Trying to attach a 2x8 grid panel to the frame of a French door to use as a cat-proof gate. I would like it to be on a hinge so it can open and close. Since the panel has 4’’x4’’ openings in the grates, what kind of a hinge should I get?

Submitted by The-waitress- t3_10m4pgr in DIY

Basically, the hinge can’t be attached to the grid like a normal door hinge would. French door doesn’t have screens and I’d love to be able to have them open while keeping my cat from escaping (and not having to buy a whole slider door kit). I’m imagining perhaps a hinge that slides over the edge of the panel. Thank you!

Edit: holes are 3’’x3’’, not 4x4

Thanks for the advice! I think I’ve got it figured out. $40 instead of $400+!

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derphurr t1_j612z71 wrote

They make screens you Velcro or sticky tape to frame. I assume French doors open inwards and this door leads to back yard?

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Duty-Pets-Proof-Screen-Door-Heavy-Door-Bilateral-Zipper-Prevent-Dogs-Cats-Running-Out-From-Home-Bedroom-Living-Room-Kitchen-Patio-Door-Prevent-Mosqui/1105798510

Etc

Otherwise I would make 2x8 frame from wood (2x2s if you find straight ones) and attach screening material (groove and rubber spline or just wrap in thin wood and staple to frame. Then figure out how to Bungie/ attach frame to both door handles when one is ajar.

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The-waitress- OP t1_j61395x wrote

Has to be more sturdy than screen. My cat climbs the doors and dog would absolutely put her nails through it. I thought about wood slats, but it would require a ton of wood cuts.

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The-waitress- OP t1_j60y3gz wrote

I’m also imagining using a normal hinge and basically attaching it to itself on the reverse side of the grid panel with a metal plate and bolts.

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dark-archon t1_j610dl4 wrote

I wouldn't use a hinge because it's difficult to attach. I would use something like this https://www.amazon.com/DGOL-Stainless-Screw-Ceiling-Hanger/dp/B0928FRZVJ

And pinch it closed around the side of the grate.

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The-waitress- OP t1_j610s1w wrote

Interesting. My boss just suggested something like this, too, but I was having a hard time imagining what he was suggesting. Thank you!

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The-waitress- OP t1_j610xuq wrote

Any ideas of a latch or closure? I’d prefer it not be a hook latch, although that may be easiest. Maybe something magnetic or locking?

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dark-archon t1_j6138ch wrote

If it's magnetic, I think a smart cat will figure it out. A hook latch would be easy or even tying it to the doorhandle with a piece of string.

It depends on how much room you have for the lock and if you can close it with the lock in between.

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The-waitress- OP t1_j613jmn wrote

Yeah-true. I guess it can just be kept latched with a hook latch and we just go in and out the other door. Ppl without pets are frequently bad about closing doors behind them, so I wanted something that would latch automatically.

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