Security screens vs ordinary screens
One keeps flies out. The other has to be defeated before your front door is even reached.
A real security screen door has a strong frame, mesh that cannot be cut or pushed through easily, and a lock that resists being levered. The biggest single difference is single versus triple locking: a triple lock throws bolts at the top, middle and bottom at once, so the door cannot be prised at a corner. We repair and replace locks on both hinged and sliding screen doors.
- What matters
- Frame, mesh, and how the lock bolts
- Single vs triple
- Triple bolts top, middle and bottom
- Brands we fit
- Lockwood, Whitco, Austral, Doric
What makes a screen door a security door
The frame
A flyscreen has a light frame designed to hold mesh and nothing else. A security door has a heavier frame that resists being twisted and levered. You can usually tell by the weight of the door in your hand.
The mesh
Standard insect mesh tears with a fingernail. Security mesh is either woven stainless steel or perforated aluminium sheet, held in the frame so it cannot simply be peeled out. A door with a strong frame and weak mesh is not a security door.
Single lock or triple lock
This is the difference most people have never had explained. A single lock holds the door at the handle only, which leaves the top and bottom corners free to be pulled away from the frame. A triple lock throws bolts at the top, middle and bottom simultaneously from the same handle, so there is no corner to lever. If you are choosing, choose triple.
Sliding screen doors
Sliding screens have the same problem as sliding glass doors: a worn door can sometimes be lifted out of its track. We fit and repair locks on sliding screens as well as hinged ones.
The brands we work with
Lockwood including the 8654 three-point triple lock, Whitco including the Tasman, Austral and Doric. Between them that covers the overwhelming majority of screen doors fitted in Perth over the last thirty years, which matters when a part needs replacing rather than the whole door.
One key for the screen and the door
Worth asking for. Many Perth houses end up with two keys because the front door is Gainsborough and the screen is Lockwood — different key profiles. Changing the screen cylinder usually brings them onto one key.
Rentals in Western Australia
Consumer Protection Western Australia sets out minimum security requirements a landlord must meet for a rental property, which covers locks on external doors and windows. If you are a tenant or a manager and are not sure whether a property complies, that is the place to check.
What customers say
Tap any review to read it on Google.
“I highly recommend Magnus from Amco Locksmiths. He was very quick to respond to my enquiry and was able to see me the next day. He showed up on time, had great communication and was very professional and friendly throughout the process.”
Read on Google →“I recently moved to a new house and wanted to change the locks for security. Magnus arrived on time and worked efficiently to do just that, also cutting more windows keys and rekeying the garage remote. He even oiled the squeaky garage door at no cost! I would use Amco again in a heartbeat.”
Read on Google →“Great communication advising when he would arrive. Quick, friendly service and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended.”
Read on Google →“Very friendly and replies fast! Definitely recommend!!”
Read on Google →“I needed an emergency locksmith today (Friday) and Magnus from Amco came to the rescue. Absolutely pleasant man very friendly and curteous. Explained everything including cost upfront. Completed the job professionally. Will definitely recommend Amco Locksmiths and Magnus anytime.”
Read on Google →Straight answers
What is the difference between a security screen and a flyscreen?
The frame, the mesh and the lock. A flyscreen keeps insects out; a security door has a heavy frame, steel or perforated aluminium mesh and a lock built to resist levering.
What is a triple lock?
A lock that throws bolts at the top, middle and bottom of the door at once from a single handle, so the door cannot be prised open at a corner. A single lock holds only at the handle.
Can you repair a screen door lock rather than replace the door?
Usually, yes. In most cases only the lock body or the cylinder has failed, and we replace the cheapest part that fixes it.
Which screen door locks do you work with?
Lockwood including the 8654 three-point triple lock, Whitco including the Tasman, Austral and Doric, on both hinged and sliding screen doors.
Can the screen door use the same key as my front door?
Usually. The common snag is a Gainsborough front door with a Lockwood screen, which are different profiles. Changing the screen cylinder normally fixes it.
Does a rental have to have security screens?
Not necessarily, but Consumer Protection Western Australia sets minimum security requirements a landlord must meet, covering locks on external doors and windows.