How to Install the Bracing for a Wooden Screen Door Frame

Assemble Turnbuckle Brace

• 1

  Grasp the center portion of the turnbuckle in one hand.

• 2

  Insert the threaded end of one of the brace rods into one end of the turnbuckle. Twist the rod a few times so that several of its threads are being held by the turnbuckle.

• 3

  Insert the threaded end of the remaining brace rod into the threads on the other side of the turnbuckle. Note that the threads on opposite sides of the turnbuckle are threaded in opposite directions, so this rod will need to be threaded into the turnbuckle in the opposite direction as the first rod.

Install Turnbuckle Brace

• 4

  Hold the turnbuckle brace to the interior of the screen door. Note that the mounting holes in one end of the brace should be centered on the bottom structural member of the door farthest from the hinged side. Mark the mounting holes with a pencil and place the brace aside.

• 5

  Place the point of a nail on the pencil marks. Hit the nail gently with a hammer to make indentations in the door. Note that this will aid in getting the screw threads started in the wood. Remove the nail.

• 6

  Hold the brace to the door in the same orientation. Twist a retaining screw through one of the holes in the brace into the door on the indentation. Run the screw in with a Phillips screwdriver a few turns but do not tighten it yet.

• 7

  Rotate the opposite end of the brace upward until it is centered on the vertical structural member of the hinged side of the door. Make a pencil mark through the mounting holes in the brace rod. Make an indentation and attach the brace to the door in the same fashion. Install and tighten all remaining brace retaining screws.

• 8

  Place an adjustable wrench on the hexagonal outer edge of the turnbuckle. Twist the turnbuckle with the wrench in a clockwise direction until the outer corner of the door is raised to the desired point. Test the operation of the door to ensure it does not drag and fits into the jamb. Make adjustments on the turnbuckle as needed.