Plunger pins are stuck in my screen

Home Owner from Massachusetts

Jun 23, 2018 3:38 pm

Plunger pins are stuck in place. How do I get pins loose without destroying screen? Only two pins in top. Very little room to get at top of pin. Cant get a saw blade in there or spray rust remover.

Plenty of help online about replacement, but zero on getting screen with stuck pins out of the window.

4 Replies

Dave Sr. from SWISCO

Jun 29, 2018 8:51 am

It sounds like your pins have become corroded in the screen frame. In most cases the spring rusts and keeps the pin from working correctly. Like you said, try a lubricant. That should help loosen up the pin. What I've personally done in cases like this was to cut off the plastic end with a utility knife and tap the pin out of the screen frame. That should allow you to grab it with a set of pliers and pull it out completely.

Home Owner from Massachusetts

Jul 10, 2018 1:38 pm

My problem is the screens are in place and I can't move the pins at all. The gap between the window frame and the top of the screen is thousandths of an inch on some screens. I did try pulling down on the pins with a pliers but that did nothing. I am concerned because some of the screens are intact and I am worried I will damage the screens if I pursue this course of action.

As I see it my only course of action is to approach the screen from the outside. I may be able to get a hacksaw or reciprocating saw blade into the pin and cut it (in the spline channel), allowing me to remove the screen. Then I can drill out the frozen pin remnant in the frame.

I remove some of the screen on a regular basis for cleaning and AC. If I had known I would have pulled them all out for lubrication and/or replacement.

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Dave Sr. from SWISCO

Jul 18, 2018 7:54 am

Ah, I see. That can be a problem. If you are able to somehow cut the pin from the screen from the outside, that may be your only hope. I'm sorry we couldn't offer an easier solution!