Screen door latch improvement?

[RivaHaven]

Before I reinvent the wheel has anyone come up with a neat way to operate the screen door latch without having to slide the panel aside? I'm thinking some push tab or slide action button or knob could actuate the latch without having to slide the panel and fumble around. Also removing the sliding panel and replacing it with screen would be a bonus! Any ideas and photos?

[TG Twinkie]

I used a magnet from a computer hard drive (very powerful). This also requires a target of ferrous metal.
Now I just push or pull the screen door to open.

[RivaHaven]

TG Twinkie! Brilliant suggestion! Have you got a picture you can post that shows how you configured it? Many thanks .... David

[Belegedhel]

I used a slightly befier version of a cabinet latch, the roller type, with the spring-loaded roller mounted on the screen door, and the "strike plate" mounted on the inside of the door frame. It works fine, but because you have to overcome the resistance of the rolling ball, you have to work to NOT have the screen door sound like it was slammed every time it is closed. I have some rare-earth magnets I might try as described above.

[CRH]

I have seen one with a fine cable that went to the latch with the other end riveted closer to the door hinge
You open the door by pulling the cable.

[Al and Missy]

The previous owner of my Safari 25 mounted what I think was a sliding door roller on a bolt which went through a hole drilled to line up with the slanted part of the latch on the screen door. The roller was just used as a knob on the inside. Push on the roller, the bolt extended and pushed on the slanted part of the latch and the screen opened.

Unfortunately I didn't pay enough attention to how it was done before I traded the trailer. I need to get the new owner to snap a picture and send it to me. If I am successful I'll post it here.

Al

[TG Twinkie]

Rivahaven: I will see if I have pics. It is nothing fancy. The odd shape of the computer magnets the reason. But it works.

[jimfa440]

Originally Posted by CRH

I have seen one with a fine cable that went to the latch with the other end riveted closer to the door hinge
You open the door by pulling the cable.

Just what I use. Love it.

[BillfromWI]

This idea is not mine and I have not made one because, as the images imply, it is installed on a rear bedroom model; door at the front, hinge left.

I have a front bedroom; door at the rear, hinge right. This makes the finger pull point down, not up, as shown in the images. Thus the "fork" design to engage the pull will not work for me.

The aluminum rod stock levers are fixed to the shaft with set screws drilled and tapped into the ends.

The "bead bee" is not part of the functional design.

[rmatkovich]

Originally Posted by RivaHaven

Before I reinvent the wheel has anyone come up with a neat way to operate the screen door latch without having to slide the panel aside? I'm thinking some push tab or slide action button or knob could actuate the latch without having to slide the panel and fumble around. Also removing the sliding panel and replacing it with screen would be a bonus! Any ideas and photos?

I have been selling them for some years to club members at the international WBCCI rallys. But I do the install because all latches R not the same hight. Some R lower and some R higher. Airstream does not have a templet to mount anything but the outer aluminum panels. Other than that almost every trailer is different. Trust me I have over 25 years in the club and worked on many airstream trailers. I hyave a push handle on the inside that opens the outrer latch with a 1/4" push.
Jim

[sheriff1]

Originally Posted by rmatkovich

I have been selling them for some years to club members at the international WBCCI rallys. But I do the install because all latches R not the same hight. Some R lower and some R higher. Airstream does not have a templet to mount anything but the outer aluminum panels. Other than that almost every trailer is different. Trust me I have over 25 years in the club and worked on many airstream trailers. I hyave a push handle on the inside that opens the outrer latch with a 1/4" push.

Jim

Pictures?


2015 F350 CC 4X4 6.7 Diesel
2010 27FB Silver Cloud "The Silver Spoon"

[Pappyq]

Here's another idea for the easy open screen door latch.
The pictures show how to install and operate.

Drill a small hole in the latch handle. Insert a small threaded eye for the wire.
Drill another hole in the door frame for another eye. (keep the wire level)
Drill a hole through the sliding door to allow the wire to pass thru. (keep the wire level and in line with the eyes)
Attach the wire through the two eyes and attach 2 wire crimps.
To open door from inside or outside, just press lightly on wire.
WORKS GREAT!!