Retractable screen bottom weight bar

[Jc737]

I just got my 14’ screen from Gung Ho and trying to decide on using 1/2” or 3/4” EMT for the bottom weight bar. I did have the loop sewn in. Has anyone tried both? Does 1/2” carry enough weight to keep the screen taught or is 3/4” better?

I got some commando cloth for the side protection and plan on running 1/2” EMT there.

Thanks in advance!

[Outlaw]

I use 1/2” pvc in mine. I would think emt might cause too much bounce back.

[Jc737]

I use 1/2” pvc in mine. I would think emt might cause too much bounce back.

I have my screen 24" from the wall...how much does your screen move with 1/2" PVC.

Thanks for the info!

[Outlaw]

Mine is a little further away, about 27 inches. The majority of the time it doesn’t move back more than a few inches. When the occasional low worm burner hits it, it goes back further, maybe 18 inches, not sure. I’ve never had it come very close to hitting the wall behind.

[Alcoholica]

I had a metal pole inside pipe insulation, but low burners had dangerous bounce back. I switched to PVC and the weight was fine, but I ended up breaking the pipe. Version 3 was 1/2" PVC inside a (cut open) 3/4" PVC, inside pipe insulation. I also added a king size wedge pillow down on the floor so the ball hits a ramp and it also acts as I nice "ball return" when it comes off the screen.

[Jc737]

Thanks for the info. I ended up ordering a 1” x 1/4” aluminum flat bar. I will use the wedge as suggested. I will take a look at the gutter foam wedge…