Any suggestions? I may need to replace an Aluminum storm/screen door.

[Paper Roses]

Do any of you DUers know of a company or person that can do the job without charging a kings ransom. I'm North of Boston and know no-one who can give me a recommendation.
Thanks

[RussWorld]

1. Screen Door

I have no recomendations as I am not local to your area. I am
a builder. If you have a srewdriver, a drill and bit(2), a
level(min2'), a good quality tape measure and most importantly
common sense anyone can remove an old screen door and install
new door in less that two hours. Probable savings will be in
the hundreds or possible more depending on door quality and
type. Just a thought. 

[Paper Roses]

2. Hi, have all tools necessary but am not sure about the bolts.

The inside of the storm frame seems to be bolted into the wood on all sides, not screwed. I studied it for a while and gave up. It is 18 degrees out and the cold slows my brain function. The whole length of the door top to bottom is one huge hinge. I can't even get the door off. Somehow I'll have to get a measurement from wood to wood top to bottom and maybe yank the old one off.

I was thinking of trying a rasp to see if I can take off a little metal on the top 12 inches or so, frame and door. That would hold me until spring. The broken latch is no problem. These things should happen in September when it is 65 degrees. Too cold to try today.

On Edit: Welcome to DU, great to have your advice.

[RussWorld]

3. bolts

Use socket and ratchet to remove bolts or socket attachment for your drill. Waiting for warmer weather might take awhile. Say, April or May......

[Mopar151]

4. Can you send a picture?

The "bolts" may be "lagscrews" - large screws with a hex head. The are easily removed, or broken off, with a ratchet wrench and socket. Measure across the flats of the heads to determine size. You should be able to buy a set for under $10 at a cheap tool store.
If you need to take a little off the edge of the door, a belt sander will work very well, with an 80 grit or so belt. You may be able to get a belt specifically for metal cutting, which will be even better. I would reccomend not using a disc sander or grinder unless you are quite skilled with one - it's pretty easy to hack stuff up with it. If you use a file, you want a medium or coarse bastard file (I ain't makin' it up - it's what will be stamped on it!) Apply pressure on the push/cutting stroke, releive pressure on the back stroke. File the long way on the edge, not accross it. Angling the file across the edge, and pulling it twoard you, is good methodology - it's called "drawfiling". Use wax, WD-40, or bacon grease to coat the file and prevent the aluminium from sticking. Clean the file often with a wire brush - the correct one is called a "file card", but 'most any wire brush will work - even the one off the BBQ. Finally, NEVER use a "tanged" file without a handle - the reesulting injury can be very nasty.

Machinist by trade - Cutting metal has been a big part of my life for 35 years. hope this all helps!

[Paper Roses]

5. I posted my problem in the DIY group. Someone asked how it was going.

My story for today:


Paper Roses (433 posts) Mon Dec-14-09 03:44 PM
Response to Reply #3

Today, now that it hit 40 degrees was my "fix-the-door"day.
I got out my trusty square and about a thousand other tools. Things seem to be at fairly right angles. Had to tighten some sheet metal screws. Needed a size just a tiny but thicker in diameter. No point in replacing same with same. No-one carries this size. Needs to be about half inch long by--whatever thicker thread but with a smallish head. They have to fit in a channel.

Second lumberyard sent me to the recycle to see of someone threw away an old door. Why didn't I think of that. Got the right screws. I have had to sand and file down the top edge of the aluminum door and frame. No matter what I did, it would not close. I'm 100% sure the full length hinges are on their last leg and I don't know how to fix that. Tomorrow I'll finish my rasp/sand deal and put a new draftdodger at the top. There is a gap. The one at the base is OK,

Wasted the whole day on this but I have no option. I keep changing my "Notes to Self". Major jobs popping up but I must study and choose Medicare supplement. Only have a few more days to do it. If I could only get away from one catsasstrophe(my spelling) after another.

Thanks for any suggestions.