Repairing Screen Door Scrollwork

Tools:

workbench
clamp
flathead screwdriver
roller tool
safety glasses
needle-nose pliers
riveter
power drill
safety glasses
rivet tool
rivets
screen
spline material

1. Start by removing the screws that hold the decorative scrollwork to the frame.

2. Clamp the scrollwork to the workbench and replace the rivets using the pop riveter. Make sure you wear eye protection while working with the riveter. Normally you would have to drill holes for the rivets, but in this case the holes are already there and you just need to find the correct size of rivet (figure A).

3. Once you find a match, insert a rivet and crank the handle of the rivet gun to install (figures B and C).

4. Before replacing the scrollwork, have a look at the screen and replace it if damaged. Start by taking out the old rubber tubing or spline holding the screen to the frame.

5. Cut a new piece of screen material to fit and position it in the door. Use a roller tool to force the new spline into the channel, locking the screen in place (figure D). Use short back-and-forth strokes with the roller tool to work the spline into place.

6. Trim off excess screen material using a utility knife. Be careful and avoid cutting the new spline.

7. Replace the decorative scrollwork.