Doors and Windows - replacing wooden screen door with aluminum

I'm going to be replacing my front screen door. Do I need to remove the frame similar to replacing the entry door? Can I just unscrew the old one and mount the new one?

There normally is no frame with a wood screen door, just unscrew the hinges. Aluminum doors come with their own frame, which will cover the old hinges mortises.

And most aluminum storm doors need to have a standard opening size- either 36x81 or 32x81, plus or minus 1/8" or so. If your opening is not that size, you'll need to make some changes for the aluminum storm door to work.

I have the door installed but the button on the outside handle sticks when pushed to open the door. I can't figure out how to get it to work.

I shortened the spindle connected to the button as it says in the directions because it was too long. Did I shorten it too much?

I hate those handles where they make you shorten the spindle!

It could be that you cut it too short, but it could also be that the end of the plastic spindle got mis-shapen when it was cut. Disassemble the handle, and see if the cut end of the spindle is round, or if it is mis-shapen and needs to have the edges "whittled" down with a knife, or ground down on a grinder.

I hope you didn't cut it too short, because if you did the only solution is to buy a replacement handle.

Do they sell ones that don't have to be cut down? Because I think I did cut it too short.

They do... but depending on where you shop, you might have trouble finding one. The problem is that when you go to a hardware store for your replacement storm door handle, you'll likely find "universal" type handles that are made for various thicknesses of doors. (which is why your original piece needed to be cut).

It seems like the last time I had this problem I went to several stores and they all had the same type of handle with the stupid part you have to cut to size. I suppose that is what China sent us on their last shipment of storm door parts! :(

If you make a careful search, you should be able to find one that doesn't make you cut the parts to size.

Try contacting the manufacturer of he storm door or the handle and it's possible that they will send you a spindle.

Thanks for the suggestion, but I don't have time to wait for the manufacturer to ship a replacement. If someone accidentally closes the screen we're locked out of the house.

Curses to the "universal part" system of manufacturing!!! It always causes problems.

So I don't the repeat the mistake when I get the new one, I should measure the width of the screen and cut the spindle to this length?

I just noticed removable clips at the bottom. Does this mean the door is adjustable? Because it is coming up short a bit at the bottom