If you’re getting ready to re-screen a window (amido) for the first time, the hardware store shelves can be overwhelming — rows of “replacement mesh” and “replacement spline” with confusing size and thickness labels that aren’t always easy to follow if you’re new to this.
This article walks through the tools and materials you need for re-screening a window, along with tips on how to choose the right ones. Getting everything sorted ahead of time means you won’t be caught off guard by a wrong size on the day you actually do the work.
What You’ll Need
Re-screening a window mainly requires:
- Replacement mesh
- Spline (rubber cord)
- A screen-fitting roller
- A specialty cutter
- Scissors
Let’s go through how to choose each one.
▶︎ Buy the tools you need for re-screening here
Choosing Replacement Mesh
By Size
Replacement mesh is sold by “width × length.” Pick one that’s a bit larger than your window frame so you have some margin for error. A common option is a roll about 100cm wide and 2–2.5m long, which is usually enough for one or two screens.
By Mesh Density
The fineness of the mesh is measured in “mesh count” — the higher the number, the finer the weave. A typical household screen is 18–20 mesh, but if you want to keep out even small insects, look for a finer option, 24 mesh or higher, often labeled as “insect-resistant.”
By Material
Mesh generally comes in two materials: fiberglass and polypropylene. Fiberglass holds its shape and is sturdy; polypropylene is lighter, easier to handle, and cheaper.
Choosing the Spline (Rubber Cord)
The spline is the cord that locks the mesh into the frame’s groove, and the main thing to get right is its thickness.
The most reliable approach is to measure the thickness of your old spline before you throw it away. A common size is around 4–5mm — go too thick and it won’t fit into the groove properly, too thin and it won’t hold the mesh firmly. If you’re unsure, bring your old spline to the store and match it against samples on the shelf.
Tip: You’ll need roughly the perimeter of your frame plus a little extra spline per screen. Buying one full roll (around 20m) is often enough for several screens, and any leftover can be saved for your next re-screening project.
Screen-Fitting Roller and Specialty Cutter
The roller is a specialty tool used to press the spline and mesh into the frame’s groove. It’s an essential item — without it, there’s really no good way to lock the spline into place.
The specialty cutter is used to trim off the excess mesh once it’s locked in place, giving you a clean edge.
Both tools usually cost just a few hundred yen, so if you expect to be maintaining screens more than once, they’re well worth having on hand.
Handy Extras
- Clips: Temporarily hold the new mesh in place on the frame so it doesn’t shift while you work.
- Tape measure: Useful for checking how much mesh and spline you’ll need before you start.
Tips for Buying Your Supplies
Some stores sell replacement mesh and spline as a bundled set, which is a good option if you’re new to this and don’t want to guess at compatible parts. Bringing your old spline and the frame’s measurements with you to the store also makes picking the right size much easier.
Rollers and cutters are also sold together as a complete re-screening tool set, which is convenient to have on hand.
Wrap-Up
The core supplies for re-screening a window are mesh, spline, and a roller. If you check the “size,” “thickness,” and whether tools are a matching set, you should be able to shop confidently even on your first try.
Once you’ve got your tools and materials ready, the rest is just following the steps in order. I cover the actual re-screening process in detail in a separate article — worth a look if you’re about to try this yourself.
▶︎ Buy the tools you need for re-screening here
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