How are Security Screen Masters' security screens different from Boss Security Screens’ security screens? We get that question a lot.

The short answer is the screens are similar…but not the same.

They are similar because both companies’ security screens are based on the original design from Tapco Screens in Mississippi. At one point, Security Screen Masters was an authorized dealer of Tapco’s security screens. Tapco actually helped Security Screen Masters setup their factory in Tucson.

However, Security Screen Masters is no longer an authorized dealer of Tapco. Boss Security Screens is now the exclusive authorized dealer of Tapco products in Nevada and Arizona. In fact, Tapco screens are now manufactured in Phoenix, Arizona!

The net result is this:

• The stainless steel wire mesh is the same. It’s a 12x12 weave of .035 diameter wire. This means we use thick wire in a high density weave for maximum security. This keeps the bad guys out. Period. Some companies use a 10x10 weave of .028 diameter wire. It’s not as dense nor as thick and is more suitable for protection from golf balls - not intruders!
  

• The frame around the mesh is also very similar. It’s extruded building-grade aluminum, the same stuff we make aircraft out of! It’s both super light and super strong. One difference you may want to check with Security Screen Masters is if they still add a stiffening bar to their frames. Boss Security Screens do have that bar because it makes the frame even stronger.
  

• When we mount our security screens to your home, we screw the frame into the subframe of your home every 8”. Not sure of Security Screen Masters puts in as many screws as we do. You may want to ask them. Bottom line is, the more screws, the better. Makes everything even stronger!
  

• For security windows on windows that do not open, we put a very special lock on the outside that enables the homeowner the unlock the screens from the outside in order to clean the glass from the outside. The original Tapco design used a kind of coke machine lock. We have since upgraded that lock to one that cannot be rekeyed in the field. Each lock is unique. There are millions of different locks and only the homeowner has a key to that lock. This provides maximum security. If the homeowner loses the key, he or she must use a secret code and contact the lock manufacturer directly to get a key copy made. Not sure what Security Screens Masters is doing now for those exterior locks.
  

• Both Security Screen Masters and Boss Security Screens offer security doors. Our security doors have a true 3-point locking mechanism for maximum security. All you have to do is turn one knob and all 3 locks engage simultaneously. Turn that knob again and all unlock at the same time. The same is true when you are outside the home and want to lock or unlock the door: all 3 locks operate with just one turn of the key. Not sure if security screen doors from Security Screen Masters can that. You may want to check.
  

• Both Security Screen Masters and Boss Security Screens make security security screens for patio sliding doors. One innovative change we made to Tapco’s original design is the addition of wheels with easy external adjustments. These wheels are on the top and bottom of each slider and allow for smooth operation. Because the wheels can now be adjusted externally, there’s no need to remove the entire security screen if/when a minor adjustment is required a few years down the road. Not sure if Security Screen Masters offers the same kind of adjustment.
  

• Btw, per the security screens for patio sliders, we add a flat bar between the 2 panels to prevent anyone from trying to crowbar their way into your home. That flat bar make the whole setup pry resistant. Again, ask Security Screen Masters if they offer the same pry-resistant security.