Screen Door Trim Repair

Tools:

workbench
jigsaw
utility knife
power drill
5-in-1 painter's tool
hand plane
hammer stapler
sandpaper
safety glasses
heavy gloves
shaper
pliers
hammer
carpenter's pencil
clamps
replacement screen and lumber
nails and staples

1. Cut along edge of trim pieces with the utility knife to break the paint seal (figure A).

2. Pry off trim pieces using the painter's tool and the hammer (figure B). Use the pliers to pull nails out of trim pieces.

3. Put on gloves and rip the old screen out of the door and pull the old staples out of door.

4. If a trim piece breaks or was broken earlier, use the old piece as a template and mark design on a new piece of lumber (figure C).

5. Use a jigsaw with a fine-toothed blade to cut a replacement. Be sure to wear safety glasses when working with power tools.

6. Use a hand plane to round the edges and match the original trim piece (figure D). You can further sculpt the new piece using a shaper (figure E). Finish up by lightly sanding the piece.

7. Now it's time to re-screen the door. Have an assistant help hold the screen in place, and secure it along the edges with the hammer stapler (figure F). Be sure the staples fall inside the area that will be covered when the trim goes back on.

8. Drill pilot holes in the new trim piece so it doesn't split when nailed to the door. Tack trim pieces lightly onto the door one at a time (figure G). Do not drive the nails in as you may need to make adjustments.

9. Once the pieces line up nicely, drive the nails in and trim away excess screen using the utility knife (figure H). Cut as close to the edge of the trim as possible.