Thank you for posting this. I'm a 64 year old woman who is afraid of using a screwdriver, but when my Great Dane busted out all the window screens...I knew I had to do something. I'm on a super limited budget. I've got 1 screen down and 2 more to go, thank you for making this video and giving so much detail! I got this!!
This older video is still going strong! I bought a house about 7 years ago that had this metal spline in all of the screens. Two developed holes and I thought "no big deal I've replaced screens before", until I realized they had a metal spline. I patched the fiberglass screen material and called it good because I had no idea how to mess with a metal spline. Fast forward, I ran across your video and wanted to kick myself for not doing a search on this process sooner. A HUGE THANK YOU for producing this video!
When I used the splining tool to crease the new screen into the groove like you did, the tool cut the screen like a razor and made it useless because it was too short then. Came back and looked at the video again and noticed that you used your left hand to create some slack on the inside of the frame so that the screen slid into the groove intact without being damaged. You've done so many of these that you probably don't even think about it, but I'm mentioning it for the viewers who may make the same mistake I did. Leave some slack in the screen so it can be inserted in the groove without getting damaged. Also move a little slower than this man so that if you start making a mistake you can catch it before you do irreparable damage to the screen.
Thanks for the video, Patrick. It was the first thing to show up in a Google search for how to rescreen an Andersen window screen. The search also turned up a number of other postings from pros and amateur handymen, most of them saying how difficult it was to do and advising to replace the metal spline with .250" foam core vinyl spline if it were attempted instead of trying to work with the metal splines. After reading all these I determined yours was worthy of Google's placement at the head of the list and was the method I should follow. I used a wooden paint stir stick from Loew's which was thin and easy to work with in prying the spline out without damaging it. I used a black rubber mallet for the re-setting which was easy and caused no damage. When it came to the final deep set of the splines the vertical edge hammering split the Loew's stick because it was so thin. I found a Home Depot stir stick which was sturdier and just the right thickness to finish the deep setting of the spline. I used vinyl screen material instead of aluminum because I had plenty of the former on hand. It worked fine. No issues.
I bought the Equalizer tool on Amazon and already had a rubber mallet, then I followed this method exactly and it was so easy. The first time I pulled the screen too tight and the frame bowed, so I removed two of the splines and let the screen slacken a little then replaced the splines. It worked great. Thank you!
thanks, just did two 52 x 26 screens this morning. One tip I learned was for long screens, I cut a piece of 1/4 inch lath the correct length for the inside of the screen. Place it in the center of the screen as you spline and pull the screen. This keeps the frames straight during the splinning. First screen I did was bowed about half inch to the inside. I re-did it with the cut piece of lath, and it kept it straight.
Thanks. I moved to a different house and it has these kinds of screens. After a nasty storm tore a hole in three of my screens, it was nice to find something explaining how to replace them.
Thanks Patrick. Couldn't find the plastic tool, so I used a plastic putty knife to remove the spline. Worked fine. I used a Phifer Ulravue Fiberglass screen and had no issues. Screen costed $50 compared to $750 for new screens.
Really glad I was curious why my windows didn't look like they take regular spline and found this. I would have been stuck with a closed window tonight without this video, thanks!
Thanks for the video! I used the fiberglass screen, as well, and it came out great. Had to make do with what I had. I used a butter knife to pry out the metal spline, a paint stirrer to tamp the spline into place, a regular hammer with a sock on the end instead of a mallet.and my laser vision instead of a razor. OK, I lied about the last one. Thanks again for posting!
Excellent video! I just repaired one large Andersen screen on which the screening material simply started crumbling (southern exposure, 30+ years old). I used the paint stirrer tip that was in one of the comments rather than the plastic tool, but otherwise followed your process exactly. Looks great! Phifer's charcoal-colored aluminum screen material purchased on-line from Home Deport matches the other original Andersen screens perfectly, too. Next up I have to repair some non-Andersen vinyl spline fiberglass screens that squirrels ripped up, using the same aluminum screening.
thank you so much. we have a new puppy and had the windows open one day and then I noticed how she had ruined our screen. Called Anderson for a new screen and they wanted $330!! Thats crazy we prescreened without using the metal, just the regular tubing. Looks great!! Cant thank you enough
Thank you so much for this vid!! I just did a screen after I read the comment about using a paint stir stick instead of your tool. Worked like charm. So excited! Simple but without your video, I would have had to have used the rubber spline.
