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How to Fix a Retractable Projector Screen

Written By:

Updated December 9, 2022

Table of Contents_

Fixing a Retractable Projector Screen
How do Retractable Screens Work?
How to Fix Manual Pull-Down Screens
STEP 1 Gently Pull from the Projector Handle
STEP 2 Take Down the Projector Screen and Disassemble
STEP 3 Remove Side Panel
STEP 4 Find the Screen Tensioner and Tighten
STEP 5 Use Pliers to Switch Grips and Reinstall Cap

The best projector needs a great screen to produce fantastic image quality. That said, inexpensive and high-quality screens can get stuck in place and refuse to scroll up or down. While this would usually end any future movie nights, we can show you how to repair a retractable projector screen.

And, if you want to know which color, such as a grey projector screen vs white is best for your projector, we have a guide for that.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Before using tools, try to ease your projector screen loose.
If your screen is stuck, use a screwdriver to gain access to the spring tensioner.
Use pliers and vice grips to retighten your projector’s spring.

Fixing a Retractable Projector Screen

Most people know that they may have to repair a projector, but they don’t think about repairing their projector screen. Sometimes a screen may not be in need of repair, and you simply need to get the wrinkles out of the projector screen before using it. Even retractable screens can get wrinkles.

Retractable screens are convenient due to their ability for even a larger screen to roll up and store away. That said, what happens when your manual screen won’t scroll anymore? You may think this only occurs in cheaper screens, but even high-quality outdoor projector screens can fail sometimes.

And, expensive or not, any screen can have gain problems, so you’ll want to learn what is gain for a projector screen before making a choice. Plus, you’ll want to find a top-rated projector stand, especially if you’re not mounting the screen to the ceiling.

How do Retractable Screens Work?

A manual retractable projector screen works on a spring system that expands and contracts as you pull on the projector screen handle. Sometimes, the projector spring loosens or over-contracts, leading to a screen that is stuck in place. While this repair is simple, never hesitate to reach out to a projection expert if you’re having trouble. Professional repairpeople can even show you how to fix the color on a projector to optimize your home theater experience.

On the other hand, if you don’t want to deal with a retractable screen, we have another option for you. Consider a projector screen vs projector paint, and see which one might be better for you.

Insider Tip

Use tools to hold the spring in place and retighten it. Some springs are too small or sharp to use your hands.

How to Fix Manual Pull-Down Screens

STEP 1 Gently Pull from the Projector Handle

Sometimes, the most effective option is the most cost-effective and straightforward.

First, slowly pull on the screen handle.
Make sure you pull with even pressure, so you don’t damage your screen any further.
Next, try to extend your screen and see if it retracts fully.
If it does, repeat the process of expanding the screen a few times to verify it works.

STEP 2 Take Down the Projector Screen and Disassemble

Treat your screen with care as you take it down from the wall.

Wear cotton gloves if you must touch your screen. Even on a basic screen, even using your bare hands may ruin any light rejection film or ambient lighting reflection technology.
In addition, unplug the power cord if your projection screen uses one.

STEP 3 Remove Side Panel

Find the side panel and remove the screws holding it on.
Sometimes you will need to use a blade or flathead screwdriver to pry the cover off.
Set the screws off to the side and look inside the projector spring housing.

STEP 4 Find the Screen Tensioner and Tighten

Look for a protruding piece of metal and grip it with your vice grips.
Push in and rotate the vice grip about 15 to 20 times. You should see the projector screen begin to raise if it was stuck rolled out. Do not stop if the screen reaches the top. Instead, keep twisting until you get to 15 to 20 rotations. If you have a big size screen

STEP 5 Use Pliers to Switch Grips and Reinstall Cap

While holding the spring in place with needle-nose pliers, remove the vice grips and place the side panel back over the projector spring housing.
Use your screwdriver to reinstall the side cap fully, and your projector screen should be good as new.

Warning

Maintain a solid grip on the spring tensioner. A lapse in grip can cause the spring to expand quickly.

F.A.Q.S

What size screen should you get?

The best projector screen size depends on your media space. You want to make sure your screen isn’t too big or small because both will negatively impact your viewing experience.

What speed of motor do I need for the projector screen?

Most experts recommend at least a 10 to 15 RPM (revolutions per minute) motor for your electric projector screen.

How far from the projector should the screen be?

All projectors have something called “throw distance.” The throw distance is how far a projector can “throw” the image to your screen. Pay attention to your projector’s throw distance and your screen size to dial in how far back your projector should be.

STAT: In a recent study, 70 percent of respondents said they would rather watch movies at home, even if they could go to a theater. (source)

REFERENCES:

Coby McKinley

Coby writes out of Louisville, Kentucky, and he is a graduate of Indiana University. He founded GameControllerReviews in 2019 and is a regular contributor to FightFreaks as a pre-fight analyst.