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How to remove patio security screen door?

bobleeinoz

Hi Community

I'm trying to remove a security screen door of 30 yrs old for roller replacement, but unlike a typical screen with large clearance after wheel height adjustment, this one has little clearance to clear the track side. There is a screw, I guess for height adjustment, but it doesn't seem to help much.

Actually, the wheels couldn't even be seen from either the front or the sides.

I got other 2 outdoor screens same arrangement, hence unable to lift off.

Anyone has clue about this and how to remove the door?

thanks all

Pictures are top front & side, bottom front & side

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Repairing

Doors and Windows

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EricL

Hello @bobleeinoz

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your patio screen door.

The most common method of removing a screen door is by lifting it upwards firmly so that the bottom section of the door clears the bottom rail and it allows you to swing it out. Sometimes the rail has been installed in a slight angle which means that the sliding door must be at the correct position so that it clears the rails when swung out. Others require that a flathead screwdriver be used as a lever to lift the door with force so that it clears the rails edge.

I suggest trying out these removal techniques and see if they work. I also recommend having a look at this discussion - How to remove sliding doors to replace rollers? by @emheff. It's an excellent conversation about possible removal techniques for sliding doors.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

bobleeinoz

Thanks Eric for your help and informative guide.

I've tried the typical approaches for slide door removal and went through @emheff 's post, however still can't clear.

I will keep looking see if can find some clue…

Cheers

JacobZ

Hi @bobleeinoz,

If you lift the doors is there any movement at all? Is it lifting but it is catching on something?

I can't say I've ever come across a sliding door where this isn't the answer.

If you have a look along the top and bottom rails, does it seem like there is anything that might be removable?

I'd love to help further if I can.

Jacob

bobleeinoz

Hi Jacob, the doors can be lift for 3mm after adjusting screw on top, however there is still like 5mm to clear before moving sideway out.

I got three screens have same issues, so the likehood of three doors all stuck with something is not big.

and apparently ChatGPT doesn't know too :-)

JacobZ

Hi @bobleeinoz,

Can you show me where the screw you adjusted is?

Is it at the top corner of the doors? Or the bottom corners?

There are quite a few rollers, like these https://www.bunnings.com.au/rolltrak-adjustable-nylon-carriage-and-acetal-roller-2-pack_p3986433 for example, that can be moved up and down. It sounds like there might be rollers at the top or bottom of the door that might be adjustable to allow for clearance. It could just be that the rollers have been extended out and they need to be retracted to get the clearance you need.

Let me know what you find.

Jacob

R4addZ

Hi @bobleeinoz

A security screen that could be lifted out wouldn't be a very secure screen. I think you will find that the screen is an addition to an existing sliding door set and is pop riveted on at the bottom. You may have to drill out the pop rivets to get the door out (assuming you can access them all). Lets see what @JacobZ & @EricL think of this solution?

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @bobleeinoz. It's great to have you join us and many thanks for your question about removing your security patio screen door.

On older security screen sliders, there is often more than just the wheel height adjustment holding the door in place. If winding the visible screw down does not give enough clearance, I would first check for anti-lift blocks or small retaining screws in the top track. These are commonly fitted to stop the door being lifted out for security reasons, and they may need to be removed or loosened before the door will lift high enough to clear the bottom track.

It is also worth checking the bottom corners closely for plastic caps or hidden access holes, as the roller adjustment screws are sometimes recessed into the side or face of the lower frame rather than being obvious from underneath. Wind both rollers fully up into the door, then try lifting the whole door into the top channel and swinging the bottom out. A second person is very helpful, as security doors can be heavy and awkward.

If the door still will not clear, as @R4addZ mentioned it may have been installed with the frame or track assembled around it, or the top track may have dropped slightly over time. In that case, please avoid forcing it, as you can bend the frame or damage the track.

Please let me know if you have further questions.

Mitchell

R4addZ

@MitchellMc & @bobleeinoz

Yes I was looking for the anti lift blocks in the pictures as my doors have those but I couldn't see any. You can however see the pop rivets in the pictures in both the upper and lower tracks.

bobleeinoz

Thanks all with your brainstorming, however haven't got any clue after attempts of different directions:

a. Attempts with the top/bot adjustment screws, but still not enough to clear after turning.
(Pic 5 - seems help but there is about 3mm unable to clear anyway, and that the same for other screen doors )
b. Couldn't find a lift blocks within a 15cm reach (btw track/door) from each end.
c. Taking off side cover on picture 2, which doesn't show any mechanism except two holes, which seems nothing in the hole.
(Pic 6)

I think will keep it as "X file" for now till some day can find the secret.

EricL

Hello @bobleeinoz

I'm sorry we couldn't help you further with your security screen door. I propose engaging the services of a professional screen door installer. Observe how they take the door off and file the information next time you need to service the door. It would be worth paying the service call to learn the "technique" on how the door is taken off.

Eric

royce79

@bobleeinoz

It seems your security screen door was fitted in place before your sliding doors , it looks like it needs to be taken from the inside reason being, on the picture that you have uploaded of the bottom of the tracks picture attached where I have marked you can prise that up it’s like a cover plate flat head screw drive either from the bottom down from the top towards the frame , when that plate comes out you’ll be able to lift your door and take it out, but like I said it looks like your glass sliding door needs to come out to remove your sliding screen door

royce79

@bobleeinoz
that cover plate is your culprit that’s needs to come out , first of all you need to remove your glass sliding door and then you’ll have the room to lift and pull out your security screen door