Screen Door Hardware Installation Instructions

A screen door isn't very functional without the screen door hardware. Without any hinges, screens, knobs, pulls, handles, springs, or even a cat door, you just have a piece of wood over a doorway.

Screen door hardware can come in a wide variety of colors, styles, and materials to add different accents, and usability, to the screen door.

Installing the screen door hardware is easily done with a few hand tools and a little patience.

Step 1 - Install the Hinges

Hinges are the part of the screen door that allow you to open it. Installing hinges requires a drill, screwdriver, and chisel.

Align the hinges on the door at the right spacing. Then drill pilot holes on the side of the door. Screw in the self-tapping screws.

After they are on the door, hang the door onto the door frame by following pretty much the same process.

Trace around hinge outline. You may need an assistant to hold in place while you do this. Then chisel out enough wood for the hinge to sit flush. Drill pilot holes for the hardware. Then mount the hinges with wood screws.

Step 2 - Install the Door Handle

Most screen doors will already have a door handle on it, but some are still sold as just a shell.

Set the handle over the opening on the screen door. Then screw the mounting bracket into the door.

Next, apply the side latch plate. Line it up with the door frame. Chisel out enough of the frame for the latch to sit flush on the frame. Screw the latch plate into the door frame.

Step 3 - Install Compression Spring

The compression spring is the mechanism that brings the door back to the latch and closes it.

It is installed very easily by lining up the end on the door frame and simply screwing in the assembly at the frame point and the place it latches on the door.

Step 4 - Install Cat Door

While not usually thought of as an essential piece of hardware for a screen door, a small cat door is a wise addition. Installing it is a simple process needing only a template, jig saw, and sander.

Trace the template onto the screen door where you would like it located. Keep it about 3/4" off the bottom of the door, and usually centered.

Drill a starter hole into the door at one of the corners. Using the jigsaw with a metal cutting blade, cut out along the outline of the door.

Keep continuous pressure on the saw, but do not force it into the metal. This can break the blade and possibly cause injury to you.

Use a sander to smooth out any metal edges you’ve cut. Then attach the cat door with the included hardware.

Your screen door is a very important part to the outside of your home. It can insulate your home against bugs, and keep it cooled off in the summer by allowing the summer breeze in without letting the young kids and dogs out.