Thanks Patrick! I know those Anderson screens are expensive (very surprised to hear from one of your other commenters how much!) I think a while ago I was scrapping some Anderson screens and yeah I made the spline look like a Hardee’s crispy curl! I really had no idea how to get it out in a condition that could be reused! I thought/hoped/wondered if someone on RUclips could demonstrate how (without me exploring/probing/destroying for hours trying to discover on my own) and very surprised and impressed that A. you could do it and B. how well you did it! Perfect! I have to re-purpose an Anderson screen and I’m grateful to you for facilitating that! thank you so much!
I did two windows before watching your video. Great instructions by the way. I pretty much did the same as you but I didn't have the window tool. My splines came out curved quite a bit - arcs but not complete circles. They went back in just fine. It was just slightly more difficult to get them started. Tapping them every couple of inches straightens them right back out. But I like your method better. I used a paint stir stick to tap them in the same way you used the window tool.
Excellent! Exactly the direction I needed to replace screen material in the 40+ yr old windows that my lazy landlord would never have done. Tips worked great. However I used nylon trim panel pry bars from Harbor Freight instead of the window tint tool you had.
Dang, I wish I saw this BEFORE I did my two windows! LOL. I did NONE of this and had the splines bent into curly cues. I straightened them out as best I could and pounded them back into place with a dead blow mallet. I never bothered to use the rolling tool. This was for aluminum screening too! I used a 1/4 inch brass piece of metal to get the final tapping into place. Even with mangled and bent splines, they seated fine (fingers crossed). Make sure to pull on the screen while inserting the splines to get rid of any waves or wrinkles. BTW, Home Depot had genuine Andersen replacement screens for around $40 so look before you bother to replace the screens.
Great video, would not have figured it out on my own. I had limited time so could not order the special windshield screen too. So, I made one out of a piece of cheery wood and made it about the size of the windshield tool. I sanded down one edge so it came to a "sharp" edge. Then used another piece of cherry wood to hammer in the spline. I can see using a plastic tool for spline removal since the wood one I had would catch a little, but it worked OK. Another video did not use your method and ended up with a spline that was all twisted, just like you said. it appears that you can also fix them using a foam core spline, not the regular vinyl type. But no one seems to stock the foam core spline and I did not want to buy 250 feet online. But that seem to be an alternative and for those that want to use fiberglass screen, you can use it with the foam core spline. Thanks again for a great, helpful video.
I just replaced an old Anderson screen before coming across your video. I didn't use your tool but was able to remove the metal spline though with a slight bow. I reused the spine and it was still easy to reinstall by tapping with a hammer and pushing down as I went along. I did use the metal edge of an adjustable square in place of the tool you used but only to seat the spline deeper. I used aluminum screen and really prefer this to the rubber spline I have on other screens. I have only been able to find the rubber/vinyl splines and not the metal but would prefer the metal if I could find a source.
Thank you even though the video was old, I used it as a guide and it was still helpful. I forgot to buy the tool and used the handle of a pizza cutter and shims..
thank you! we need to do this for 4 screens from the previous owner. Will attempt tomorrow.what can we do if we don't have the tools needed? we have a knife, screwdriver and mallet
You did a good job getting the old screen out, but you were in too much of a hurry putting the new screen in. If I wasted that much screen I would be in trouble. I realize this is a demo.
Try "Tapered End Windshield Stick Setting Tool" part #CRL216 at CR Lawrence. Other vendors available using same description. May want to have Patrick confirm, but it looks correct.
By the way... called Andersen today, they said, "No, you can't rescreen our screens. I was like.. well... I saw a video that says I can... chat later!" Done!!!
I used fiberglass screen and it worked ok. The windows were from a beach house and the aluminum screens don't last that long. Hopefully these will hold up longer against the elements. Thanks for the video.
