How to remove diamond mesh from flyscreen frames?

[Orlando]

Apologies if this question has been asked before, but my question is how to remove the diamond mesh from the flyscreen frame itself, not removing the flyscreen frame from the window frame. I'm assuming I'd have to knock out one of the panels (they keep the mesh trapped), then remove any rivets holding the mesh in place. Would that be right? Many thanks.

 

 

[EricL]

Hello @Orlando 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your flyscreen security window.

Your analysis is correct, the diamond mesh is held in place between two aluminium panels and fixed with blind rivets. If you remove all the rivets holding the frame in place, you should be able to lift the diamond mesh out of the assembly.  

My best advice is if you are using a drill and drill bit to remove the blind rivets, just make sure not to use an oversized bit or you'll end up using larger rivets.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Orlando]

Thanks Eric. To remove the mesh, I'll need to take off one of the mitred panels first. Do they just tap off with gentle hammering, or are they secured somehow?

[MitchellMc]

There would typically be a right-angled bracket inserted in the corner for strength @Orlando. You'd need to tap the either end of it out of the bracket. 

There appear to be several holes in the mitred section. Were these pop rivets, and did you drill them out? If so, then I wouldn't have thought there was anything else securing the corner. Make sure you've cleared the pop rivets out entirely, as their internal body could be inhibiting the removal of the corner.

Gentle taps would be the way to go.

Mitchell

[Orlando]

Hi Mitchell, thanks so much for responding. I thought as much - tapping out the frame. As the mitred edges looked so clean, I was afraid they might have been soldered together. But I guess that's the difference between my DIY standards and the professionals!! The holes were where the flyscreen frames were screwed into the window frames. The previous owners of the house hated feeling 'imprisoned' by the mesh (something I can understand - the whole house was covered with the stuff), and so they removed all the frames. Trouble is, the flyscreen went with it. So I can't open a window without being mobbed by mozzies. What I find curious is that the builders go to the trouble of 'meshing' the sliding part of the window, while leaving the fixed window unmeshed. I know burglars can be dumb, but surely if they want to get in, they'd just break the fixed window. The only logic for having the mesh is to allow yourself to leave the windows wide open at night while you're sleeping to prevent home invasion. Personally, I like the old-fashioned way of leaving the window a bit open, and securing the sliding window with a dowel, Surely that's better than feeling like you're in a prison cell. Cheers, and thanks again