Re-Screening a RV Window W/Metal Wire Spring

RV Screen Removal:

Using a suitable Phillips head screwdriver remove the operator knob or crank and screw.  Pry the screen frame from the back frame carefully using a thin, stiff putty knife.  Be careful not to mar the RV window frame.  For RV windows with a center operator, the operator shaft protrudes through the screen mesh in a formed grommet.  (You may elect to replace the screen mesh without the grommet by making a small cut in the screen.  Overall, for a better look and longer screen life, we recommend that you order a new screen assembly, rather than trying to re-use the old screen frame.)  Working with the screen frame on a flat surface, loosen the screen spline at a corner using long nose pliers.  When the spline has been loosened, it can be pulled out intact.  Be careful not to damage or sever it.  The damaged screen mesh will then pull out easily.

RV New Screen Installation:

If necessary for working space, carefully remove the spring clips, and set aside.  There is a tendency to spline screen too tight, causing the sides to bow inward.  Two ways to avoid this are:  Order a completely new screen assembly or block the inside edges of the frame with flat wood or metal strips nailed to the worktable surface, so that the screen frame sides remain parallel.  Cut a piece of screen mesh about two inches larger than the maximum screened area, center it over the area to be screened.  Using the used spline and a narrow wheel screen roller, spline the screen into the screen frame.  Keep adequate tension on the screen mesh as you go, but make sure not to cut the mesh with the roller.  After the straight section is in, start working around the remainder of the frame.  Do not stretch the spline.  If the screen begins to bunch or distort, you can pull the spline out and start over, as long as you have not damaged the mesh.  If possible, keep the screen mesh square in the frame.  That is, do not let the weave of the mesh angle up on a side.  After you are finished, check that the tension on the screen mesh is satisfactory.  If otherwise OK, install the metal spring clips into the screen frame, snap the screen frame back on the RV window frame, and re-install the operator knob and screw