7 Best Window Screen Clips for Winter Storage Options

As the first frost approaches, the annual ritual of removing window screens begins to save them from harsh winter damage. Properly storing these delicate mesh frames prevents warping and tears, ensuring they remain ready for the first breeze of spring. Choosing the right mounting hardware is the difference between a tidy garage wall and a cluttered corner full of leaning, fragile frames.

3M Command Hooks: Best No-Drill Storage Option

Renters or homeowners protective of their drywall often find themselves limited by a ban on power tools. Command hooks offer a clever workaround, allowing for the creation of custom hanging stations without leaving behind unsightly anchor holes or damaged paint. These adhesive strips distribute weight evenly, making them surprisingly effective for lighter aluminum or fiberglass screen frames.

When using these for storage, ensure the surface is thoroughly cleaned with isopropyl alcohol before application to guarantee a secure bond. Select the “Large” or “Utility” hook sizes to provide enough depth for a screen frame to sit flush against the wall.

Bottom line: Choose these if the storage wall is finished space, such as a laundry room or indoor hallway, where drilling is not an option.

Prime-Line Turn Buttons: For A Secure Wooden Frame

Wooden window frames possess a classic aesthetic, but they require hardware that accounts for their natural expansion and contraction. Prime-Line turn buttons are the industry standard for this task because they provide a simple, rotating latching mechanism. These are not intended to hang screens from the ceiling, but rather to secure them against a wall-mounted wooden strip or batten.

To implement this, mount a vertical 2×2 board to the wall studs and attach several turn buttons along the length. You can then “sandwich” the screens between the wall and the wood strip, twisting the buttons to lock them in place during the winter months.

Bottom line: This is a robust, low-cost solution for those with a dedicated workshop or garage area who prefer a mechanical, non-adhesive mount.

Hillman Swivel Clips: Best for Versatile Hanging

Versatility is essential when dealing with screens of varying widths and thicknesses. Hillman swivel clips provide a pivoting point that allows the hardware to adapt to different frame styles, whether they are slim aluminum or wider vinyl frames. The swiveling action means the clip stays attached to the wall, but can be moved out of the way when the screens are back in the windows.

Because these clips allow the screen to hang vertically, they help prevent the bowing or warping that occurs when screens are left to lean against one another. Use these for high-traffic storage areas where you need to easily grab a single screen without disrupting the rest of the stack.

Bottom line: Select these if there is a need to store screens in a high-traffic area where the hardware needs to be unobtrusive while the screens are in use.

Ever-Tuff Spring Clips: Easiest for Quick Removal

In busy households, maintenance tasks should be as frictionless as possible. Ever-Tuff spring clips feature a tension-loaded design that snaps over the screen frame, holding it firmly in place with a gentle, consistent pressure. This design allows for rapid removal or replacement without the need to unscrew or unlatch anything.

These clips are particularly beneficial for homes where screens are frequently adjusted throughout the shoulder seasons. The spring tension is forgiving, making them a safer choice for older, slightly brittle screen frames that might crack under the rigid pressure of a screw-down clip.

Bottom line: These are the best choice for those who value speed and ease of use above all else during the seasonal transition.

National Hardware Wing Clips: A Sturdy Metal Pick

When weight is a primary concern—such as with larger, custom-fitted screens or those with thick metal frames—standard plastic clips may fail. National Hardware wing clips provide the necessary rigidity to support heavier loads without bending or snapping. These are typically made from galvanized or zinc-plated steel, ensuring they will not rust if stored in a humid garage or basement environment.

Because these clips are more permanent and rigid, ensure they are spaced accurately before the final tightening. A level is essential here, as the lack of “give” means the screens will rest exactly where the clips are set.

Bottom line: Opt for these when dealing with oversized, heavy, or high-end custom window screens that require professional-grade support.

ADFORS Swivel Clips: Best for Heavy-Duty Screens

ADFORS is a familiar name in the screen industry, and their swivel clips are engineered specifically for the screen mesh and frame systems they produce. These clips are designed to handle the specific dimensions of modern screen frames, reducing the friction and wear that can happen with generic, ill-fitting hardware.

Their swivel design allows for quick access, and the construction is robust enough to handle the repetitive stress of seasonal movement. They are an excellent bridge between high-end professional hardware and simple consumer-grade solutions.

Bottom line: These are a reliable, purpose-built choice for those who want hardware specifically engineered for standard window screen frames.

Screen Tight Bulk Pack: Most Budget-Friendly Choice

For the homeowner with a large number of windows, purchasing individual clips can quickly become expensive. Screen Tight bulk packs provide the most economical way to secure a whole house’s worth of screens. These packs often contain a variety of clips and hardware components, offering a “one-stop-shop” approach to screen storage.

While these are cost-effective, they are typically plastic, which means they are best suited for smaller to mid-sized, lightweight fiberglass screens. They serve the purpose of keeping frames organized and elevated off the ground, which is the most important factor in preventing damage.

Bottom line: Buy these if you have a large number of windows and need a cost-effective way to organize a dedicated storage shed or basement wall.

Choosing Clips: Wall Surface and Screen Weight

The surface where you mount your screens dictates the type of fastener you need, not just the clip itself. Drywall requires toggle bolts or heavy-duty anchors to prevent the hardware from pulling out under the weight of the screens, while concrete or brick requires masonry anchors and a hammer drill. Always prioritize the anchor system, as the best clip in the world will fail if the wall mounting is weak.

Additionally, consider the “nesting” potential of your screens. If your screens are all the same size, they can be stacked together and held with just a few heavy-duty clips. If they are all different sizes, you will need a more expansive layout with individual hanging points for each unit.

• Drywall: Use toggle bolts or high-quality screw-in anchors.
• Concrete: Use masonry sleeves or lead anchors.
• Wooden Studs: Use screws directly into the center of the stud for maximum grip.

How Many Clips Do You Really Need Per Screen?

A common mistake is using too few clips, which leads to the screen sagging or the frame bowing over time. For a standard window screen, a minimum of four clips is recommended—two for the top and two for the bottom—to keep the frame square. If the screen is taller than 48 inches, add a fifth clip in the center to support the weight and prevent the frame from flexing.

For wider screens, space the clips approximately every 12 to 18 inches along the edge. Remember that the goal is to keep the frame as straight as possible while it hangs, as any curve in the metal frame will make it difficult to reinstall in the spring.

Best Places in Your Home to Store Window Screens

The ideal storage location is a climate-controlled or semi-controlled space that is free from moisture, rodents, and high-impact areas. A garage wall is the most common choice, but ensure the screens are hung high enough to avoid being hit by car doors or storage bins. If you must store them in a basement, keep them away from floor-level moisture by hanging them at least 12 inches off the concrete.

Avoid attic storage unless the space is properly ventilated, as extreme summer heat can cause plastic screen components to become brittle. Always keep the screens in a vertical position, as leaning them at an angle or stacking them horizontally under heavy objects is a guaranteed recipe for bent frames and torn mesh.

Proper storage is the best insurance policy for your window screens. By investing in the right clips and choosing a secure location, you eliminate the stress of damaged hardware when spring finally arrives.