Removing old brittle #screen spline

by Gaby
(Weston, FL, USA)

Heavy Duty Utility Knife

Hi,

I need help. I want to chance my patio screen but the spline it's too old and with exposure to the sun, heat and water from the outside it has become impossible for me to remove the old splice. What can I do?, Is there a product to help me remove it?

Thanks

Hi Gaby;

Removing old brittle plastic screen spline is not fun but I find its easier with a good heavy duty utility knife.

I use the knife to cut right the spline from top to bottom. You have to press hard to cut right through. The spline usually falls apart as you are cutting it.

You need to make several cuts until the spline just falls out in small pieces. Sometimes just crumbs.

The thick handle on the Stanly knife makes it easier to hold onto and control when you are using a lot of pressure.

I also use a sharp pointed awl to dig out all the stubborn little pieces that wont come out easily after the knife.

You could do the job with a smaller regular knife but you would have to be really careful to keep it from jumping out of the spline channel and possibly cutting yourself.

However you look at it, its a nasty messy job. Put a drop cloth under the screen before you start so the mess doesnt get everywhere.