Thank you for this video! You mentioned you do not like using the fiberglass screen. Which type of screen do you recommend buying? I have C4,C5, CW5, Anderson types of window screens I need to replace so they are on the taller side.
Hi Maddie, this type of frame is designed to be used with an aluminum type screen. You may be able to use fiberglass but it's a pain to install IMO and not worth the trouble. Anderson used a charcoal color rather than black so the charcoal should match any existing screens better.
If this is an anderson screen the spline is aluminum and should never break. this is either a different design or someone has changed the spline in the past. Either way the splines can be ordered through an anderson dealer.
Hi Rachael, i have done that in the past and unfortunately it doesn't work very well. You need a really large rubber spline and even the largest spline doesn't really stay in well long term.
@@patrickroedl100 Damn... 🙃 Okay then. Glad I didn't waste my time. Guess I'll take a shot at bunking it up tomorrow. Anyway... You're the best! THANK YOU SO MUCH for getting back to me, I super duper appreciate it.
the orig alum screen does not wrap under the spline and come back up the other side. are you sure the width of the spline will accommodate 2 thicknesses of the screen?
Do you know how to straighten aluminum mesh screen off the roll before you install? I hate when it ends up wavy due to roll imperfections. Thank you :-)
Hi, Mark thanks for watching. The plunger has a plastic or metal cap on the inside of the screen to hold it in place. This cap has 2 jobs, 1 hold the spring loaded plunger in place, 2 give your fingers a place to pull the plunger. This little cap finger pull thing will have to be removed by pulling it off. sometimes they break and have to be replaced.
I started this process before watching your video. My metal spline pieces are curved, having been removed from the screen frame. Will I still be able to proceed?
I took mine out before seeing video and they had a curve. I know this is old but yes you can reuse the curved spline. Just start at one end and get it secure and then bend as you tap with a hammer and the metal will conform to the groove as you go. Worked for me anyway.
I have used the rubber spline in the past, but you have to get a really big spline and it doesn’t stay in very well. It is best to use the existing metal spline or order new spline from Anderson. Thanks for viewing!
@@patrickroedl100can I use 304 stainless steel just like this or it’s not that soft? It’s for basement window to prevent rats from biting netting and invading me
Thank you for posting this. I'm a 64 year old woman who is afraid of using a screwdriver, but when my Great Dane busted out all the window screens...I knew I had to do something. I'm on a super limited budget. I've got 1 screen down and 2 more to go, thank you for making this video and giving so much detail! I got this!!
This older video is still going strong! I bought a house about 7 years ago that had this metal spline in all of the screens. Two developed holes and I thought "no big deal I've replaced screens before", until I realized they had a metal spline. I patched the fiberglass screen material and called it good because I had no idea how to mess with a metal spline. Fast forward, I ran across your video and wanted to kick myself for not doing a search on this process sooner. A HUGE THANK YOU for producing this video!
When I used the splining tool to crease the new screen into the groove like you did, the tool cut the screen like a razor and made it useless because it was too short then. Came back and looked at the video again and noticed that you used your left hand to create some slack on the inside of the frame so that the screen slid into the groove intact without being damaged. You've done so many of these that you probably don't even think about it, but I'm mentioning it for the viewers who may make the same mistake I did. Leave some slack in the screen so it can be inserted in the groove without getting damaged. Also move a little slower than this man so that if you start making a mistake you can catch it before you do irreparable damage to the screen.
Thanks for the video, Patrick. It was the first thing to show up in a Google search for how to rescreen an Andersen window screen. The search also turned up a number of other postings from pros and amateur handymen, most of them saying how difficult it was to do and advising to replace the metal spline with .250" foam core vinyl spline if it were attempted instead of trying to work with the metal splines.
After reading all these I determined yours was worthy of Google's placement at the head of the list and was the method I should follow. I used a wooden paint stir stick from Loew's which was thin and easy to work with in prying the spline out without damaging it. I used a black rubber mallet for the re-setting which was easy and caused no damage. When it came to the final deep set of the splines the vertical edge hammering split the Loew's stick because it was so thin. I found a Home Depot stir stick which was sturdier and just the right thickness to finish the deep setting of the spline. I used vinyl screen material instead of aluminum because I had plenty of the former on hand. It worked fine. No issues.
