How to replace fly screen rivets with clips?

Question

my fly screens are currently held in to my aluminium windows with a strip of aluminium that's held by rivets.

I don't know why anyone would think this is a good idea because you cannot remove the fly screen to clean the window.

I found these clips which I used in all the fly screens i've seen growing up

https://www.bunnings.com.au/rolltrak-clear-flyscreen-swivel-clip-8-pack_p3981116

How do I replace my rivets with this type of clip? It's aluminium so I can't screw into it.

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @bara3,

I'd say there's a good chance you can use the existing hole in the aluminium extrusion that sits behind that cover fin. Rivet holes are generally relatively small compared to the head of the rivet. As long as the hole is not so large that a screw can't bite, then you should be ok to use it. Unfortunately, it would be impossible to tell without first drilling out the rivet, so we'll just have to work with what we find.

When you head in store to grab your materials, I'd suggest something like these

https://www.bunnings.com.au/buildex-10g-x-22mm-class-3-sheet-metal-screws-25-pack_p0920280

would be a good choice. They are a bit larger in diameter, but that should hopefully mean they'll be able to bite into the aluminium where the rivet hole is.

If it turns out you simply can't use the existing holes, the best option I can think is to use some

https://www.bunnings.com.au/rust-oleum-312g-2x-ultra-cover-metallic-aluminium-spray-paint_p1580689

to paint these

https://www.bunnings.com.au/taskmaster-15mm-white-self-adhesive-screw-caps-50-pack_p0537815

before sticking them on.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

bara3 · Answer

the screen can shift up/down direction, but it's held in by the strip that is there.

Once I drill it out, do I use the existing rivet hole for the new clips? Or would they be too large. If so, how would I block the holes off?

TedBear · Answer

Hi @bara3 the pop rivets look like they are supporting the outer frame. Have you tried pushing the flyscreen frame to one side to see if it can be removed then?

If you are sure that it is locked in place by the rivets you can drill them out. Use drill bit that is a bit larger than the hole in the pop rivet.

You can then replace them with the clips that you have suggested. You can screw into aluminium, using untapered self-tappers to hold them in. Or ask at the hardware store for the best screws to use.