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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
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How to make custom-made flyscreens

Enjoy natural ventilation while keeping insects at bay. - by Better Homes & Gardens
  • 15 Jan 2021
How to make custom-made flyscreens

If you love the idea of fresh air flowing through your home on a cool summer's day, but are worried about insects, mozzies and flies getting inside - you could fork out for custom fly screens, or opt to make them yourself with just a bit of mesh and an aluminium frame. 

The simple act of installing insect screens will allow you to cool your home naturally, improve ventilation and prevent dampness.

Here, we take you through the steps to create a simple, DIY fly screen at home.

Gather your supplies:

  • Fly screen mitre box (designed for screen framing) 
  • Fly screen frame channel 
  • Insect screen mesh
  • Hacksaw
  • Metal file
  • Corner joiners to suit frame (you'll need 4 per screen) 
  • Spline to suit frame and mesh (stiff mesh, for example, may require a smaller spline) 
  • Spline roller 
  • Utility knife
  • Catches and clips
  • Tape measure

How to make a DIY fly screen for your windows


Step 1 - Measure the opening of the window

To measure the opening of the window, you can either take measurements from undamaged sides of an original screen, or measure the width and height directly from the window. Allow 3mm clearance for fitting and make sure that window is square by checking that diagonals are equal.

If screen is held in tracks, measure from inside of top track to outer top edge of bottom track so screen can be pushed into top track, then settle into shallower bottom track. Buy enough track for window or windows that need screening.

...

Step 2 - Secure the mitre box

Screw fly screen mitre box to a bench or saw stool to hold it steady.

...

Step 3 - Cut aluminium frame to size

Put frame, channel-side up, in mitre box. Use hacksaw to cut a 45° angle at 1 end of frame so channel will be on inside of mitre.

...

Step 4 - Measure the outside of the frame

Measure length of frame piece from long point to long point (this will be the outside of a frame side) and cut a 45° angle in opposite direction. File cut metal to remove metal burrs. Cut other 3 sides of frame.

...

Step 5 - Join corners together

Insert corners and push frame tightly together. Check fit of frame in opening.

...

Step 6 - Secure fly screen mesh

Put frame, with spline channels facing up, on a flat surface. Roll out mesh over top and align weave with frame. If it’s too large, cut so there is about 50mm overhanging all around. Use spline and spline roller to force mesh into grooves to hold mesh tight. This action will also tension mesh. If it goes wrong or wrinkles, simply pull out spline and do process again. If spline is too hard to press in, try placing it in hot water first to make it more pliable.

...

Step 7 - Cut away excess mesh

Use utility knife to trim excess mesh on outside of spline. Add catches and clips to screen or window as necessary and fit screen in place. Repeat process for other screens.

...

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

How to make a timber panel feature wall

How to make a timber panel feature wall

How to make a birdcage flower planter

How to make a birdcage flower planter

How to build a pergola

How to build a pergola

How to make an epic photo wall

How to make an epic photo wall

{headline}

{headline}

How to fix a door that scrapes the floor in 3 easy steps

How to fix a door that scrapes the floor in 3 easy steps

How to create a coastal oasis in your backyard

How to create a coastal oasis in your backyard

How to upcycle an old dresser into a desk

How to upcycle an old dresser into a desk

{headline}

{headline}

Charlie Albone and Adam Dovile make a fire pit

Charlie Albone and Adam Dovile make a fire pit

How to make a self-watering pot

How to make a self-watering pot

Adam makes house-shaped chairs for kids

Adam makes house-shaped chairs for kids

Kmart hack: How to turn a $6 glass dome into a gorgeous cherry blossom display

Kmart hack: How to turn a $6 glass dome into a gorgeous cherry blossom display

Kmart hack: How to make pineapple-shaped door knobs with a $1.50 ice cube tray

Kmart hack: How to make pineapple-shaped door knobs with a $1.50 ice cube tray

Reader project: From old coffee table to Hamptons-style ottoman

Reader project: From old coffee table to Hamptons-style ottoman

How to make an easy rocking chair

How to make an easy rocking chair

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