I bought the Equalizer tool on Amazon and already had a rubber mallet, then I followed this method exactly and it was so easy. The first time I pulled the screen too tight and the frame bowed, so I removed two of the splines and let the screen slacken a little then replaced the splines. It worked great. Thank you!
thanks Annette, I am happy this has worked well for you.
Best video ever - 10 years later!! Real Knowledge!! Thank-YOU Patrick!
thanks, just did two 52 x 26 screens this morning. One tip I learned was for long screens, I cut a piece of 1/4 inch lath the correct length for the inside of the screen. Place it in the center of the screen as you spline and pull the screen. This keeps the frames straight during the splinning. First screen I did was bowed about half inch to the inside. I re-did it with the cut piece of lath, and it kept it straight.
I repaired a couple today, everything went just as you described. Thanks for this very helpful video.
That was AWESOME!!! I have a feeling it will take me at least an hour. Thank you so much for posting.
Thanks. I moved to a different house and it has these kinds of screens. After a nasty storm tore a hole in three of my screens, it was nice to find something explaining how to replace them.
Thanks Patrick. Couldn't find the plastic tool, so I used a plastic putty knife to remove the spline. Worked fine. I used a Phifer Ulravue Fiberglass screen and had no issues. Screen costed $50 compared to $750 for new screens.
Thank you for your no-nonsense, efficient tutorial. I appreciate it.
Really glad I was curious why my windows didn't look like they take regular spline and found this. I would have been stuck with a closed window tonight without this video, thanks!
Thanks for the video! I used the fiberglass screen, as well, and it came out great. Had to make do with what I had. I used a butter knife to pry out the metal spline, a paint stirrer to tamp the spline into place, a regular hammer with a sock on the end instead of a mallet.and my laser vision instead of a razor. OK, I lied about the last one. Thanks again for posting!
Thank you! I'm a 73 year old woman and know I can do this because of this video!
Excellent video! I just repaired one large Andersen screen on which the screening material simply started crumbling (southern exposure, 30+ years old). I used the paint stirrer tip that was in one of the comments rather than the plastic tool, but otherwise followed your process exactly.
Looks great! Phifer's charcoal-colored aluminum screen material purchased on-line from Home Deport matches the other original Andersen screens perfectly, too.
Next up I have to repair some non-Andersen vinyl spline fiberglass screens that squirrels ripped up, using the same aluminum screening.
thank you so much. we have a new puppy and had the windows open one day and then I noticed how she had ruined our screen. Called Anderson for a new screen and they wanted $330!! Thats crazy we prescreened without using the metal, just the regular tubing. Looks great!! Cant thank you enough
Thank you so much for this vid!! I just did a screen after I read the comment about using a paint stir stick instead of your tool. Worked like charm. So excited! Simple but without your video, I would have had to have used the rubber spline.
Thanks Patrick! I know those Anderson screens are expensive (very surprised to hear from one of your other commenters how much!) I think a while ago I was scrapping some Anderson screens and yeah I made the spline look like a Hardee’s crispy curl! I really had no idea how to get it out in a condition that could be reused! I thought/hoped/wondered if someone on RUclips could demonstrate how (without me exploring/probing/destroying for hours trying to discover on my own) and very surprised and impressed that A. you could do it and B. how well you did it! Perfect! I have to re-purpose an Anderson screen and I’m grateful to you for facilitating that! thank you so much!
HI William, I am happy you where able to get this done. And thanks for the kind comments.
I did two windows before watching your video. Great instructions by the way. I pretty much did the same as you but I didn't have the window tool. My splines came out curved quite a bit - arcs but not complete circles. They went back in just fine. It was just slightly more difficult to get them started. Tapping them every couple of inches straightens them right back out. But I like your method better. I used a paint stir stick to tap them in the same way you used the window tool.
Just used this method never changed a screen ever very helpful!! 👌
Simple and complete. No BS. Thanks.
Excellent! Exactly the direction I needed to replace screen material in the 40+ yr old windows that my lazy landlord would never have done. Tips worked great. However I used nylon trim panel pry bars from Harbor Freight instead of the window tint tool you had.
