Screen door latch mod

[bunnydz]

Hi there,
We have the 2015 Hideout and a very inquisitive toddler... I was wondering if anyone has modified the screen door latch - when we have the main door open and the screen closed, our daughter is able to pull the latch down, which has become a safety issue. We are only able to keep the door locked when both the main and the screen doors are closed. Is there any way to keep the screen door locked? Many thanks in advance!!!
Joanna

[GaryWT]

Maybe some type of barrel bolt that you can slide so the door will not open if the latch is opened. Just be sure to unlock it or an adult could go right through the door, lol.

[therink]

Like said, a barrel bolt can easily be installed. Also, home stores sell a perforated sheet metal material that you can cut to fit the lower portion of the screen door interior and attached with small sheet metal screws. This will help keep your inquisitive one from pushing through the lower screen and falling out. I did this mod once when our kids were little.

[Pull Toy]

Ditto what therink said, but also explore childproof latches at any hardware store, (cheaper than kids r us) and install it close enough to the slider window that an adult wanting to enter can activate it from outside.

When the kids were little I also ran a strip of colored electrical tape around the outside edge of the sheet metal grating to cushion the sharp stamped sheet metal edges from delicate fingertips.

"Necessity is the mother of invention!" (anon.)

[PerryB]

Like said, a barrel bolt can easily be installed. Also, home stores sell a perforated sheet metal material that you can cut to fit the lower portion of the screen door interior and attached with small sheet metal screws. This will help keep your inquisitive one from pushing through the lower screen and falling out. I did this mod once when our kids were little.

I second the metal screen protector. You can buy them in various widths at almost any home imp./hardware store. If they are too wide (mine was) just bend the mounting arms in to desired width. In our case it keeps the idiot ...... I mean darling, Cockers from letting themselves out through the screen.

[Bushman512000]

just a thought leave the Kid at Home... :D or at Gramas

[theasphaltrv'er]

We have one of those folding hand rails that we fold over when the 5er is in motion + we fold it over in front of the screen door to keep our dog from pushing the screen open. Works really well to keep screen closed.