detailed picture of the fly screen with two plastic holders

Attach fly screens without drilling - this is what you should pay attention to

Attaching fly screens without drilling has long been socially acceptable among the kings and queens of craftsmen. In addition, gentle assembly without tools is now even more popular. When choosing insect protection, you should weigh up price and durability and pay particular attention to the necessary accessories so that there is reliable insect protection despite the lack of screws and dowels. 

The no-drilling fly screens offered are comparable to those that require tools, both in price and in terms of durability and reliability. Only strong storms that last several days at a time can pry fly screens that are not drilled into the window. But of course there are differences in quality. Therefore, you should pay attention to certain requirements when choosing so that you can save yourself trouble. 

Why install a fly screen without drilling? 

No-drilling fly screens offer several advantages that go beyond the obvious point of not requiring any tools for installation. 
  • The window frame is not damaged during installation 
  • Repeated attachment and removal, for example for winter storage or cleaning, is quick and easy 
  • Systems that also do not require adhesive strips leave no residue on the window
  • Particularly advantageous for tenants 

Reliable insect protection without drilling requires good brackets 

In order for the fly screen to keep insects out as desired, it is important that the frame has enough tension and that it is attached with enough brackets. Otherwise, small gaps may appear through which small insects can easily fly in. Therefore, always pay attention to how many brackets the manufacturer offers for the fly screen and how exactly they should build tension. Some suppliers also offer additional brackets for reordering as spare parts. 
 Fly screens with wire frames such as the WinClip Bug are a practical mix. Thanks to the thin frame, the insect screen is extremely light and during production, the fabric can be stretched tightly around the frame and sewn into place without much wear and tear. Simply cut the included brackets to the window frame and press the fly screen seamlessly onto the window frame. 

How are fly screens installed without tools? 

Many providers work with brackets that press the insect protection onto the window frame and thus achieve complete coverage, as in the example of the WinClip Bug. These brackets can either be threaded and adjusted to the depth of your window frame, or they can be cut to size. In most cases, you will first need to place the screen in the window and then attach the brackets. This is usually easier if there are two people working on it. 

Different fly screens without drilling in comparison 

If you want to get by without a drill, you basically have the choice between two options: adhesive systems and frame systems. With adhesive fly screens, you attach self-adhesive Velcro strips to the window frame and press the fabric onto the Velcro from the inside. In the second variant, you stretch the fabric onto a stable frame, which you then position in the window. These frames are often made of wire, which is narrow and flexible, or aluminum, which provides a certain material strength. 
Advantages
Disadvantages
Wire frame
  • strong hold
  • easy assembly
  • light as a feather
  • fits in almost every window (can also be installed if the window frame is shallow)
  • can be folded and stored without leaving a trace
  • can collapse in strong storms and incorrect assembly
  • can be permanently bent if used incorrectly
Aluminium frame
  • strong hold
  • easy assembly
  • is very stable
  • window frames and roller shutters must offer enough space
  • cannot be folded and must be stored in its original size
Adhesive strips
  • cost-effective
  • wears out quickly
  • after a season the fabric often no longer holds reliably to the Velcro

When comparing the advantages and disadvantages, it becomes clear that adhesive strips should only be used if the insect protection is only intended to be temporary (one season) or is intended to be a quick and inexpensive option. Otherwise, fly screens with frames are the better choice. 

Order fly screens online 

You can now order insect protection reliably and easily online. This saves you a trip to the hardware store and the hassle of loading the fly screens into the trunk. In addition, some manufacturers even offer tailor-made insect protection, which you can order online much more easily. All you have to do is enter the dimensions of your windows in the online shops and when you complete your purchase you will receive insect protection made to measure for your home. 
Pay attention to the shipping and return options (see also tips from the consumer advice center) of the provider. In some cases you may incur slightly higher delivery costs than you are used to with normal online shopping. The convenient home delivery and the frequently offered explanatory videos that help install the fly screens without a drill are worth it.