How to change aluminium mesh fly wire?

[lin27]

 

Hi everyone,

I have an old security/fly screen door at home and I’d like to replace the mesh myself. The current mesh is quite fragile, and I’m thinking of upgrading it to aluminium mesh for better durability (we also have a dog, so I need something stronger).

The mesh on my door is held in place with metal strips and pop rivets, not the usual spline-and-roller type. My questions are:

1. What’s the best way and tools to remove the old mesh and rivets without damaging the frame?

2. Do I need to pre-drill holes in the aluminium mesh itself?

3. Any tips on keeping the mesh tight and even while fixing it back with rivets?

Thanks.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @lin27,

The easiest way to remove the old mesh is to drill out the rivets holding the strips in place. A 3mm drill bit is normally about right for this. Just drill into the centre of each rivet head until it releases, then you can push the rest of the rivet through. The strips will then lift off and the old mesh can be taken out.

If you are using aluminium mesh, you will need to make small holes where the rivets go so they can pass through the mesh and secure the strips back onto the frame. Most people either drill through the mesh with the bit as they go or carefully poke a hole at each point.

To keep the mesh tight and even, clamp or tape it in place before refitting the strips. Work from one side across to the other, fixing one rivet at a time, so you can pull the mesh straight as you go. A few spring clamps or masking tape really help to hold it steady while you set the first rivets.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[lin27]

Thanks for your reply, Mitch, it’s really clear and detailed. I really appreciate the step-by-step explanation — it gives me a much better idea of how to approach the job.

[lin27]

Oh, and last question is how to trim it, use knife or snip? which one is better?

[lin27]

Or cut to the size first?

[MitchellMc]

Hi @lin27, 

I would roughly cut it to size with snips or sharp scissors. You can then fix it into position and trim up the overhanging edges with a sharp retractable knife. Remember to wear cut-resistant gloves.

Mitchell

[lin27]

Hi Mitch,

We replaced part of it over the weekend. The most difficult part was removing the rivets—maybe I wasn’t using the right drill bit. If the rivet is 4 mm, should I also be using a 4 mm bit? Also, which drill driver would you recommend? I’m wondering if the one I used just wasn’t powerful enough.

 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @lin27,

Can you please provide a few more details on the difficulties you encountered when removing the rivets? That will help our members give you more specific advice. In general, the drill bit you use only needs to be slightly larger than the hole in the centre of the rivet. For example, if the centre hole is around 3mm, then using a 4mm or even 4.5mm bit will allow you to drill out the rivet cleanly. Once the centre is drilled, the rivet should fall out of position without too much effort. The drill driver you’ve shown is perfectly fine for this type of job and has more than enough power, so it’s likely more about bit size than the tool itself. 

Mitchell

[lin27]

Thanks I think I used a wrong bit, which is for 3mm rivets.😓

[MitchellMc]

Hi @lin27,

When you say 3mm rivets, is the hole in the middle of them 3mm? If so, a 4.5mm drill bit should do the job.

Mitchell