big length of spline that runs all around the frame.
For this project, cut four separate pieces of rubber spline, equal in length to the four frame sides., Use the convex end of the spline tool to press it into the frame groove., Squeeze a drop of hot glue into the groove, and use the spline tool (the concave end) to press the spline down into the groove., Continue adding more glue every few inches (or centimeters), until you reach until the end of the frame side.
The spline may be longer than you expected, so be prepared to trim it.
If you use the utility knife, try to avoid accidentally slicing your new screen; scissors work better., The spline should be encased in glue.,,, A beautiful screen insert, ready to go back in the door.
And hopefully stay there a while., Here's what the screen looks like when you remove it (pliers are necessary).
The one pictured here lasted three years against a cat and two toddlers.
You can reuse the spline pieces again when remaking a new screen.
About the Author
Christina Jones
Enthusiastic about teaching hobbies techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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