NOTE; If your screens stay in the track, don’t rattle, keep bugs out and are easy to remove and replace, (despite the condition of the spring clips), THEN DON’T DO THIS.
Older model “window screen spring-clip” hack.
Use a double loop, 6 to 10 mm split jump ring, on the lower rail of the track the screen fits into.
It holds the screen tight enough in that track so that the screen doesn’t fall out, rattle, allow bugs to get in or interfere with the opening and closing of the window. And best of all, makes it a breeze to remove and replace the screens for washing.
Detailed explanation, pix and links below.
Jump rings are used in jewelry making and as fishing lure connectors. Since I do jewelry making I had an assortment on hand and could experiment with them to find the most effective size and style. For my bus, the 8mm, double loop, split ring with a more open loop end was the perfect fit, for both the small and large windows.
You will need to experiment with your own windows to find a good fit, as the fit is likely to be dependent upon the condition, wear and etcetera, of your rails and screen grooves.
FIRST, I removed everything from inside of the groove, on all the screens. Then cleaned and lubed the screen groove, then cleaned and lubed the rails and tracks of the window frame insert.
(I did NOTHING to the window panes).
Second, I put one jump ring on the screen rail, towards the widow’s center post. I seated the UPPER part of the screen into the rail first as close to the screen’s ‘closed position’ as possible, then set the lower portion of the screen on its rail by lifting it gently over the jump ring so the ring was inside the screen’s groove.
Lastly, I opened and closed the window a few times to make sure the jump ring stayed in the groove. It is at this stage where you will have to find out what size jump ring works for you.
If it doesn’t interfere with the window but the screen is still loose, try the next size up jump ring.
If the ring interferes with the window or the window moves the ring, try the next size down jump ring.
The only drawback I could find to this, as compared to the original clips, is that you can’t slide the screens open and closed once you set them over the jump ring. Doing so rolls the jump ring off the rail.
Links to buy @ AMAZON
Amazon.com: PandaHall Elite 1 Box Iron Split Rings Double Loop Jump Ring... (https://www.amazon.com/PandaHall-Double-Diameter-4-10mm-Jewelry/dp/B015VW38FU)
I included pix of old clip in case you want to try and find them. If you need full size version of pix, message me.
The only drawback I could find to this, as compared to the original clips, is that you can’t slide the screens open and closed once you set them over the jump ring. Doing so rolls the jump ring off the rail.
How about glueing the rings in place with a dab of hot glue?
Larry
How about glueing the rings in place with a dab of hot glue?
Larry
I didn't do that because I didn't want to damage or alter the the rails and grooves, in any way.
Replacing
those would cost me more than I paid for the bus. doing it without glueing ensures the ring will pop out before it damages anything.
Interestingly, I CAN slide the screens open and closed on the 3 large windows. It is just the 2 bunk windows and kitchen window that I can't slide the screens when jump ring is in place.
I don't have any idea why that would be the case.
Alice
Wondering if these would work for you? ::)
Prime-Line Products L 5794, Corner Mounted Screen Tension Spring, 3/16",... (https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-Products-5794-Mounted-Tension/dp/B00E4BFF8S/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_60_lp_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=NH31GAQ7Q4EXN5EAG1V0#customerReviews)
Alice
Wondering if these would work for you? ::)
Prime-Line Products L 5794, Corner Mounted Screen Tension Spring, 3/16",... (https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-Products-5794-Mounted-Tension/dp/B00E4BFF8S/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_60_lp_t_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=NH31GAQ7Q4EXN5EAG1V0#customerReviews)
HEY!! I think that might work!! I was looking at the same thing, but in framing supplies and could not find one narrow enough for the screen groove!!
I have very primitive measuring devices (wooden ruler) and it looks like the screen groove is between 2 and 3 16ths. Definitely worth a try though!!
I will let you know when they arrive!!
HEY!! I think that might work!! I was looking at the same thing, but in framing supplies and could not find one narrow enough for the screen groove!!
I have very primitive measuring devices (wooden ruler) and it looks like the screen groove is between 2 and 3 16ths. Definitely worth a try though!!
I will let you know when they arrive!!
Alice, did you ever try these tension springs in your LD? I just used my last spare screen clip last week and will have to start improvising since they are no longer available although I'm pretty certain that someplace in the Hehr RV window factory there are some hanging out on a dusty shelf.
Chris
Chris, I ended up using SPLIT rings, 10 to 16mm depending on the window. They fasten onto the frame and then the window and roll when you open and close the window. Just get a box with an array of sizes and keep them in the RV. There is a learning curve to applying and using but its not rocket science. In this application bigger/strong/thicker is NOT better. You want the kind with the space at the closing ends. See attached pix.
Chris, I ended up using SPLIT rings, 10 to 16mm depending on the window. They fasten onto the frame and then the window and roll when you open and close the window. Just get a box with an array of sizes and keep them in the RV. There is a learning curve to applying and using but its not rocket science. In this application bigger/strong/thicker is NOT better. You want the kind with the space at the closing ends. See attached pix.
Thanks, Alice. I've got your tip bookmarked.
Chris