Splining!

Anyone here ever replaced their own screens? It looks like if I want to, I've got some splining to do.

Was it hard?

conversely, if I want to outsource (outspline) the splining, does anyone know who might do it? I'm worried I'll end up whining about my splining.


Replacing screens is not hard if the frames aren't very warped (assuming they are aluminum frames).  Just pick up a spline tool when you buy the replacement screen and spline.  I always use the thinnest spline that will hold the screen snug - if it's too thick, it's much harder to press into the frame. 

The secret to successful splining is to make sure to cut the screen at least two or three inches bigger than the frame all the way around - this gives you plenty of extra to press down into the frame with the spline.  I'd rather waste a little screen material than have it tear while splining, and stretching the screen too tight is what warps the frame.

Tri County Screen Repair - as the name implies, this is what they do.  


It's very easy, and if you screw up it isn't hard or expensive to try again.


Thank you both. 

incidentally, splining is what Lucy would have had to do if she'd married Paul Hogan instead of Ricky Ricardo.


I think Buncher’s Hardware in Millburn still does it.Buncher's is about the only store I’ve ever known without a sign.


do one long end first, then skip the next and do the side parallel to the first.  If it's a long screen, like a screen door consider cutting a dowel to length and put it in the middle of the long sides.  It's very easy to pull the screen too tight and have a bowed long side. Run the roller tool along the screen first without the spline to form the screen into the groove, then repeat the pass to push the spline in. 


yeah, I've done it. It's pretty easy. And quite satisfying, actually.

And that was before youtube!


I think I have the tool to insert the spline into the channel if you need it?


Make sure you buy the right thickness of spline.


mulemom said:

Tri County Screen Repair - as the name implies, this is what they do.  

 +1 for this guy if you need professional help.


steel said:

Make sure you buy the right thickness of spline.

 Yes - bring a section of the old spline with you to make sure you match up the diameter. If the old one is really old, it might be a bit dried out and make it appear thinner than you need. If you're good with a ruler you can measure the width of the track.

There are many sizes: https://www.phifer.com/screening/diy/sizing/



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