That's what I was planning on using too, good to know
Dang, I wish I saw this BEFORE I did my two windows! LOL. I did NONE of this and had the splines bent into curly cues. I straightened them out as best I could and pounded them back into place with a dead blow mallet. I never bothered to use the rolling tool. This was for aluminum screening too! I used a 1/4 inch brass piece of metal to get the final tapping into place. Even with mangled and bent splines, they seated fine (fingers crossed). Make sure to pull on the screen while inserting the splines to get rid of any waves or wrinkles.
BTW, Home Depot had genuine Andersen replacement screens for around $40 so look before you bother to replace the screens.
Great video, would not have figured it out on my own. I had limited time so could not order the special windshield screen too. So, I made one out of a piece of cheery wood and made it about the size of the windshield tool. I sanded down one edge so it came to a "sharp" edge. Then used another piece of cherry wood to hammer in the spline. I can see using a plastic tool for spline removal since the wood one I had would catch a little, but it worked OK.
Another video did not use your method and ended up with a spline that was all twisted, just like you said. it appears that you can also fix them using a foam core spline, not the regular vinyl type. But no one seems to stock the foam core spline and I did not want to buy 250 feet online. But that seem to be an alternative and for those that want to use fiberglass screen, you can use it with the foam core spline.
Thanks again for a great, helpful video.
I just replaced an old Anderson screen before coming across your video. I didn't use your tool but was able to remove the metal spline though with a slight bow. I reused the spine and it was still easy to reinstall by tapping with a hammer and pushing down as I went along. I did use the metal edge of an adjustable square in place of the tool you used but only to seat the spline deeper. I used aluminum screen and really prefer this to the rubber spline I have on other screens. I have only been able to find the rubber/vinyl splines and not the metal but would prefer the metal if I could find a source.
Thank you even though the video was old, I used it as a guide and it was still helpful. I forgot to buy the tool and used the handle of a pizza cutter and shims..
Patrick, thank you very much. It worked out great. I got the tool from Amazon. Your video is great.
Having trouble finding white tool on amazon. What’s it called?
@@franceslepkowicz7752 someone said Equalizer® Installation Stick - IS742
Thank you, Patrick! Very much appreciated!
Thanks, just what I need to learn.
I got three of those to replace.
I've got 6 screens to do for our porch jalousie windows, 71 x 37 inches. I appreciate your video, now I don't feel quite as intimidated.
Thank you for posting this. Worked great for me the first time. Used a plastic putty knife because that was what I had...
You rock Patrick! Your video was spot on! Finished one screen, on to the next tomorrow =D
I’d like to replace original screen with Andersen’s TruScene type screen. Any idea how to find a roll of that?
This was extremely helpful, thank you!
Great video. Thank you for making this.
You Shure right about lesson on the cutting the screen by looking at your fingers.😮
Thanks, went out today and did 2 of them. Great video and tips
thank you! we need to do this for 4 screens from the previous owner. Will attempt tomorrow.what can we do if we don't have the tools needed? we have a knife, screwdriver and mallet
The tool Equalizer® Installation Stick - IS742
You did a good job getting the old screen out, but you were in too much of a hurry putting the new screen in. If I wasted that much screen I would be in trouble. I realize this is a demo.
Nicely done. Very efficient!
Try "Tapered End Windshield Stick Setting Tool" part #CRL216 at CR Lawrence. Other vendors available using same description. May want to have Patrick confirm, but it looks correct.
Thank you for this video, well done
Tnx Dude! Very considerate of you to share!
Thanks! I could not figure this one out.
Thanks! All I needed to know.
mam u did it like a pro podcast gosh
By the way... called Andersen today, they said, "No, you can't rescreen our screens. I was like.. well... I saw a video that says I can... chat later!" Done!!!
Of course they will say you can't so you will buy a new screen. I have done thousands of these screens over the years.
@@patrickroedl100 I followed your vid... worked like a charm!
Perfect! Thanks!
I used fiberglass screen and it worked ok. The windows were from a beach house and the aluminum screens don't last that long. Hopefully these will hold up longer against the elements. Thanks for the video.
