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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Tommy D on March 17, 2022, 04:00:30 pm

Title: screen door latch question
Post by: Tommy D on March 17, 2022, 04:00:30 pm
The latch that keeps the screen door closed when the main door is open and also acts as a latch to the main door that fits behind the rubber keeper so the screen door stays attached/moving with the main door....mine is bent and always has been.  I removed it and the bend looks like it was there on purpose.  Is it supposed to be straight??  The inside portion of latch has a lot of play in it and you have to fiddle with it to get the bent portion through the slot.  See 2nd pic.

(https://i.imgur.com/WMHUbcAl.jpg)


(https://i.imgur.com/au59qzOl.jpg)
Title: Re: screen door latch question
Post by: dsd on March 17, 2022, 04:12:54 pm
No  you can also take a Allen wrench and take out the extra  slop out of it
Title: Re: screen door latch question
Post by: oldmattb on March 17, 2022, 06:17:08 pm
About once a year, I disassemble mine, tap the tab flat with a hammer and reassemble.  The handles will crumble after a while - I got a replacement on Amazon.

The latch really does not like having the door closed when the screen is not latched to the door.  Which does not explain why it volunteers to open at the moment the door is being closed.
Title: Re: screen door latch question
Post by: Woody & Sitka on March 17, 2022, 08:32:31 pm
You can order replacement latch assembly parts and handles from the manufacturer, PTL at Screen Door Handle Kit (Long Tongue) - PTL Engineering (https://ptlengineering.com/product/screen-door-handle-kit-long-tongue/)
or from Screen Door Latch chrome used on entry screen door on motorhomes by monaco... (https://shop.findmyrvparts.com/monaco-rv-screen-door-latch-chrome-10600847-p/190206.htm?click=3309&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=shoppingengine)

PTL also still sells repair parts for the pos-a-lock and latches.
Title: Re: screen door latch question
Post by: morninghill on March 18, 2022, 08:46:10 am
As oldmatb posted, disassemble, tap the bend flat, and reassemble. It gets bent because its not reassembled tightly.

If its loose it will fall open while door is opened, you dont notice and slam the door closed. The part you bent flat gets caught in the closing door and you once again have the bend.

You cant get it tight when you reassemble without using a clamp or something else to exert significant force before tightening the two set screws. When its tight it still works smoothly because of the nylon washers, but it only opens when you want it.

When you disassemble, make careful note of how the parts are angled. For me I often have to take several tries to reassemble properly.