Hi, when I roll my “what was pretty expensive” aluminium flyscreen into the channel, as I push in the spline the flyscreen splits. I’ve tried gentle, hard etc. any ideas? Thank you so much
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @brendan23. It's great to have you join us and many thanks for your question.
I'm sorry to hear you are having issues installing your new flyscreen.
I believe this issue has to do with the thickness of the spline that is being used or the screen being stretched too tightly. Splines come in a variety of thickness including 4.5mm, 5.0mm, 5.7mm and 6.0mm. If you are installing new spline then you will need to measure the gap on the frame. For fibreglass or aluminium screen you would normally select a spline that is the same width as the gap on the frame. If you already have a spline that is the same width as the gap and the aluminium screen is ripping, I would suggest going one size smaller with the spline.
At what point does it start to tear? At any time you push the spline in or only when the screen is under tension and you are almost complete?
You might find this step-by-step tutorial helpful: How to replace a flyscreen by @Tara86
Let me mention a few helpful members @Tara86, @Brad, @JDE, @Stuardo, @Walzz which might be able to provide some advice.
Mitchell
Mitchell that’s great advice thank you
it’s the final hard roll if you like on the spline creating the final tension
from what you said a smaller spline may be the answer
ill try that
thank you so much
Hi @brendan23,
Please let us know how you go. If you continue to have problems I would be more than happy to contact the manufacturer after the weekend to discuss the issue.
mitchell
gap is about 7mm
spline appears to be 5mm
bunnings online appears to only go down to 4.5mm
will that be enough LESS than the 5mm
thanks ongoing
If you currently have 5mm spline then I would go with the 4.5mm spline. Also, try not to have the wire tight before putting the spline in. It is the act of pushing the spline down that creates tension on the screen.
Let us know how you go.
@brendan23,
As a follow-up, I have made contact with the Cyclone technical assistance team to discuss the issue. They would like to contact you to ensure the product is not from a faulty batch.
I'll contact you via private message to get further details from you.
Hi,I too have had my expensive Cyclone aluminum insect wire split when rolling it into the frame, before the installation of the spline. The torn 1220mm x2.05 m roll is now no longer big enough to try again.I followed the Cyclone video and used the convex wheel of the Cyclone roller tool.The groove in the frame is 3mm wide.Any idea how I get the wire into the grove without tearing?Thanks,Robert
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @robertskene. It's great to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about installing flyscreen.
A 3mm groove sounds particularly small to me. Is that correct? You'd need to fit the minimum 4.5mm spline and a double layer of flyscreen in that gap. That would appear not to be possible.
Are you replacing fibreglass screen? If so, aluminium is thicker, and you'd likely need to use a smaller spline than what was previously used on the fibreglass. If the spline is too thick, the screen will tear.
The only other advice is that the screen shouldn't be pulled taught before pushing the spline in. It's the act of pushing the spline in that tensions the screen. Once again, if it is pulled tight prior, the screen will split.
I look forward to hearing if those measurements are correct and if you are using a spline sized for fibreglass.
MichellThanks for the reply.The sliding door is an old Stegbar and yes the gap is 3mm and the old spline was 3.5mm (still in tact).I have been required to replace the fiberglass mesh with aluminum to provide a stronger mesh as the sliding door is an entry to a pool.The aluminum tore whilst forming it into the frame and before I got to the spline insertion.Is there some trick to pushing the aluminum into the frame with the convex wheel on the Cyclone double ended tool. Use soap to lubricate the frame so the aluminum slides in and does not tear?
Looks so easy in the videos ... but the mesh tore even though I was making multiple gentle passes.Thanks,Robert
Hi @robertskene,
I've had a chat with the Cyclone tech assistance, and we are both in agreement that a 3mm channel is relatively small. We're unsure why the screen would be splitting whilst gently forming it into the frame, but I'd be happy to facilitate a return on the product for you, as it didn't appear to be fit for your purpose.
Just so you are aware, Cyclone aluminium door meshes have not been tested for compliance on doors that enter into pool areas.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks Michell for following up on this with Cyclone.
Not sure how I return the product with the current Covid restrictions.
Best regards,
Robert
Hi Robert (@robertskene),
If you are not currently able to attend a store due to restrictions, we might need to wait until those ease. Just make sure to keep hold of your proof of purchase and I'll assist whenever it's convenient.
Hi Mitchell.
I was searching for some 3mm spline to use on my screen door, but could not see 3mm stocked. Do you have 3mm?
Also came across Cyclone Foam Spline, which is said to be more flexible and easier to use, and particularly suitable for Al wire screen.
Have you ever used this and is it more flexible?
Do Bunnings stock 3mm foam spline (I see Bunnings has Cyclone in larger sizes).
Thanks,
Hello @robertskene
I will have to give our provider a call about the spline sizes available. I'm only aware of the 4.5 mm-sized splines. I will also have to ask about the foam splines as well. As soon as I have more information, I will get back to you. Have you thought about using the old spline? You mentioned earlier in your post that it was still in working order. One way to check is to press the spline and see if bounces back. If it crumbles or does not return to its original shape, it's time to replace it.
Eric
Hi Eric,
The old spline is in tact but has hardened over time.
Cheers,
The thinnest spline we stock or that is available to us is the 4.5mm from Rolltrak. The thinnest foam spline in a reasonable length from Cyclone is 5.7mm.
Please let us know if you have further questions.
Hi,
I’ve had exactly the same issue of the spline splitting the screen. We replaced the 6mm spline to a 4.5mm spline and also attempted to use old spline but It just keeps splitting. Extremely frustrating, I’ve watched a couple of YouTube tutorials, including the ones you suggested previously. These have been of no help. PLEASE HELP! thank you.
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @melmozz. It's great to have you join us, and many thanks for your question on flyscreen installation.
We've gone over most of the issues pretty thoroughly in this discussion. The number one reason I've come across for any screen splitting during installation is that instinctively most people pull the screen nice and tight to get rid of any distortions before inserting the spline. This causes the screen to be over-tightened and tear because it's already taught before being pushed down into the channel. The screen must be slightly loose before installing the spline. I've done this myself before becoming aware of my incorrect technique.
If you're still having issues, you might like to contact Cyclone to discuss further, or I'd also be more than happy to organise a refund on the product in case it is faulty.
Thank you, if you could please arrange a refund, that would be great.
I'll reach out via PM to put you in touch with the store you purchased from @melmozz. They'll be able to refund the returned product.
Hi Mitchel,
I would like to talk up your offer to facilitatie the return of the flyscreen, now that retail is again open in Melbourne.
I purchased the screen from the Eltham store.
Thanks
@robertskene,
I've sent you a private message with some details about who to see for the return of your product.
