Things You'll Need
Razor blade
Fishing line
Needle
Scissors
Duct tape
It may be necessary to run a cable through a window screen to allow for electricity, phone service or Internet service outdoors. You might also want to run a speaker wire through a window screen. The precise method for running a cable through a window screen will depend upon the type of window screen and whether the cable placement is temporary or permanent.
Immovable Screen or for Permanent Placement
Step 1
Locate the widest point of the cable that will pass through the screen. In most cases, the cable end will be the widest point.
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Step 2
Unpackage a brand-new razor blade and slice an "X" in a bottom corner of the window screen. The width and height of the "X" should be just large enough to accommodate the widest point of the cable.
Step 3
Pass the cable through the window screen and pull the desired length of cable through the hole.
Step 4
Thread a needle with fishing line and perform an oversewing stitch to restore the screen's integrity by sewing the tips of the four arms on the "X." This is not necessary if the cable is snug inside the hole.
Step 5
Tape the cable to the windowsill to prevent movement that could potentially tear the screen.
Movable Screen or for Temporary Placement
Step 1
Open the window screen. This is usually done by pressing two levers on the bottom edge of the screen frame.
Step 2
Slide the cable through the window.
Step 3
Lower the screen to the point where the frame contacts the cable (but avoid squashing the cable; this can cause damage.) The bottom of the screen should just barely touch the cable.
Step 4
Cut a piece of duct tape to the width of the window screen and place the tape on the bottom of the screen frame and affix the bottom edge of the tape to the window frame to seal the gap.
Step 5
Cut a horizontal slice in the end of duct tape at the point where it meets the cable; run one piece of tape above the cable and run the lower piece of tape below the cable.
Tip
If the edges of the screen frame are inside a track, then the screen is movable. This type of screen is typically seen in a window with a storm window. Some screens do not slide up and down; instead, the entire panel pops in and out.
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