Nice job. Thank You.
Thank you for this video! You mentioned you do not like using the fiberglass screen. Which type of screen do you recommend buying? I have C4,C5, CW5, Anderson types of window screens I need to replace so they are on the taller side.
Hi Maddie,
this type of frame is designed to be used with an aluminum type screen. You may be able to use fiberglass but it's a pain to install IMO and not worth the trouble.
Anderson used a charcoal color rather than black so the charcoal should match any existing screens better.
Thanks for the info. Just did this today. Pain in the neck, but it worked.
very helpful tips. thx for posting.
I tried removing the splines carefully but they were in bad shape and a few of them broke. Is there anywhere to buy replacements? Thanks
If this is an anderson screen the spline is aluminum and should never break. this is either a different design or someone has changed the spline in the past. Either way the splines can be ordered through an anderson dealer.
Thank you very much..
Hi @Patrick Roedl Thanks for the video. You think it would work if I said screw it and just redo it with the rubber or vinyl spline?
Hi Rachael,
i have done that in the past and unfortunately it doesn't work very well.
You need a really large rubber spline and even the largest spline doesn't really stay in well long term.
@@patrickroedl100 Damn... 🙃 Okay then. Glad I didn't waste my time. Guess I'll take a shot at bunking it up tomorrow. Anyway... You're the best! THANK YOU SO MUCH for getting back to me, I super duper appreciate it.
Where can you get more of that metal spline from incase damage
Anderson dealer
thank you!
Awesome.
the orig alum screen does not wrap under the spline and come back up the other side. are you sure the width of the spline will accommodate 2 thicknesses of the screen?
Get Tip! Thanks for sharing!
Do you know how to straighten aluminum mesh screen off the roll before you install? I hate when it ends up wavy due to roll imperfections. Thank you :-)
Very helpful, thank you.
I’ve got the same spline but I have plungers that seem to be holding the spline captive. How do I remove these plungers and pins??
Hi, Mark thanks for watching.
The plunger has a plastic or metal cap on the inside of the screen to hold it in place.
This cap has 2 jobs, 1 hold the spring loaded plunger in place, 2 give your fingers a place to pull the plunger.
This little cap finger pull thing will have to be removed by pulling it off. sometimes they break and have to be replaced.
I started this process before watching your video. My metal spline pieces are curved, having been removed from the screen frame. Will I still be able to proceed?
Yes but you will need to buy new spline from Anderson or find some really large vinyl spline
I took mine out before seeing video and they had a curve. I know this is old but yes you can reuse the curved spline. Just start at one end and get it secure and then bend as you tap with a hammer and the metal will conform to the groove as you go. Worked for me anyway.
@Patrick Roedl Hi, wanted to know if pet screen would work or if I could use pet screen
I would not use pet screen for this type of frame
Can aluminum screen be used instead of fiberglass?
That is aluminum screen i am using.
My metal spline does not come out where the tabs go through to hold it into window frame, I guess they are security tabs...any help?
I would need to see a picture to help.
Patrick Roedl I figured it out! Thank you! Good video!
You da man, thanx!
Can you use the regular flexible type of screen material in place of the aluminum screen material with these metal splines?
I have used the rubber spline in the past, but you have to get a really big spline and it doesn’t stay in very well. It is best to use the existing metal spline or order new spline from Anderson.
Thanks for viewing!
Sorry, I mean using the fiberglass screen material with the existing metal spline. @@patrickroedl100
No, that does not work well. This type of frame really needs metal screens.
No, that does not work well. This type of frame really needs metal screens.
No, that does not work well. This type of frame really needs metal screens.
So you are using metal screen, right?
Thanks
yes, fiberglass does not work well with this style of frame
Thanks for taking the time to create this video.
@@patrickroedl100can I use 304 stainless steel just like this or it’s not that soft? It’s for basement window to prevent rats from biting netting and invading me
Spline is too thick to fit it in the groove , I cut three screens already
dude what happened to your fingers?
Hope you don't ever go into a china shop. Could get expensive.
Did you expect him to do it with the grace and finesse of a ballerina ?
This is witchcraft
Nice job. Thank you.